What makes Ferguson so unique?
According to Jones, there’s a lot of opportunity at the company because of its size. Although being so big can present challenges for many organizations, Ferguson tries to imitate small business tactics in order to stay successful, which is a very unique quality for a large company.
“I think something that makes us unique is the agility we have to make business decisions,” said Jones. “Although we’re a $17 billion company -- we’re HUGE -- we have the agility of a small business to make decisions quickly and to do what’s best for the customer.”
Having that ability to serve the customer is very important to the organization, said Jones. Everything they do boils down to customer service. So, having the opportunity to put the customer first, even though it's such a massive company, definitely gives Ferguson an edge over its competitors.
Another thing that makes Ferguson so great is the people, according to Jones.
“It’s crazy to think about how [you can] get passionate about supplying toilets and plumbing and pipes,” said Jones. “It’s not the product at the end of the day, it’s what our company stands for and the opportunity and the people behind it.”
What makes your employees successful?
“We’re not afraid of a challenge,” said Jones. “We’re number one in our industry for a reason. We work very, very hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it.”
According to Jones, people who succeed in the organization are excited by challenges, love building relationships with the team and the customers, and want to grow with the company. She said it’s typical to meet someone who’s worked at the company for decades in a variety of positions.
“We don’t ever want you to feel complacent,” said Jones. “We want you to grow.”
But the people who are the most successful at the organization are the ones who speak up with their ideas, according to Jones. In order to stay ahead of the competition as a plumbing company, Ferguson needs people who contribute innovative ideas. So, bring your thinking cap!
What should candidates think about when they’re applying for jobs at Ferguson?
When it comes to hard skills, Jones said customer service is always a plus. However, what they really look for in candidates is personality and passion.
“You don’t have to know anything about plumbing or construction material,” said Jones. “We care about that personality and that passion.”
Jones advised anyone who’s interested in joining the team to show their passions, skills, and involvements because they take all of that into consideration. They really want to get to know you on a personal level before they hire you to make sure you’re the right fit for the company. Focusing on making that connection with the team is very important when it comes to standing out.
Another tip Jones shared was to drop fun facts about yourself. Whether it’s a crazy trip you went on or a hobby you love, things like that help her remember candidates. These personal, unique facts will also allow you to connect people on that personal level so you can demonstrate your ability to click with the team.
So, when it comes to applying to companies like Ferguson, don’t worry about having all of the right skills and experience, especially as a new grad. Instead, focus on creating that connection.
Are you interested in learning more about Ferguson? Check out the company website!
Ariella Coombs
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