7 Reasons New Roofers Can't Land Jobs: Avoid These to Succeed

New roofers make 7 crucial mistakes and unknowingly hinder their employment opportunities. We've shaped 4000+ roofers in Illinois, and they've told us a lot about the hurdles they've faced in their careers.

In this guide, we explain the 7 mistakes that most new roofers make. You'll learn about the pitfalls, solutions, and get an action plan to boost your career. We've also listed some potential job boards for new roofers.

1. Lack of Basic Safety Certifications

Most new roofers lack safety certifications, which reduces their job availability. Homeowners and companies avoid hiring workers like these because of the liability. It might seem inconsequential, but the statistics are harrowing.

Roofing ranks among construction's most dangerous trades. According to research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The roofing industry experienced 134 workplace fatalities in 2023
• The roofing industry has a fatality rate of 51.8 per 100,000

Of the 134 fatalities in roofing, 110 were caused by a fall, slip, or trip, meaning 82% of fatalities happened because of a fall. Safety certifications give employers more confidence in your abilities and lower your risk profile.

Fall protection was OSHA's most frequently cited standard in 2024. Employers want roofers with the right skills. Joining an OSHA safety course can help you land new jobs more easily.

Solutions

• Complete OSHA 10-hour construction safety certification
• Obtain fall protection training via community colleges or trade organizations
• Get first aid/CPR certification to demonstrate additional safety commitment
• List all safety certifications prominently on your resume
• Check local union halls for free safety training programs

2. Unrealistic Salary Expectations

Entry-level roofers don't earn journey-level wages. While roofing contractors make $ 50,000 per annum on average, salaries vary significantly. For example, a new roofer earns much less compared to a seasoned expert.

Starting wages typically range from the minimum wage to several dollars above it, varying by region. Most new roofers estimate their value and ask for too much. Employers mark them as demanding employees.

Please research the local market wages and apply leverage only when needed. Ask for better wages if you're being undervalued. You can also join a roofing apprenticeship, which offers lower initial pay but better training and explosive growth.

Solutions

• Research entry-level roofing wages in your specific area before interviews
• Express that you're beginning your career and value learning opportunities
• Ask about the wage progression timeline and performance-based raises
• Focus discussions on skill development rather than leading with salary demands
• Request information about benefit packages, which add significant value

3. Poor Interview and Application Presentation

Professionalism matters in trades, and unfortunately, some new roofers underestimate it. The idea of "winging an interview" sounds great, but it doesn't work in the real world. Prepare for each interview and application to show the employer that you mean business.

Showing up late, wearing inappropriate clothing, submitting error-filled applications, or communicating poorly signals unreliability. You might be the best roofer in the state, but you won't get a crack at a job if you don't know how to present your skills and expertise.

We know it becomes hectic when you apply for 30 jobs, attend 20 interviews, and still don't get your shot. You lose energy and the will to give each interview a shot. However, you can make the process less tedious by turning it into a disciplined routine.

Solutions

• Arrive 10 minutes early, wearing clean work clothes or business casual attire
• Proofread all written materials; use spell-check on applications and emails
• Prepare 3 to 4 relevant questions about training and job specializations
• Send a brief thank-you message within 24 hours of the interviews
• Speak clearly on phone calls and avoid texting unless requested
• Create a reference list with former supervisors who can verify work ethic

4. Limited Availability and Flexibility

The roofing industry is dictated by weather. Some weeks will have unreal labor shortages, while others will feel drier than sand in Texas. New roofers fail to grasp these patterns and miss out on employment opportunities.

Furthermore, some new roofers have limited availability. Crews work long hours during ideal conditions, then face slower periods during rain. Candidates with strict scheduling limitations become liabilities that contractors can't accommodate.

Refusing weekend work, requiring specific days off, or lacking reliable transportation eliminates you from consideration. Stay available as long as it doesn't disrupt your work-life balance.

Solutions

• Commit to flexible scheduling during peak season
• Arrange reliable transportation before job hunting
• Be transparent about any unavoidable conflicts, but emphasize flexibility
• Understand seasonal variation and adapt accordingly
• Demonstrate willingness to work weekends and overtime when weather permits
• Have backup transportation plans for early morning starts at varying locations

5. No Demonstrated Physical Capability

Roofing demands extreme physical capability in every aspect, including inspections, roof replacements, and repairs. Property managers and employers actively look for physical ability in potential roofers. Unfortunately, new roofers don't develop their strength or techniques.

When they get to the job site, the sheer effort catches them off guard. High turnover from workers who quit after one day makes contractors cautious. Develop your strength and show employers that you can handle the physical toil.

Solutions

• Highlight previous physical labor experience (construction, landscaping, warehouse, military, farming)
• Start a conditioning program to build fitness before job hunting
• Gain preliminary experience through day labor services
• Mention specific examples of working in difficult conditions during interviews
• Offer to work a trial day to demonstrate capability
• Be honest about your fitness level during the interview

6. Inadequate Job Search Strategy

Most roofing jobs aren't advertised online, and small to medium contractors prefer traditional hiring processes. A majority of roofing businesses hire through referrals, walk-ins, and word-of-mouth. Limiting your search to job boards misses where actual hiring happens.

Roofers who do not build connections and ignore their industry peers also miss crucial opportunities. That's why we highly recommend joining apprenticeships and other unions. Try to interact with your peers, learn from them to build connections.

Join different roofing forums and talk to people. Visit local roofing businesses and ask the staff about potential and current openings. If you're a new roofing business, brush up on tactics to get commercial roofing jobs.

Solutions

• Visit local roofing supply houses and tell the staff you're seeking work
• Apply in person to small and medium roofing companies with a resume in hand
• Research union apprenticeship programs and join if possible
• Attend local trade association meetings if possible
• Tell your personal network you're seeking roofing work
• Check contractor trucks in your neighborhood and inquire about openings
• Visit active job sites during lunch breaks to ask about opportunities

7. Lack of Roofing License and Knowledge

Arriving at interviews without understanding basic roofing terminology, tools, or materials shows a lack of investment. Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative through self-education. 

Take a quick quiz and brush up on terminology before interviews. Be upfront about what you know and what you don't. You don't need mastery of every topic as a new roofer; you just need an eagerness to learn.

Having a roofing license adds an extra stamp of validation to your resume. According to some state laws, you cannot undertake roofing jobs without a license. Get a license and expand your employment opportunities.

Solutions

• Get a roofing license to validate your experience
• Watch YouTube videos on basic roofing techniques and terminology
• Visit roofing supply stores to familiarize yourself with materials and tools
• Learn standard tools, roofing systems, and techniques
• Research each company before interviews; understand their specializations
• Prepare to purchase basic hand tools after hiring (requirements vary)
• Ask informed questions about training processes and material preferences

Potential Job Boards for New Roofers

Here are 8 job boards that almost always have a new roofing job:

1. Indeed: One of the largest job search engines with thousands of roofing positions across all experience levels, including entry-level and apprenticeships.
2. ZipRecruiter: Features roofing jobs in the US with one-click apply options and sends matching job alerts based on your profile.
3. Monster: Long-established job board with construction and roofing categories, plus resume-building tools.
4. CareerBuilder: Offers roofing positions and allows you to filter by experience level to find trainee and helper roles.
5. Construction Jobs: Industry-specific site focused entirely on construction trades, including residential and commercial roofing.
6. Craigslist: Local classifieds often have roofing companies posting for laborers and helpers, especially smaller local contractors.
7. Glassdoor: Lists roofing jobs while also providing company reviews and salary information to help you evaluate employers.
8. SimplyHired: Aggregates roofing jobs from multiple sources and offers salary estimates for different positions.

You can also use LinkedIn and Facebook to search for jobs. While you're doing this, please remember to create a new resume highlighting your skills and expertise.

Job Action Plan For New Roofers

We all need a checklist to track things, so here's one for you. We've divided everything you need to do on a weekly basis. It starts with:

Immediate Actions (Week 1)

• Apply for a Limited or Unlimited roofing license if you don't have one
• Enroll in the OSHA 10 online certification
• Research local entry-level roofing wages
• Create or update a resume highlighting relevant experience
• Identify 10 to 15 local roofing contractors for direct contact
• Start training (build stamina and endurance)

Short-Term Actions (Weeks 2 to 4)

• Complete OSHA certification
• Visit roofing supply houses to network
• Apply in person to contractors
• Research union apprenticeships
• Join the best roofing forums

Ongoing Actions (Continuous)

• Follow up on all applications within one week
• Expand job search beyond online postings
• Continue learning roofing terminology and techniques
• Maintain flexible availability
• Build connections with roofing professionals

FAQs on Roofing Jobs and New Professionals

What is the hardest part of roofing?

The hardest part of roofing is working safely at height while maintaining balance and accuracy. Roofers must handle heavy materials, endure extreme temperatures, and prevent falls. That's why roofing and construction jobs have more on-site injuries.

What is the future of roofing?

The future of roofing focuses on energy efficiency, sustainability, and technology integration. Solar roofs, cool roofing materials, and green roofs will dominate new construction. Advancements in drones, 3D modeling, and self-repairing materials will make roofing safer, more durable, and environmentally responsible.

Do you need a license for roofing?

Yes, you need a license for roofing in most states, including Illinois. Roofing requires skill and understanding of local building codes, shingles, structure, and installations. A license validates your skills and understanding of each aspect.

 Bottom Line on Why Roofers Can't Land Roofing Jobs

Most new roofers or roofing contractors can't land jobs because they don't understand the industry. They don't know where to look for jobs or how to respond in interviews. Others lack valuable connections in the industry.

We highly recommend getting the right certifications and knowledge before applying for jobs. Brush up your resume, talk to people, and look for jobs online + offline. Finally, get a roofing license if you haven't already.

Getting a roofing license means validating your skills. Join our roofing classes, where we connect you with peers from the roofing industry. Build valuable connections, gain the necessary knowledge, and boost your career.