Filling Quantity Surveyor Vacancies in a Talent-Starved Market
For construction companies in Australia, securing the right Quantity Surveyor (QS) can feel like searching for a unicorn.
While the industry thrives, a critical talent shortage threatens to stall project timelines and budgets.
Keep reading and dive into the current state of the QS talent pool in Australia, explores the challenges of recruitment, and provides valuable strategies to secure the perfect QS for your team.
Did you know? According to a 2021 report by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), there are only an estimated 600+ senior-level Quantity Surveyors in Australia. This limited pool is further strained by industry segmentation, with roughly 150 specialists catering to each major sector like Building, Fit-Out, Infrastructure, Renewables, and Residential.
Here at Gedon Executive, a specialist preconstruction recruitment agency, we understand the unique challenges of finding top-tier QS talent. Through our deep industry connections and targeted approach, we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients. However, the current market reality paints a stark picture.
The Numbers Don't Lie: A Shrinking Candidate Pool
Our experience reflects the national trend - on average, only 10% of qualified QSs are actively considering new opportunities at any given time. This number has even decreased from 5% in the previous year, highlighting the intensifying competition for talent.
But wait, it gets more complex! Beyond sheer numbers, successful QS recruitment hinges on finding the right fit for your specific needs. Factors like:
Salary expectations
Desired location
Company brand reputation
Project type and complexity
Company culture and fit
all play a critical role. When we factor in these additional variables, the pool of truly suitable candidates shrinks further. Realistically, only 1-2% of those initially interested QSs might be a perfect match for your open position.
The Niche Factor: An Even Greater Challenge
The situation becomes even more precarious for niche specialties like Electrical or Mechanical QS roles. With even fewer qualified professionals in these areas, the competition to secure top talent intensifies.
So, You Need a QS. Now What?
Given the limited pool of qualified and available candidates, a strategic and targeted approach is crucial. Here's why some common recruitment methods fall short:
Internal Recruiters: While internal recruiters understand your company well, they may lack the specialized knowledge and extensive network required to attract top-tier QSs. QS professionals are adept at recognizing internal recruitment efforts, and may be hesitant to engage.
Generalist Recruitment Agencies: These agencies often lack the deep industry understanding and niche expertise necessary to effectively source and evaluate QS candidates. They may struggle to tailor their approach to the specific requirements of a QS role, potentially leading to mismatched placements or wasted time.
The Specialist Advantage: Why a Targeted Recruitment Approach Wins the QS Race
Finding the right QS talent isn't a game of chance. It's a strategic race where a targeted approach trumps a generic one every single time. Here's how a specialist recruitment agency elevates your chances of securing a top-tier QS:
Precision Targeting: Imagine searching for a specific book in a massive library. A general search might overwhelm you with irrelevant options. A targeted search, however, leads you straight to the right shelf. Specialist recruiters act as your expert librarians in the QS talent pool. They understand the intricacies of each niche (Building, Infrastructure, Renewables, etc.) and can pinpoint candidates with the precise skillsets you require.
Speaking the QS Language: Imagine trying to negotiate a complex contract in a foreign language. It's a recipe for misunderstandings. Specialist recruiters speak fluent "QS." They understand the nuances of the profession, the challenges QSs face, and their career aspirations. This allows for clear communication and a compelling value proposition when presenting your opportunity.
Passive Candidate Network: Top QSs are often content in their current roles, not actively searching for new opportunities. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in the perfect fit. Specialist recruiters have cultivated relationships with these passive candidates, keeping them informed about exciting opportunities that align with their goals.
Building Trust & Impartiality: Imagine being offered a new position by your boss. Objectivity can be clouded. Specialist recruiters act as trusted advisors, not salespeople. They present opportunities that genuinely benefit the candidate's career trajectory, fostering trust and a more transparent recruitment process.
Time is Money: The longer your QS position remains vacant, the more it disrupts your project timeline and budget. Specialist recruiters streamline the process by handling the time-consuming tasks: candidate sourcing, initial screening, interview scheduling, and reference checks. This allows you to focus on core business activities while a tailored recruitment strategy brings the best candidates to your table.
Beyond the Numbers: Building Long-Term Relationships
The current talent shortage highlights the importance of building strong relationships with QS professionals, even when you aren't actively recruiting. Here's how:
Engage at Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with potential candidates and showcase your company culture.
Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Sponsor industry training programs or workshops to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and upskilling your team.
Cultivate a Positive Employer Brand: Foster a positive employer brand by fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Showcase your commitment to work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and competitive compensation packages. Positive employee experiences translate into powerful word-of-mouth marketing, attracting top talent organically.
Standing Out from the Crowd: Crafting a Compelling Job Description
In a competitive market, your job description is a critical tool for attracting the right candidates. Here are some tips for crafting an effective QS job description:
Clearly Define the Role and Responsibilities: Outline the specific duties and responsibilities of the position, including the project types, software proficiency requirements, and level of experience needed.
Highlight Growth Opportunities: Showcase the career development opportunities and potential for advancement within your company.
Focus on Company Culture: Describe your company culture and values, emphasizing what makes your organization a great place to work.
Competitive Salary and Benefits: Be transparent about the salary range and benefits package you offer.
The Power of Partnership: How Gedon Executive Can Help
At Gedon Executive, we understand the complexities of navigating the current QS talent landscape. We offer a comprehensive recruitment solution that goes beyond simply filling open positions. Here's how we can help you secure the perfect QS for your team:
Develop a Targeted Talent Search Strategy: We work closely with you to understand your specific needs, project requirements, and ideal candidate profile. Based on this information, we develop a targeted search strategy that focuses on identifying QS professionals with the right skillset, experience level, and cultural fit for your organization.
Leverage Our Extensive Network: We have a vast network of preconstruction professionals, including highly skilled QS professionals. This allows us to tap into a broader pool of talent than you might be able to reach on your own.
Streamline the Recruitment Process: Our team of experienced recruiters handles the time-consuming aspects of the recruitment process, such as sourcing candidates, conducting initial screenings, and scheduling interviews. This frees up your valuable time to focus on core business activities.
Expert Interviewing and Evaluation: We conduct in-depth interviews with potential candidates to assess their technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. We also utilize industry-specific assessments to ensure the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in your organization.
Offer Negotiation and Onboarding Support: We provide guidance throughout the offer negotiation and onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for your new QS team member.
Don't Settle for Less: Invest in Your Future
The current QS talent shortage presents a significant challenge for construction companies in Australia. However, by adopting a strategic approach, partnering with a specialist recruitment agency like Gedon Executive, and cultivating a positive employer brand, you can significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect QS talent to build your dream preconstruction team.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Gedon Executive today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you secure the top QS talent you need to drive your project success. We have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for our clients, and we are confident that we can help you achieve your recruitment goals.
Together, let's bridge the QS talent gap and build a brighter future for the Australian construction industry.
Call to Action:
Visit our website to learn more about our QS recruitment services and explore current job openings: www.gedonexecutive.com
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We look forward to partnering with you!
