Insight Blog

In part one of this educational series on interviewing candidates, we discussed the importance of appropriately preparing for interviews and how to do so. In part two, we outlined what you, as a hiring executive, can do during interviews to make them most effective and how critical it is to attract candidates to your organization and its opportunity.

This final blog in our series is specifically written for professionals in the Architecture / Engineering / Construction (A/E/C) and Facilities Management sectors, in which we highlight our recommendations for differentiating your organization to potential candidates during interviews.

If your organization is an A/E/C firm, discuss:

• What makes your organization different from other industry key players.

• Short and long term objectives for growth.

• Backlog of work.

• Current and planned technological initiatives.

• Plans to streamline the design and construction process.

• Alternative project delivery methods under consideration to adapt to owners’ needs and wants.

• Strategies for maximizing the pursuit of target markets and new vertical or geographical markets being explored.

• How your organization performs succession planning.

If your organization is a healthcare or higher education institution, or other owner in which facilities management is a key function, discuss:

• Current sustainability plans and future goals.

• Alignment of information technology and facilities in effectively managing utilities, buildings, capital projects and budgets.

• Plans for improving energy management through strategic procurement, production and distribution practices, and/or the initiation of commissioning and decommissioning programs.

• Short and long-term capital programs and building initiatives (including green building).

• Financial commitments for capital projects and maintenance initiatives.

Remember that, in this competitive landscape, candidates are not the only ones who have to "sell" themselves during interviews. Organizations must be prepared to do the same to attract the talent they need for continuing success.