Why You Should Start Recruiting Now for Your 2026 Starters
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Thursday, November 6, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, many employers are taking stock of project pipelines, budgets, and staffing needs for the year ahead. But for forward-thinking organisations, now is the time to look even further ahead — to the talent you’ll need at the start of 2026.
At Maxim Recruitment, we’re already seeing smart employers begin the process of identifying and securing the best candidates for next year’s project launches, graduate intakes, and leadership development pipelines. Here’s why acting early makes business sense.
Secure the Best Talent Before Your Competitors Do
High-calibre experienced professionals experienced in building construction, housing, infrastructure, and engineering are in high demand. Many are already exploring new opportunities for the next phase of their careers, and the most proactive employers are speaking to and are meeting them to discuss further now.
By starting early, you’ll be able to build relationships with top candidates before the rush, giving you a competitive edge in a tight construction skills market.
Plan Ahead for Project Mobilisation
With many new projects scheduled to start in early 2026, having your key hires in place ahead of time ensures a smooth mobilisation phase. Recruitment can take several months, particularly for senior or technical roles that require multiple interviews, international searches, or relocation logistics.
Starting now will give you and your new team members the breathing room to plan properly and hit the ground running when the new year begins.
Align Recruitment with Budgeting and Workforce Planning
The end of the year is when many organisations set budgets and review headcounts. Factoring in 2026 recruitment needs now, allows you to align hiring with financial planning and resource forecasting. Our consultants can help you map out your likely hiring needs, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and avoid last-minute reactive recruitment.
Build Your Employer Brand Early
Top candidates are drawn to employers who plan ahead, communicate clearly, and show stability. Having a strong and continuous pipeline of project work is attractive to candidates. Advertising upcoming opportunities for 2026 start dates demonstrates that your business is forward-looking, well-organised, and committed to growth and good career progression for employees.
It’s also an excellent time to refresh your employer branding and candidate engagement strategy, something our team at Maxim can support you with.
Act Now — Set Your 2026 Recruitment Strategy in Motion
If your business will need project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, or other construction professionals to start in early 2026, the time to act is now.
Our specialist recruitment team can help you:
- Identify talent in the market ahead of competitors
- Manage long-lead candidate processes (including relocations and visas)
- Ensure new hires are ready to start when your projects do
Talk to Maxim Recruitment today about your workforce plans for 2026. Let’s make sure you have the right people in place, at the right time for a successful start to the year.
Contact Us to discuss your upcoming hiring needs.
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.