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Commentary: 3 Ways to Improve Technician Recruiting

Denise Rondini

Fleets have been struggling with the technician shortage for years, and it doesn't look like there will be a silver bullet to solve the problem anytime soon. However, there are some things you can do to improve your odds of getting the technicians you need.

If you are like most fleets, you are probably relatively passive in your recruiting efforts. This means you use job postings when you have a position to fill. According to Paul Nowicki, director of sales and operations at TransTechs, a technician staffing company, “With passive recruiting you are just waiting for folks to find you from whatever you put up from an advertising standpoint.”

On the other hand, active recruiting is a multi-tiered approach that says, “I am going out and searching for and connecting with candidates that may not be looking to switch jobs but are open to a next opportunity,” Nowicki explains.

Active recruiting means having a dedicated recruiting team that is actively searching across the country for eligible individuals and that keeps an up-to-date contact list so when a need arises they have candidates at the ready. It also includes tapping into current and previous staff members to get referrals from their networks. Consider offering referral bonuses as a way to encourage existing employees to recruit on your behalf.

Too often, recruiting has focused on the employer saying to the candidate, “I have this job and let's determine if you are a good fit.” Today your approach needs to shift to what the technician wants and finding out what he or she is looking for in a job based on their current experience and expertise.

And while pay is certainly a big factor in attracting job seekers, other things are also important. Many technicians, especially ones who are beginning ...Read the rest of this story