Recruiting HVAC technicians can be one of the most challenging tasks for business owners in today’s industry. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting the HVAC job market to grow by 9% through 2033, the result is stiff competition in HVAC hiring.
As an HVAC business owner, you should be as deliberate and strategic in hiring as customers are in choosing contractors. A thoughtful approach to HVAC recruitment ensures you bring on team members who reflect your company’s expertise, work ethic, and values. Read on to learn more about hiring HVAC technicians in a way that sets your company up for success.
Whether you’re expanding an established business or starting an HVAC business from scratch, here is how to recruit HVAC technicians.
Before posting a job, clearly outline what you’re looking for in a candidate. A well-defined job description attracts the right applicants and filters out those who don’t meet your needs. Here’s what you should include in the job description:
While aiming to include the above information in your job description, try to avoid a lengthy, complex application form. About 70% of people abandon job applications that are too long.
With an ideal candidate profile in mind, outline a clear plan for how to recruit HVAC technicians and bring them on board. Choose where to post the job description and how the hiring process will run from start to finish. Also, decide whether you need to hire full-time employees or bring in temporary subcontract technicians. Having this clarity will shape your approach.
Cast a wide net by advertising your job opening through multiple channels. Consider posting the job description on specialized HVAC job boards or trade association sites, such as BuildOps and HVAC Insider. More broadly, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Indeed are all tried and tested methods for finding qualified HVAC specialists in your area. You can also connect with local trade schools or community college HVAC programs, as their career centers can give you access to a large pool of potential technicians.
Your existing employees can sometimes be your best sources for HVAC recruitment. According to ERE Recruiting News & Information, referrals are considered the most effective hiring source in many industries. A recommendation from a trusted employee can lead you to a great HVAC hire who comes pre-vetted for culture fit and skill. To encourage referrals, consider offering a bonus or reward to employees who refer someone who becomes a successful hire.
As previously mentioned, don’t limit yourself to specialized databases. Use professional networks and resume databases. On LinkedIn, you can search for HVAC technicians with specific skills or certifications in your area and reach out directly. Indeed also allows you to filter and browse resumes.
Some HVAC technicians may not be actively searching but will respond to a good opportunity. If you recruit HVAC technicians more proactively, it might lead you to talent other business owners might miss.
Leveraging social media can also be a powerful tool to attract new talent. The same HVAC marketing strategies you use to attract customers can also be directed toward hiring potential employees. Share updates that give a window into your work culture, such as photos of the team on the job or celebrating milestones. Technicians often research employers before applying, so maintain a positive, professional image that would make someone want to join your team.
Once you’ve posted a compelling job description, you’ll have candidates in the pipeline. This is where the next phase of how to recruit HVAC technicians begins, as you want to make sure you don’t lose strong candidates. Here are tips you should follow when you have some promising applicants:
A strong compensation package is a major differentiator in a competitive job market. Consider the following key factors.
Aim to offer salaries and benefits that meet or exceed industry standards. The median annual HVAC technician wage is about $59,810. However, this figure may vary from state to state. Research your local job market and be prepared to offer competitive pay for the level of expertise you require.
Including generous paid time off, overtime opportunities, and performance bonuses can help you further differentiate your company from the competition.
Beyond pay, include additional benefits that matter to technicians, like health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) and retirement plans.
If you’re a smaller operation and can’t offer a full suite of perks yet, you can still compete by offering flexible hours, a close-knit culture, or accelerated growth opportunities.
Make it clear that joining your company is not just a job; it’s a career. During the interview process, describe the growth path a technician can have at your business. For instance, the candidate may start as a junior tech and move up to senior tech, crew leader, and eventually management roles as the organization expands.
Many HVAC technicians looking for work today want an employer who will invest in their development. When candidates see long-term professional growth potential, they may be more eager to join and more likely to stay.
Finally, a supportive, collaborative, respectful work environment can increase employee retention. In addition to recognizing your employees’ efforts, maintain a safe working environment by providing proper tools, training, and safety protocols. Also, be mindful of work-life balance. Avoid burnout by rotating on-call shifts and giving time off after busy seasons.
A strong internal culture will not only keep your current team happy, but it can also make your business more attractive to new hires. Prospective applicants may choose a company with a positive culture even if another job offers slightly higher pay.
By following our guide on how to recruit HVAC technicians, you’ll have a clear game plan for how to hire talent instead of relying on luck and last-minute ads. Yes, it takes effort, but the payoff is a stable team that can deliver quality service and leave your customers satisfied. With a strong team in place to take on more jobs, you can even expand your market by offering conveniences like financing for HVAC customers, further fueling growth.
