Trades Hiring Playbook: Build a Careers Funnel
Use your website to attract skilled crews with dedicated careers landing pages, application routing, and onboarding automations that streamline your hiring process.
Why Digital Recruiting Matters for Contractors
73% of skilled trades workers research employers online before applying. A professional careers section helps you compete with larger companies and attract quality candidates who take their career seriously.
Benefits of a Professional Careers Page:
- • Attract higher-quality candidates who research employers
- • Reduce time-to-hire with automated application routing
- • Build employer brand to compete with larger companies
- • Filter applicants before they reach your inbox
- • Show professionalism that appeals to experienced trades
Essential Elements of a Contractor Careers Page
1. Company Culture & Values
Skilled workers want to work for companies they respect. Highlight your commitment to safety, quality, and employee development.
Culture Elements to Highlight:
- • Safety-first culture and training programs
- • Opportunities for skills development and advancement
- • Team collaboration and supportive environment
- • Commitment to quality workmanship
- • Work-life balance and flexible scheduling
2. Benefits & Compensation Package
Be transparent about compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities. This attracts serious candidates and filters out those not aligned with your offering.
3. Available Positions & Requirements
List current openings with clear job descriptions, required experience levels, and specific skills needed.
4. Application Process & Next Steps
Make it easy to apply with a simple form and clear explanation of your hiring timeline and process.
Application Workflow Automation
Automated Application Process:
Step 1: Initial Application
- • Simple online form with key qualifying questions
- • Resume upload and contact information
- • Immediate confirmation email to applicant
Step 2: Automatic Routing
- • Applications sent to hiring manager's email
- • Qualified candidates tagged for priority review
- • Integration with applicant tracking systems
Step 3: Follow-up Sequence
- • Automated email series for qualified candidates
- • Interview scheduling links
- • Status updates throughout the process
Job Posting Template by Trade
Skilled Trades (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
Required:
- • Valid trade license
- • 3+ years experience
- • Clean driving record
- • Own hand tools
Preferred:
- • Specialty certifications
- • Customer service experience
- • Emergency service experience
General Construction & Remodeling
Required:
- • 2+ years construction experience
- • Reliable transportation
- • Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs
- • Safety training certification
Preferred:
- • Specialty skills (framing, drywall, etc.)
- • OSHA 10 certification
- • Project management experience
Promoting Your Careers Page
Distribution Strategy:
Online Channels:
- • Indeed and ZipRecruiter job boards
- • Trade-specific job sites
- • Social media recruitment posts
- • Google Ads for hiring campaigns
- • Local Facebook job groups
Offline Channels:
- • Trade school partnerships
- • Industry association networks
- • Referral programs for existing employees
- • Job fairs and trade events
- • Supplier and vendor networks
Onboarding Automation for New Hires
Automated Onboarding Sequence:
Day 1: Welcome Package
- • Welcome email with first day logistics
- • Digital employee handbook
- • Safety training schedule
- • Required paperwork checklist
Week 1: Integration
- • Team introduction schedule
- • Company culture orientation
- • Initial training modules
- • Mentor assignment notification
Month 1: Check-in
- • Automated feedback survey
- • Performance review scheduling
- • Additional training opportunities
- • Benefits enrollment reminders
Measuring Your Hiring Success
Key Hiring Metrics:
Application Quality:
- • Applications per job posting
- • Qualified candidate percentage
- • Time from application to interview
- • Interview-to-hire conversion rate
Employee Retention:
- • 90-day retention rate
- • First-year retention rate
- • Employee satisfaction scores
- • Referral program effectiveness
Need Help Building Your Contractor Hiring Funnel?
Let us create a professional careers page and automated application system that attracts skilled trades workers and streamlines your hiring process.
About the Author: This hiring playbook was developed by analyzing successful recruitment strategies from 75+ growing contractor businesses and documenting the systems that consistently attract and retain skilled trades workers.