Sourcing hard-to-find Candidates for Estimators
Excellent candidate sourcing helps organizations proactively find and hire highly qualified individuals. However, one of the most challenging tasks that many Building materials and civic/commercial construction companies face is sourcing hard-to-find candidates for estimator positions.
Estimator Roles
Estimators are responsible for gathering and analyzing data to estimate the materials, money, labor, and time required to complete a project. They generally work on construction sites and collaborate with engineers, contractors, clients, and architects.
Estimators make recommendations on how costs can be significantly reduced. They also maintain highly detailed records of actual and estimated costs throughout the project. Here are some of the specific responsibilities of an estimator:
- Analyzing bills of quantities, plans, as well as other project documentation for estimating costs
- Analyzing data that can significantly affect costs – such as the company’s productivity rates and currency exchange rates
- Sourcing, researching, negotiating, getting the best quotes and prices from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Visiting project sites to obtain information
- Bidding for projects
- Assessing the technical, operational, and financial risks of the project
- Keeping highly detailed records and writing relevant reports
- Liaising with suppliers and clients and working closely with some key project team members, such as the bid manager.
- Staying up to date with the latest construction companies
How to Source for Estimators
Now that you know the primary responsibilities of estimators, you need to find suitable candidates for this position.
A prospective candidate, besides having the right training, qualifications, and certifications, must also possess the following key skills:
- Numeracy
- Negotiation
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Commercial awareness
- Efficient time and organization management
- Influencing, relationship-building, and team-working skills
- A systematic approach to work
- Problem-solving skills
The best questions to ask estimator candidates…
Curious about the questions a prospective estimator candidate should be able to answer easily?
Read more about this on our blog post here:
QUESTION: What is your favorite tip that helps you with #sourcing estimator #talent for your business?