“Finding good help” in the form of qualified, trained AV professionals continues to be the biggest challenge facing the industry.
In CI+SSI’s recent “State of the Industry” report, an overwhelming 76% of survey respondents identified “talent” as one of their top three challenges. As demand for skilled AV professionals continues to be a major pain point, companies are struggling to attract, hire, and retain the right people.
In such a competitive landscape, relying on traditional hiring methods is no longer enough. To succeed, organizations must adopt a strategic and multifaceted approach to recruitment and retention — one that emphasizes employer branding, innovative sourcing and long-term employee development.
Here’s how to stand out and build a team that drives your company’s success.
Build a Strong Employer Brand
In the digital age, your company’s online presence can be just as important as the product or services you offer. For younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials, a company’s culture, values, and mission are critical factors when deciding where to work.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your company culture. Share stories of employee success, behind-the-scenes looks at exciting projects, and posts highlighting your organization’s values.
- Define Your Core Values: Make your company’s mission and values visible, not just in interviews but across all public-facing platforms. A clear message about your company’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and growth can make a strong impression on prospective employees.
- Prioritize a Positive Culture: Foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. This could mean offering flexibility, recognizing achievements, or hosting team-building events.
A strong employer brand isn’t just a tool for attracting talent; it also sets the tone for retaining top performers.
Offer More Than a Job to AV Professionals; Offer a Career
In today’s world, many individuals are seeking alternatives to the traditional college path due to the high costs and burdensome student debt. The AV industry presents an incredible opportunity for those looking to build a career without taking on that significant financial debt.
By emphasizing how the industry offers pathways for growth and strong wages, companies can position themselves as an attractive alternative to costly degrees.
Highlighting success stories, where employees have advanced from entry-level positions to senior levels can demonstrate that this is more than just a job; it’s a career with long-term potential, financial stability and fulfillment.
- Career Development: Communicate how roles at your company can evolve over time. Highlight opportunities for advancement in job postings and interviews.
- Skill Training: Invest in training programs to help employees stay at the forefront of industry trends.
Showing that you are invested in your team’s growth demonstrates that you see employees as long-term assets — not just temporary resources.
Sourcing AV Professionals: Traditional and Alternative Sources
Finding top talent for the AV industry requires a multi-faceted approach that combines traditional recruiting methods with creative strategies to tap into alternative talent pools.
While job boards, industry specific recruiters, and employee referral programs remain effective, building a proactive pipeline of candidates through internships and partnerships with educational institutions can provide a steady stream of skilled and enthusiastic professionals.
One standout example is the success seen at Pace University through NextLVL Learning. This program collaborates with the AV industry to create pathways for students, offering hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for real-world roles.
By forging partnerships with local colleges and universities, companies can create similar programs, nurturing a future workforce tailored to their unique needs.
Related: Cultivating Diverse and Youthful Talent for a Thriving Future
Additionally, expanding your search to professionals in adjacent industries such as electrical, security, IT or other installation and integration fields can introduce candidates with transferable skills.
Many of these professionals already possess technical expertise and an aptitude for problem-solving, which can be honed through AV-specific training.
To stay competitive, AV companies must continually explore both traditional and alternative recruitment sources, building a comprehensive strategy that ensures access to the best talent, both now and in the future.
Hire AV Professionals for Character; Train the Skills
In the AV industry, technical skills are essential, but they can be taught. What cannot be taught, and what truly sets apart exceptional team members, are characteristics like strong character, a solid work ethic and grit. These attributes form the foundation of long-term success and often outweigh even the most impressive resumes.
Hiring individuals who demonstrate determination, resilience and a willingness to go the extra mile ensures your team will remain adaptable and committed in the face of challenges.
Although technical expertise can be developed through on-the-job training or industry certifications, traits like integrity, accountability and perseverance are intrinsic and harder to cultivate.
When assessing candidates, prioritize these qualities. Look for individuals who have a proven track record of overcoming obstacles, a history of hard work and a passion for growth. By focusing on character and grit, you can build a team that not only excels today but continues to grow and thrive in the future.
Retain Your Talent: Your Most Valuable Investment
After investing significant time and resources into finding, training and cultivating your top AV talent, retention should be a top priority for every employer.
Retaining employees isn’t just about avoiding the expense of recruiting and onboarding replacements—though it is far less expensive to retain talent than to hire new team members. It’s also about preserving the institutional knowledge, skills, and relationships that your employees bring to the table.
The best way to prevent losing your employees is to treat them with respect and recognize their contributions. Employees who feel valued are less likely to be tempted by outside offers. Regularly reward their hard work and dedication, a little bit of recognition can go a long way.
Of course, competitive raises are important as well. Annual cost-of-living increases are no longer enough in today’s market. To truly retain your top performers, you must ensure their compensation reflects their worth and keeps pace with the market value.
Investing in employee growth is another critical retention strategy. Offer opportunities for skill development, certifications, and leadership training to show your team you’re committed to their long-term success. Employees who see a clear path for career advancement within your company are far less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Finally, don’t leave room for competitors to poach your talent. A supportive workplace culture that fosters engagement, collaboration and trust will make employees think twice before jumping ship.
Retention isn’t just about keeping your team together; it’s about building a company that your employees are proud to be a part of and that they believe in for the long haul. By prioritizing retention, you solidify your workforce and position your company for sustained success.
Building a Workforce of AV Professionals for Long-Term Success
The AV industry faces undeniable challenges in attracting and retaining top talent, but those challenges are not insurmountable.
By focusing on employer branding, offering clear career pathways, sourcing candidates through both traditional and alternative means, hiring for character and grit, and prioritizing retention, companies can build a strong and sustainable workforce.
The key is to approach talent acquisition and retention as a holistic, ongoing strategy rather than a one-time effort. Highlighting the industry’s unique advantages — like opportunities for career growth without the burden of college debt can open doors to a new generation of skilled workers.
Investing in employees’ growth, rewarding their hard work, and fostering a culture of respect and recognition will ensure your team remains loyal and engaged.
In a competitive job market, success depends on being proactive, adaptable and people focused. By implementing these strategies, your company can not only overcome the challenges of “finding good help” but also become a sought-after employer that attracts, develops and retains the best talent in the AV industry.
Leo Golubitsky is the founder and headhunter at Birddog Talent, a recruiting firm that specializes in the AV integration industry. Before founding Birddog Talent, he spent nearly 20 years running a top AV integration firm, recognized both nationally and locally for excellence. Golubitsky can be reached at [email protected].
