Modern and digital technology is changing the field of skilled HVAC technicians and creating a shortage in the job market. With that said, newly-trained professionals are keeping their hopes high as the demand for their services increases.

However, having the proper education is just part of the process of actually landing a job. Once you enter the job market, you’re still responsible for putting together a resume, being poised during an interview and finding available jobs in your area. Just as contractors plan strategically to hire HVAC technicians, you need to think about how you’re presenting yourself to the market.

Scouting Qualified HVAC Technicians is a Challenge for Contractors

The difficulty of finding qualified employees is often looked at as finding the diamond in the rough. Just sourcing potential employees isn’t easy amidst a lack of new talent.

What Accounts for the Increase in Demand for Skilled HVAC Professionals?

More and more companies are in the market for skilled HVAC workers, while fewer employees are entering the market with modern training. Meanwhile, the amount of jobs in this field is increasing two times as great as the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even contractors themselves are using software for managing HVAC technicians.

Recent projections suggest a growing demand for HVAC technicians for both commercial and residential projects. Services such as maintaining and installing climate-control units, managing modern technology and developing energy efficiency are highly sought after. With the evolution of HVAC technology, there’s also more of an emphasis on educated and skilled workers.

There are Fewer Qualified Technicians Being Trained

The Baby Boomer generation is the majority of HVAC professionals, currently. While new talent is entering the job market, it’s much less in comparison to the amount of people retiring from the industry. For those newly trained technicians who have the HVAC safety and technical skills, the opportunity is ripe if you know how to go about finding a job.

How Techs are Being Recruited by HVAC Contractors

• Trade associations, websites and schools.
• Recruiting incentives for current employees.
• Scouting from other contractors.
• Online job markets.

• Radio and newspapers.
• Social networking sites.
• Veteran affairs departments.

HVAC Contractors are Using these Techniques to Attract and Maintain Skilled Technicians

Offering a sing-on bonus is just one method that contractors are using to source and hold onto new talent. They’re also investing in their people, offering more attractive salaries and funding their continued education in the field. Remember that even something as simple as an HVAC advertising slogan can make or break someone’s first impression of your company.

Examples of HVAC Hiring Incentives for Technicians

• Welcome bonuses.
• Company perks and benefits.
• Paying more for job performance.
• Playing an active role in employee development.

• Offering more satisfying and cutting-edge work.
• Attending events and association gatherings.
• Using consultants to improve employee satisfaction.
• One-on-one mentoring and on-the-job education.
• Incentives for HVAC van cleanliness and organization.

How to Find Attractive HVAC Jobs

Part of the reason why hiring certified and experienced HVAC technicians can be so daunting, is that contractors have high standards on qualifications. Having less turnover is still highly favorable to having a large staff right away.

The personality, work ethic, skills and education reflected on your resume will be scrutinized. You may even be asked to conduct skills tests in order to apply. HVAC contractors are willing to invest generously in their employee development, assuming that they can find the right talent.

• Develop your skills while undergoing HVAC education.
• Create a strong professional resume.
• Work on your communication and interview abilities.

• Dress for success and maintain your personal grooming.
• Create profiles on online job boards and social networking sites.

Conclusion

Finding an ideal job in your location is a chasm between HVAC certification and meaningful employment. You can improve your odds by making your professional profile and resume available in places where contractors are looking for qualified technicians to hire.

Networking in the HVAC field can give you a serious edge. Whether you’re meeting people through fellow students in an HVAC program or attending events for trade associations, it can give you a leg up and make you that much more visible as a professional. Some of the best HVAC and electrician blogs might provide additional employment avenues to consider.