Perception and expectations of construction and real estate professionals in the labor market

Specialist in temporary and permanent recruitments in the building trades, public works and real estate, the Fed Construction firm conducted a survey of 307 candidates from the construction and real estate industry, in post or in job search, interviewed between October and December 2019^[1]. What perception do these professionals have of the job market and their remuneration? Why do they favor one position over another? What motivates them not to change companies? This investigation reveals their views.

A dynamic market, candidates sought

Construction and real estate professionals consider their job market dynamic (66%). Optimism is slightly greater in the construction industry (67%) than in the real estate sector (64%). They are also candidates solicited by recruitment firms. Almost 2/3 (57%) indeed declare having been contacted at least 4 times by a firm in the past year.

The study also shows a certain appetite for cooptation in their job search. Although 62% of candidates are in contact with a recruitment agency, and 55% respond to offers, 44% use their professional network.

Compensation and interesting missions: the winning duo to attract talent

They say it clearly, to choose between two similar positions, the remuneration is the first criterion (for 70% of them). Even if most of the respondents declare that they are satisfied with their remuneration (for 56% of them, including 3% of them “very satisfied”), they are nonetheless 44% who consider their salary below their expectations.

Almost in equal parts, the interest of the missions is an important criterion in the choice of a position, 69% of the candidates cited it.

Professionals sensitive to "well-being at work"

Once in office, it is the working atmosphere that takes precedence over remuneration, relegated to second position in the list of criteria cited (59% of responses). The vast majority of candidates (72%) place it at the top of the list of motivations for staying in the company. It is clear that the concept of well-being at work is significant since they are still 48% to declare that the "good" working conditions favor their retention in the company. Respondents are also very attentive to the interest of the missions (69%), then comes the location of the position, cited 60% by these professionals.

Interesting lessons to be taken into account by recruiters when we know that more than half (53%) wish to stay in the company for at least 5 years.

^[1] 87% of the respondents are construction professionals and 13% work in the real estate sector. At the time of the survey, 66% were employed and 34% were looking for work.