Why the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving can be a valuable time to prepare for 2027 construction hiring needs.
A slower calendar is not an easier talent market
By November, many commercial general contractors are finishing projects, reviewing backlog and planning for the coming year. After Thanksgiving, it often becomes harder to get hiring managers and candidates in the same room. Interviews slip into December, feedback takes longer, and some decisions wait until January.
A slowdown can be an opportunity to plan, not a reason to abandon recruiting.
According to the Associated General Contractors of America’s September 2026 workforce survey, 82% of responding firms reported openings for salaried positions. Of those firms, 87% said those roles were just as difficult or more difficult to fill than they were a year earlier. While these are national survey results and not a prediction for every Southeast market, they support a key reality: a slower hiring cycle does not necessarily mean experienced professionals are suddenly easier to find.
Start with your project backlog
Start by looking at the work already under contract, the projects nearing award, and those that could move forward if financing or permitting falls into place. Then assess whether you have the people needed to deliver that work.
Do you have enough superintendents to support upcoming starts? Can your project managers take on additional assignments? Does your preconstruction team have the capacity to pursue anticipated bids? Are there critical leadership roles that would be difficult to replace?
The answers can help identify which positions warrant attention now, before a staffing need becomes urgent.
Use the holidays for targeted conversations
Not every conversation with a recruiter has to begin with an immediate opening. A recruiter who understands your market can provide valuable insight into candidate availability, realistic hiring timelines, and whether your expectations align with the experience level you need.
At Honour Consulting, we specialize in middle- and upper-management recruiting for commercial general contractors throughout the Carolinas and Atlanta. Our approach is focused and deliberate, delivering a small number of highly aligned candidates rather than a stack of resumes to sort through.
The holiday season can be an ideal time to have those conversations. Even if you’re not actively hiring today, it’s an opportunity to assess future staffing needs, understand market conditions, and develop a plan before talent needs become urgent.
Review your hiring process now
A slow hiring process can cost you a strong candidate, even when your company is genuinely interested. Before launching a search, determine who will communicate with candidates, how quickly interview feedback is expected, who has final approval authority, and whether compensation expectations are aligned with the market.
It’s far easier to make those decisions before a qualified candidate is waiting for an answer. Establishing a clear process upfront helps maintain momentum, creates a better candidate experience, and reduces the risk of losing top talent to a faster-moving competitor.
January hiring starts before January
Some hiring needs will always arise unexpectedly. But if you anticipate needing a project manager, superintendent, estimator, or preconstruction leader in early 2027, now is a good time to start the conversation.
You may not make a hire before the holidays, and that’s okay. The goal is to understand the market, identify potential talent, and develop a plan so you’re better positioned when workloads increase and schedules open up.
If you’re evaluating your staffing needs for the coming year, contact Honour Consulting. Share the roles and project experience you expect to need, and we’ll help you assess the talent landscape and build a strategy for filling those critical positions.
