Finding the Right Leaders: What Top Homebuilding Recruiters Really Do
When it comes to hiring executives in the homebuilding industry, the stakes are high. The right leader can drive growth, strengthen company culture, and set the foundation for long-term success. But not all recruiters operate the same way. The best in the business go beyond simply filling roles—they act as trusted advisors, leveraging deep industry knowledge, strong networks, and a commitment to ethical hiring.
In this blog, Executive Recruiter Erica Lockwood breaks down what top homebuilding recruiters truly do—and what to watch out for when searching for the right hiring partner.
When you're looking for a leader in the homebuilding world, you need someone who really knows their stuff. It's not just about filling a job; it's about finding someone who can take your company to the next level. The best recruiters? They're like trusted advisors. Let's talk about what they do, and what they definitely don't do.
1. They Know the Industry Inside and Out:
What They Do:
They're not just reading resumes. They understand the homebuilding market, who the key players are, and what skills are really needed.
They've built a strong network of high-level people, so they know who might be a good fit even before a job opens up.
They understand the tiny differences between one executive skill set and another, and how those skills will fit the client's company.
They get how big of a deal an executive hire is, and how it'll affect the company's future.
What They Don't Do:
They don't just post jobs online and hope for the best. They know that finding top talent takes a personal touch.
They don't have a small professional network.
They don't treat executives like they're just any other candidate.
They don't just fill empty spots, they build leadership teams.
Example: Instead of just sending out emails, a good recruiter might call a well-known regional president and talk about a new opportunity that could be a great career move.
2. They Keep Things Quiet and Professional:
Example: Instead of meeting in a busy coffee shop, they might meet a potential CEO in a private office
3. They Give Honest Advice and Build Long-Term Relationships:
What They Do:
They give real advice about the market and what to expect.
They care about the long-term success of both the company and the executive.
They understand how important it is to plan for who will take over leadership roles in the future.
What They Don't Do:
They don't just try to make a quick buck. They want to find the right person for the job.
They don't disappear after the hire is made.
They don't give bad advice.
Example: They might help a company's board figure out what kind of COO they really need. On the flip side, a bad recruiter might try to place someone at a company with a bad reputation, saying "everyone gets it wrong about them". A good recruiter will either walk away, or be upfront with the candidate.
4. They Make Sure the Person Fits the Company Culture:
What They Do:
They know that a leader needs to fit in with the company's values.
They look at more than just skills; they look at how the person leads and communicates.
They know that a bad fit at the top can cause a lot of problems.
What They Don't Do:
They don't push people into jobs that aren't a good fit.
They don't ignore red flags about a person's past.
They don't skip checking someone's background.
5. They're Honest and Ethical:
What They Do:
They tell the truth and keep their promises.
They can give honest advice to the company and the person they are placing.
They know that their reputation is everything.
What They Don't Do:
They don't do anything shady just to make a deal.
They don't lie or hide information.
They don't do anything unethical.
In short, the best recruiters in homebuilding are partners, not just salespeople. They help companies find the right leaders to build a strong future.
