The engineering recruitment process is complex, especially when looking to hire estimators. The estimator is arguably one of the most important members of an engineering team. Well-qualified estimators are in high demand but are hard to find. Since most estimators learn their skills on the job instead of at school, it can be difficult to tell who is qualified.
There are very specific qualities engineering recruiters should look for in a potential candidate. To find the best person for the job, it is important to find most—if not all—of these qualities in your estimator candidates.
Blueprint Reading
Reading and understanding blueprints and project specifications are crucial to being a successful estimator. The ability to decipher each detail in a plan allows an estimator to uncover any and all potential costs of a project. It is highly unlikely a price projection will be accurate if the estimator is unable to fully comprehend the blueprints.
Envision the End Result
An estimator must be able to envision how a structure will be erected and what the completed project will look like. They must possess working knowledge on materials, processes, and how the industry is changing with the times. This skill is essential for understanding the scope of a project before digging down into the little details.
Communications Skills
The success of a project hangs on the collaboration of everyone involved. Written and verbal communication skills are key to relaying accurate information to stakeholders and avoiding hidden surprises. A quality estimator is able to extract and relay all important information while under pressure.
Critical/Analytical Thinker
More than just being good with numbers, an estimator must be able to intimately understand what the numbers mean. This is important for a properly executed job and the sequence of the project. They must be able to apply past experience to their current job and examine logistics for cost-saving measures throughout the project.
Field Experience
The best candidates for engineering recruitment are those with hands-on experience. Real-world time in the field is the best teacher for an estimator. Being part of a project from start to finish gives them a better understanding of the time and labor required. It also helps them understand how a project is put together and any places that are problematic for estimation.
Even-Tempered
Estimators are under a good deal of pressure on a regular basis. Dealing with deadlines, multiple projects, stakeholders, and possible emergencies creates an extremely stressful environment. A good estimator will handle changes with urgency, but not panic. When things don’t go as planned or costs change, keeping a level head and not crumbling under the pressure are essential.
Confident
Being constantly under pressure means an estimator must be comfortable with their abilities. Confidence is not arrogance, but knowing what you are good at and what you can offer to your team. It’s doing background work necessary to give clear, accurate estimates, and being comfortable in their abilities. If an estimator cannot be confident in their numbers and projections, then no one else will take them seriously either.
Multi-Tasker
Skilled estimators are able to participate in more than one project at a time. They must be able to shift from one project to the next and back without being thrown off or mixing up details. Being able to balance several projects while maintaining accuracy is an essential skill for estimators.
The people hired to be part of your business are your most important assets, but finding the right candidate for your company consumes a large amount of time and resources. If your business needs help with recruiting and taking care of employees, KSM has the expertise to guide all-size businesses with their HR needs. Visit our webpage today to learn more about our engineering recruiting team and other resources.
The estimator is arguably one of the most important members of an engineering team. Well-qualified estimators are in high demand but are hard to find. Since most estimators learn their skills on the job instead of at school, it can be difficult to tell who is qualified.
There are very specific qualities engineering recruiters should look for in a potential candidate. To find the best person for the job, it is important to find most—if not all—of these qualities in your estimator candidates.
Blueprint Reading
Reading and understanding blueprints and project specifications are crucial to being a successful estimator. The ability to decipher each detail in a plan allows an estimator to uncover any and all potential costs of a project. It is highly unlikely a price projection will be accurate if the estimator is unable to fully comprehend the blueprints.
Envision the End Result
An estimator must be able to envision how a structure will be erected and what the completed project will look like. They must possess working knowledge on materials, processes, and how the industry is changing with the times. This skill is essential for understanding the scope of a project before digging down into the little details.
Communications Skills
The success of a project hangs on the collaboration of everyone involved. Written and verbal communication skills are key to relaying accurate information to stakeholders and avoiding hidden surprises. A quality estimator is able to extract and relay all important information while under pressure.
Critical/Analytical Thinker
More than just being good with numbers, an estimator must be able to intimately understand what the numbers mean. This is important for a properly executed job and the sequence of the project. They must be able to apply past experience to their current job and examine logistics for cost-saving measures throughout the project.
Field Experience
The best candidates for engineering recruitment are those with hands-on experience. Real-world time in the field is the best teacher for an estimator. Being part of a project from start to finish gives them a better understanding of the time and labor required. It also helps them understand how a project is put together and any places that are problematic for estimation.
Even-Tempered
Estimators are under a good deal of pressure on a regular basis. Dealing with deadlines, multiple projects, stakeholders, and possible emergencies creates an extremely stressful environment. A good estimator will handle changes with urgency, but not panic. When things don’t go as planned or costs change, keeping a level head and not crumbling under the pressure are essential.
Confident
Being constantly under pressure means an estimator must be comfortable with their abilities. Confidence is not arrogance, but knowing what you are good at and what you can offer to your team. It’s doing background work necessary to give clear, accurate estimates, and being comfortable in their abilities. If an estimator cannot be confident in their numbers and projections, then no one else will take them seriously either.
Multi-Tasker
Skilled estimators are able to participate in more than one project at a time. They must be able to shift from one project to the next and back without being thrown off or mixing up details. Being able to balance several projects while maintaining accuracy is an essential skill for estimators.
The people hired to be part of your business are your most important assets, but finding the right candidate for your company consumes a large amount of time and resources. If your business needs help with recruiting and taking care of employees, KSM has the expertise to guide all-size businesses with their HR needs. Visit our webpage today to learn more about our engineering recruiting team and other resources.
