The Importance of Speed to Hire in the AEC Industry

In the fast-paced world of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, the speed of your hiring process can make all the difference in securing top talent. Here’s a conversation that highlights the critical need for timely decision-making in recruitment.

Me: Hi there, just checking in on how the second interview went with Taylor. She reached out to me yesterday after the interview and had nothing but positive feedback. She’s very enthusiastic about the role. Are you considering making her an offer?

Client: We really liked her personality and experience—she checks most of the boxes but doesn't have her PE yet. We're going to interview a couple more candidates to see if there is someone who's a better fit. Please keep Taylor warm for us for a few weeks.

Me: I can assure you that she won’t be available for long. She has other interviews set up as well and is eager to join a new firm. We can’t simply “keep her warm” like a cup of coffee. I recommend making a decision soon, or you risk losing her to a competitor.

Three weeks later

Client: Alright, we’ve finished interviewing and would like to meet Taylor for a third time to confirm the fit. After that, we’ll move forward with an offer.

Me: Unfortunately, while you were interviewing other candidates, she accepted an offer from another company.

Client: What!? How did that happen so quickly?!

Me: Another company interviewed her and extended an offer the very next day. The entire process was completed within 48 hours.

This exchange reinforces a crucial lesson I learned in my decade of recruitment experience:

Time kills all deals.

In the AEC industry, a prolonged interview process not only risks losing a candidate’s interest but also raises concerns about the company’s decision-making capabilities. Candidates need to feel wanted and valued, and a drawn-out process can diminish that sense of urgency.

Top talent cannot simply be “kept warm” like a microwave meal. That’s as effective as stopping a clock to save time.

If you take too long, your competitors will snatch up your ideal candidates before you even realize what has happened.

The solution is straightforward: speed up your hiring process. By doing so, you’ll not only increase the percentage of accepted offers but also earn the respect of future hires. In the competitive AEC landscape, being decisive can set you apart from the rest.

Let’s prioritize speed to hire and transform our recruitment strategies to secure the talent that will drive our projects forward.