Author: Dan Stout | December 12, 2023

For many roofing pros, hiring new employees is one of the trickiest and most overlooked elements of the job. And in today's competitive hiring field, having the best job post could be a game-changer.

A great job posting is clear about roofer responsibilities and enticing to candidates. Gauging the number of talented applicants you need to attract is like estimating the amount of materials you need for a roofing job: You need to have enough, and you can spend some additional cash to have a few extra, but you never want to come up short.

Here's what to consider when defining roofer responsibilities for your next job posting.

Be Honest and Specific

By letting potential candidates know what you're looking for upfront, you'll have fewer unqualified leads to sort through. Make this process easier by giving job-hunting roofers specific parameters.

For example, don't say that you're looking for "a good work ethic" — everybody thinks they have a great work ethic, and anyone who doesn't might be tempted to make promises about it anyway. Instead, list your expectations for experience, certifications and training.

Be clear about the qualities you'd like in an applicant but aren't a deal-breaker. You don't want quality candidates to scroll past your listing over a request for computer literacy or a commercial driver's license if it won't be part of their day-to-day routine. If you're not sure that a skill is truly required, leave it off. You can always clarify during the interview process, but if a great candidate doesn't apply, then you'll never get the chance.

Also, remember that your potential applicant could be reading the listing on a phone, so keep the text short and punchy, with bullet points or short paragraphs for easy reading.

Key Categories for Experience Requirements

Strong roofer responsibilities and traits to focus on include education, work experience, training, physical ability and social traits. Here are a few examples you can address in your post:

• Education: "High school degree or equivalent required. Vocational schools or trade apprenticeships are a plus."
• Work Experience and Training: "Previous construction experience is required, roofing experience preferred. Safety certification such as OSHA training is a plus."
• Physical Ability: "Able to stand, bend, squat and lift up to 55 pounds. Must be comfortable working on ladders and at heights up to 40 feet."
• Social Traits: "XYZ Roofing Company values cooperation, reliability and an ability to take constructive criticism."
• Other Miscellaneous Items to Consider: "Must be able to pass a drug test. Reliable transportation a plus. Working knowledge of English and Spanish a plus."

Sell Yourself

If you want to attract the best workers, consider the sales element of hiring. You're selling your company, showing applicants why they want to work for you instead of your competition. Therefore, you should study the competition: Look at other listings on the job-posting sites you'll be using, and then brainstorm how to show potential new hires what sets you apart.

Your roofing customers know you stand out by price, workmanship and customer service. For potential employees, you'll stand out with pay, benefits and work environment.

Unique Needs

The list of required skills will vary from company to company. The more specialized your market, the more specific your posting should be. If you primarily install flat roofs, then you may not be interested in someone with 20 years of slate roof experience on historical buildings, or vice versa.

Similarly, you'll want to be clear whether you're looking for commercial or residential roofing experience. Specify what kind of material your new hire will be working with, and what level of customer interaction is expected.

Don't be afraid to experiment. If you find you're getting too many or too few applicants, you can always revise the posting and try again.