Years ago, when I was still pretty green in the recruiting world, I used to tag along with my manager on sales meetings. The guy had been in recruiting for 20+ years and, my goodness, he could sell. Couldn’t always back up what he sold — but that’s another story altogether. Still, I learned a […]
The Real Reason Recruiters Can Find Candidates You Can’t Read More »
Here’s something most people in the skilled trades don’t get told enough for an interview: the moment an interviewer asks, “Got any questions for us?” — that’s not a formality. That’s your chance to prove you actually know how to think on the job. Too many solid tradespeople miss this. They’ve got the hours, the
Don’t Blow the Ending: Ask These Questions & Win the Skilled Trades Interview Read More »
If you work in the skilled trades —electrician, plumber, welder, HVAC tech, mechanic—you already know interviews are different. Less corporate buzzwords, more real-world expectations. Hiring managers aren’t looking for polished TED Talk answers. They want to know one thing: Can you do the job safely, reliably, and professionally—and get better over time? That’s why the
There’s a quiet crisis happening in the HVAC industry. Actually, scratch that—it’s not quiet at all. It’s humming, rattling, and occasionally banging like an unbalanced condenser fan. Good technicians are leaving the trade, and not because they suddenly forgot how to read gauges or got scared of attics in August. They’re leaving because too many
Why HVAC Companies Keep Losing Great Technicians (and How to Stop the Bleeding) Read More »
Not that long ago, reference checks were a standard step in almost every hiring process. Today, they’re quietly disappearing. So the question is — why?And more importantly — should you still be using them? Why Have References Faded Away? There are a few major reasons references have become less common, but one stands above the
Are References Still Relevant in Hiring? Read More »
Got an interview and short on time? Here’s a quick and easy guide to avoid rookie mistakes and impress any hiring manager.
Skilled Trades Interview Survival Guide Read More »
As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: recruiting skilled trades professionals is not getting easier — it’s getting more competitive, more nuanced, and more strategic. At Rockstar Recruiting, we work daily with manufacturers, equipment dealers, service companies, and contractors across North America. The patterns we’re seeing aren’t temporary spikes or post-pandemic noise.
Skilled Trades Recruiting in 2026: What Employers Need to Prepare for Now Read More »
Over the past few years, one of the most common frustrations we hear from employers—especially in the Skilled Trades—is that candidates simply aren’t showing up for their interviews. Ten years ago, if someone scheduled an interview, you could almost guarantee they’d attend. Today? Many employers report that only 50% of confirmed candidates actually show up.
Why Candidates Aren’t Showing Up for Interviews (And What You Can Do About It) Read More »
Setting the right pay rate for a role isn’t just about picking a number that “feels right.” It’s a balancing act between attracting top talent, staying competitive in the market, and working within your budget. Offer too little, and you risk losing great candidates. Offer too much, and you may create long-term budget challenges. Here
How to Determine the Right Pay Rate When Recruiting for a New Role Read More »
Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane. Remember when Pete Townshend of The Who belted out, “People try to put us down…” in My Generation? That wasn’t just rock ‘n’ roll angst—it was a full-on generational mic drop. Young people back then felt ignored, underestimated, and misunderstood by the older crowd who’d just lived
Generation Z: The New Crew on the Jobsite (And Why You’d Better Pay Attention) Read More »
You’ve just accepted a new job and are excited about the opportunity. Now, comes the not so fun part – quitting your current job. Many often dread telling their boss they’re leaving, whether it’s because they feel guilty for leaving, unsure of their reaction, or just prefer to avoid any unpleasant situation. Having a plan
How to Write an Effective Resignation Email – Tips & Templates Read More »
You found a new job, and accepted the job offer, maybe it was closer to you, offered better wages, joined a union, or took a higher position, whatever your reason is, it’s now time to inform your current employer you’re leaving. Let’s face it, as a tradesperson such as an HVAC Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Fire
Tips to Write a Resignation Letter with Examples Read More »
So, you’ve landed a new job? Congrats! While change may be scary for some, just remember, you are not alone. On average, 30% of people change their jobs annually, with the average person having 12 jobs throughout their career [Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]. Whether the choice to leave was for a higher compensation
Nine Tips to Hand in Your 2 Week Notice Without Burning Bridges Read More »
You can have experience.You can have industry specialization.You can have the largest network in the world.But if you’re not successful, none of it matters. Part 4 in our series on What Truly Matters in Recruiting is all about Success, Getting the jobdone in a timely matter. When a company comes to a recruiter, they’re not
What Really Matters In Recruiting – Part 4 – Success Read More »
What Truly Matters in Recruiting: Network In this third part of our What Truly Matters in Recruiting series, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked but makes all the difference:👉 Your Network. When it comes to recruiting, who you know is just as important as what you know. You can be the best recruiter
What Really Matters In Recruiting Part 3 – Your Network Read More »
In our second installment of What Truly Matters in Recruiting, we’re focusing on something webelieve is the cornerstone of recruiting success at Rockstar Recruiting:Industry Specialization. At Rockstar Recruiting, we’ve always believed that knowing your industry inside and out iswhat separates the best recruiters from the rest. It’s not enough to be good at hiring—you haveto
What Truly Matters in Recruiting – Part 2 – Industry Specialization Read More »
What Truly Matters in Recruiting: Experience is Everything At Rockstar Recruiting, we believe there are a few key things that truly matter when it comes torecruitment. Over the next five blog posts, we’ll be diving into each of them—what we valueabove all else and what we prioritize when building our team and sourcing candidates for
What Really Matters In Recruiting – Part 1 – Experience is Everything Read More »
Many companies proudly state that their biggest strength is their team—that their competitive advantage comes from their people. This belief often leads to investments in ongoing training and development for existing employees, which is essential for maintaining a strong workforce. However, a critical part of this strategy is often overlooked: investing in growing your team
Is Recruiting the Right People the Best ROI for Your Business? Read More »
Building a reputable HVAC company known for your experience, products, and service is important; however, equally, if not more important, is being known as an employer of choice to attract and retain top talent. Each employee, whether it’s your Technician, Installer, Fitter, Sheet Metal, or Dispatcher, make a up a team and this team represents
Weekly HVAC Employer Tip Read More »
Good mechanics that have a passion for the trade take their reputation very seriously. They refuse to sign off on unsafe work, don’t take shortcuts and make sure the job is done right the first time. They also demand the same of their employer and refuse to work for a shop with a bad reputation.
Could Your Online Reviews Impact Your Recruitment Success? Read More »
