AMBASSADOR UPDATES
TJ’s advice on the challenges and market changes relevant to SME construction companies searching for talent on the West Coast.
Frequency: every month or two.
Most companies say they “hire for culture fit.”Few can explain what that actually means. Worse, many confuse it with:✅ Who they’d grab a beer with❌ Who doesn’t cause friction⚠️ Who just “feels right” Let’s be clear—culture fit isn’t chemistry.It’s not about hiring people who look or act like you.It’s about hiring people who believe what […]
If you’re a construction leader hiring a $175K candidate, you’ve likely come across two options: Both models sound similar on the surface. But the experience—and the results—are radically different. 💰 The Simple Math Let’s run the numbers for a $175,000 hire: Service Model Recruiter Type Cost on $175K hire 25% Contingent Paid only if you […]
Ambassador Group believes a good job description does three things exceptionally well: 1️⃣ It defines intended outcomes.2️⃣ It clarifies priorities.3️⃣ It serves as a performance review tool. When a job description is bloated with excessive responsibilities, generic requirements, and wishful thinking, it becomes useless for hiring and performance management. Interviews fail to assess the right […]
Hiring isn’t an isolated function—it’s the ultimate stress test for your entire business. If hiring isn’t working, neither is your business. A bad hire isn’t just a bad hire; it’s a symptom of deeper problems. Many companies misdiagnose their hiring struggles, blaming recruiters, a “lack of good candidates,” or even the candidates themselves for not […]
Early 20th Century: Origins of Managerial Recruiting In the early 1900s, managerial recruiting was informal, primarily based on internal promotions, personal networks, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Industrial growth increased the demand for specialized managerial talent, prompting the creation of professional recruitment agencies. Fred Winslow established one of the first professional recruitment agencies, and by 1926, Thorndike […]
There’s a reason the “guarantee” became a norm in recruiting.And it has nothing to do with quality. It started when contingent recruiters needed a way to compete with the trust and process depth of retained firms. So, they slapped on a shiny promise: “If the hire doesn’t work out, we’ll replace them—for free.” It was […]
You can spend top dollar on a recruiter.You can get 100 résumés.You can even hire the so-called “best candidate.” But if your internal mindset isn’t right, it won’t matter. Many construction leaders unknowingly hold onto subtle beliefs that quietly derail hiring success.These ideas feel harmless—or even strategic.But underneath, they delay decisions, dilute accountability, and destabilize […]
Recruiters love to promise “the best candidates.”It sounds good. Feels good.Like a magic pill for your hiring headaches. But here’s the truth: even the best candidate can’t succeed in a broken system. Let’s break it down 👇 🧠 The Illusion of the “Best” When a recruiter says they’ll bring you the “best,” what do they […]
💼 Construction Wages in the Bay Area: What Supers & PMs Are Earning — and Why It Matters Focus keyword: superintendent and project manager construction wages SF Bay AreaMeta description: Explore current wage data for construction superintendents and project managers in the SF Bay Area, plus hiring tips for construction leaders navigating inflation and labor […]
Let’s cut to the chase: not every recruiting partner is the right match for every company. Just like you wouldn’t send your newest PM into a delicate client meeting without prep, we won’t walk blindly into a client relationship. You’re here because hiring is hurting. Maybe you’re overwhelmed with unqualified applicants. Maybe your hires aren’t […]
