The Biggest Hiring Mistakes Electricians Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Hiring can be one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of growing your electrical business. As you bring new team members on board, you’re not just filling a role, you’re investing in the future of your company. However, the hiring process is fraught with pitfalls, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to mismatched hires, high turnover, or lost productivity. In this article, I’ll explore the most significant hiring mistakes electricians make and share practical, actionable advice to help you build a strong, cohesive team. My goal is to empower you with strategies to avoid these common traps and position your business for long-term success.

A little about me: my name’s Ashley Thomson, and I specialise in electrician business coaching to help electricians take their businesses to the next level. Over the years, I’ve worked with trades professionals across Australia, guiding them through challenges like recruitment, scaling, and team management. I bring a practical, results-driven approach to coaching, drawing on my experience to deliver tailored strategies that yield effective results. Hiring is one of the areas where I’ve seen businesses transform through a few key changes, and I’m passionate about helping you do the same. Let’s dive in and tackle this together!

Understanding the Hiring Challenge

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the hiring process, you’re not alone. Many electricians I work with share similar concerns: “How do I find someone who’s reliable?” “What if they don’t have the right skills?” “How can I make sure they fit into my team?” These are valid questions, and addressing them is crucial for building a strong, cohesive team that supports your business goals.

Hiring mistakes often arise from a lack of clarity or preparation. For example, rushing to fill a position without clearly defining the role can lead to mismatched expectations. Similarly, relying solely on gut instinct without a structured interview process can result in missing critical qualifications. As your electrical business coach, I want to help you avoid these pitfalls and set your business up for success.

Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Skills Alone

One of the most common mistakes electricians make is focusing solely on technical skills. While it’s essential to hire someone who knows their way around wiring and circuits, skills alone don’t guarantee a good fit. Technical expertise is just one piece of the puzzle, and without the right attitude, work ethic, and communication abilities, even the most skilled technician can struggle to meet the broader needs of your business.

I often recommend that my electrical business coach clients look beyond the resume and take a more holistic approach to hiring. Consider qualities that will complement your team and reflect your company’s values. For instance, effective communication is critical when dealing with clients or collaborating on a complex project. A team member who can explain technical details clearly and build rapport with customers can enhance the overall client experience, strengthen relationships, and generate positive word-of-mouth for your business.

Take one of my clients, an electrical contractor in Brisbane. He hired a technician with impeccable technical skills, someone who could diagnose and fix issues in record time. However, the technician struggled to communicate effectively with clients, which led to misunderstandings, complaints, and ultimately lost business. By prioritising soft skills alongside technical expertise, my client learned to hire team members who not only got the job done but also upheld his company’s reputation for professionalism and customer satisfaction. It’s a balance that can truly transform your team dynamic and drive your business forward.

Mistake #2: Neglecting Cultural Fit

As an electrician business coach, I often suggest to electrical business owners that they consider their company culture when hiring. Your team is an extension of your brand, representing your values and work style to clients and the broader industry. Ensuring that new hires align with this culture is critical, not just for maintaining a smooth workflow but also for upholding your business’s reputation. When you prioritise cultural fit, you are setting the foundation for a team that works cohesively towards shared goals, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

For example, let’s say you run an electrical business that prides itself on punctuality and professionalism – key qualities that clients often value the most. Bringing someone on board who consistently arrives late or has trouble following safety protocols won’t just disrupt your operations, it can also erode your credibility with customers. To avoid this, I recommend taking the time to clearly define your expectations during the interview process. Share examples of your values in action and ask candidates how they see themselves contributing to that environment. By assessing whether they truly share your vision, you can make hiring decisions that strengthen your team and support your long-term success.

Mistake #3: Skipping Reference Checks

It’s tempting to skip reference checks, especially when time is of the essence and you’re eager to get someone on board. However, rushing past this step can lead to costly mistakes, from hiring individuals who aren’t a good fit to overlooking red flags that could have been identified with a simple call. Reference checks serve as a vital safeguard, helping you verify a candidate’s background and confirm their suitability for your team. As an electrical business coach, I often stress the importance of this step to my clients, as the insights gained can be pivotal in making informed decisions.

One of my clients learned this lesson the hard way after skipping reference checks for a technician hire. While the candidate seemed promising, performance and reliability issues soon emerged, causing disruptions and additional stress. After experiencing this setback, my client implemented a thorough reference-checking process, asking targeted questions like: “How did they handle challenging situations?” “Were they reliable and consistent?” “Would you hire them again?” The results were immediate – subsequent hires proved to be stronger additions to the team, with fewer surprises down the line. By making reference checks a non-negotiable part of your hiring process, you can avoid unnecessary headaches and build a team you can truly rely on.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Onboarding

Hiring doesn’t end with signing a contract; it’s just the beginning of a process that can shape the future performance and satisfaction of your team. Onboarding is a crucial step that sets the tone for how new hires integrate into your business. A well-structured onboarding process not only equips team members with the tools and knowledge they need but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence, encouraging them to contribute effectively from day one. A

One of my clients, an electrical contractor, experienced challenges with high turnover and disengaged employees, which impacted overall productivity. To address this, we developed an onboarding checklist tailored to their business. The checklist included comprehensive training sessions, safety protocol reviews, and regular check-ins during the first few months. The results were immediate; new hires felt welcomed and supported, which improved their morale and performance. This structured approach ensured that employees not only understood their roles but also felt confident about meeting expectations and contributing to the team’s success. By prioritising onboarding, you can lay the foundation for a high-performing, loyal team that drives your business forward.

Mistake #5: Failing to Plan for Growth

Finally, one of the biggest hiring mistakes electricians make is failing to plan for growth. It’s easy to get caught up in addressing immediate needs (filling a gap on the team or meeting the demands of a current project) without taking a step back to consider the bigger picture. However, short-term thinking can leave your business vulnerable as it evolves. Your team’s ability to adapt and thrive depends on the choices you make today. That’s why I recommend that my business coaching for electricians clients approach hiring strategically, focusing not just on the present but on how each new hire can contribute to their long-term goals.

Imagine you’re planning to expand into commercial projects, a move that requires team members with specialised knowledge and experience in that area. By proactively seeking candidates who align with your future objectives, you’ll build a team that’s prepared to take on these opportunities without the stress of scrambling to fill skills gaps later. One of my clients recently followed this approach when aiming to diversify their services. By hiring with their long-term vision in mind, they not only avoided growing pains but also positioned their business for sustained success. Strategic hiring ensures you’re not just keeping up but actively building a team that will drive your business forward into its next chapter.

Build Your Dream Team

Hiring can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to build a team that supports your vision and drives your business forward. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies I’ve shared, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong, cohesive team that sets your business apart.

If you’re unsure where to start or need tailored advice, let’s work together to create a hiring plan that aligns with your goals. As an experienced electrician business coach, I’m here to help you navigate the hiring process and position your business for success. Reach out today, and let’s make your dream team a reality.