Hiring in the construction industry is very competitive, so mastering the art of interviewing is essential. But how can you effectively ensure that your interview process identifies the best candidates for your company? The answer is starting your interview process with an informal interview.
An informal interview is an initial conversation where you discuss the role in a more relaxed manner. What might seem like a casual conversation is actually a great way to gauge the basic qualifications and cultural fit of your candidates before spending time on deeper evaluations.
The Role of Informal Interviews in Efficient Hiring
Conducting the Informal Interview
Good informal interviews require a thoughtful approach and a personable attitude is important here. Questions should be straightforward, focusing on verifying the details provided in the candidate’s application, such as years of experience and specific skills related to the construction projects your company handles. For instance, asking about their experience with specific types of construction materials or machinery can provide quick insights into their suitability for the role.
This early-stage assessment is especially useful in construction hiring, where getting clear on technical skills upfront can save time down the line.
First Impressions and Building Rapport
Building rapport in the informal interview sets the tone for the future. Simple things like maintaining a friendly tone, being respectful of the candidate's time, and showing genuine interest in their career achievements go a long way. This initial positive experience can make the candidate more comfortable and open during the formal interview stage and can provide better insights into their skills and personality.
Build a Winning Team With a Two-Stage Interview Process
Starting with informal interviews before a more in-depth conversation during the formal interviews improves efficiency and builds a deeper understanding of candidates' skills and culture fit.
This strategic approach doesn't just streamline the hiring process—it improves your ability to build a team that truly embodies the spirit and goals of your company.
This is especially critical in construction hiring, where team cohesion and culture are just as important as technical ability.
Maximizing Informal Interviews: A Stepping Stone to Formal Hiring
Why Informal Interviews Matter
Informal interviews are a great way to assess a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and cultural fit in a relaxed setting. They help determine mutual interest before moving to a more structured hiring process.
Deciding Who Moves Forward
To identify strong candidates for a formal interview, focus on:- Experience & Skills: Does their background align with the role?
- Cultural Fit: Will they thrive in your company environment?
- Enthusiasm & Motivation: Are they genuinely excited about the opportunity?
Communicating The Outcome
- For Candidates Advancing: Provide clear details on the formal interview, including time, format, and expectations.
- For Those Not Moving Forward: Inform them promptly and respectfully. When possible, offer brief, constructive feedback to leave a positive impression.
Finding the right people takes more than just a strong interview process—it takes industry know-how to separate the real workers from the ones who just talk a good game.
That’s exactly why we built our construction hiring process specifically for contractors. As a fourth-generation mason, our co-founder understands firsthand what it takes to build a solid crew. We don’t just look at resumes—we identify the people who can actually do the job and fit seamlessly into your team.
