Hiring Trends | Staying Ahead in the Professional Construction Talent Market
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Wednesday, July 23, 2025
In today's competitive hiring market, simply posting a job ad and waiting for the right applicant to apply won’t cut it. With growing demand, talent shortages, and shifting candidate expectations, construction firms must adapt their recruitment strategies or risk being left behind.
Here are five key hiring trends every recruiter and hiring manager in the construction industry should be paying attention to in 2025.
1. Candidates Are Prioritising Flexibility – Even on Site
Traditionally, flexibility wasn't a term associated with the construction sector. But post-pandemic, professionals across the industry are rethinking their work-life balance. While full remote work may not be possible for site-based roles, candidates are increasingly asking about flexible working hours, hybrid arrangements for office-based tasks, and time off in lieu.
What it means for you:
If you're not prepared to have a conversation about flexibility, you may lose out on experienced professionals and If your organisation doesn’t offer modern flexibility, your competitors will.
2. The Rise of Data-Literate Construction Professionals
The days when Quantity Surveyors only needed a calculator and a clipboard are long gone. Employers are now looking for candidates who can work with digital tools, interpret BIM data, and collaborate through cloud-based platforms.
What it means for you:
Job descriptions and interview questions should reflect this shift. Candidates who can merge traditional expertise with tech-savvy approaches are in high demand and short supply.
3. Speed Is a Strategic Advantage
The market is moving fast and so are candidates. Many of the best construction professionals are receiving multiple offers within days. Lengthy interview processes and slow decision-making are costing companies the very talent they’re trying to attract.
Why it matters:
Recruiters who streamline their hiring processes are seeing better outcomes. Think fewer interview rounds, faster feedback, and clear communication. In 2025, speed isn’t just a KPI — it’s a competitive edge.
4. Soft Skills Are Driving Hiring Decisions
Technical skills still matter, but emotional intelligence, communication, and stakeholder management are becoming crucial, especially in client-facing roles.
What it means for you:
Employers are asking for well-rounded candidates who can navigate the human side of construction projects. CVs and interviews should showcase not just numbers, but narratives - how a candidate has handled pressure, led teams, or resolved disputes.
5. Salary Isn’t Everything — But It Still Matters
While salary remains a key driver, many candidates are weighing job offers based on overall value: career progression, employer brand, workplace culture, and well-being support are all under the microscope.
What it means for you:
Construction professionals want to feel valued, not just paid. Companies who offer structured career paths and promote a healthy work culture are winning the war for talent.
Final Thoughts
The professional construction sector is changing — and so are the people who power it. Whether you’re recruiting for a senior Quantity Surveyor or a Commercial Manager, adapting to these hiring trends isn’t optional. It’s essential.
We help construction businesses across the UK find top-tier talent who are not only technically qualified but aligned with today’s workforce expectations.
Want to future-proof your hiring strategy? Let’s talk.
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.