The Essential Five

Staff are always a vital part of the business, without them; there wouldn’t be a business, which is why it is important to understand what you should look for when recruiting new team members. Recruitment guru, Eve Hollingworth, Manager at Spa & Salon Staff reveals the five points to remember when employing a new member of staff.

Sourcing Candidates – Use your network

Don’t fall into the trap of spending a fortune just on job boards, definitely post adverts but think about using your own network. Referral schemes are powerful and for you as the employer, they are reassuring. Make your vacancy known to clients, reps, colleagues and friends whose opinions you already trust.

Screening – Save time and invest over the phone

Once you receive a CV, don’t book candidates in for face to face interviews immediately. Pick the phone up and ask questions. Being able to hold a strong phone conversation is also a good indication of the candidate’s customer service abilities, so chat first! Finding out availability, salary expectation and then skill set as the priority will save time when it comes to interview stage.

Upfront References – Commitment test

Get your candidate to give you the contact details of their referees as soon as you can. Do this before you book in any interviews as it also acts as a commitment test that your candidate is serious.

Interviews – Encourage questions

Before asking your interview questions, give a thorough overview of your business, the role you are recruiting for and the position of the role within the business. Don’t grill. By interview stage you should have a good idea of who your candidate is so encourage as many questions from them as you can.

Retention – Just being there makes your staff happy

We all know that starting a new job is scary. As the employer or manager, make sure that you are present or that the new member of staff is signposted to a colleague for support. You have brought this person through the whole process so being there as a familiar face will help your new recruit to find their feet within the team. One of the biggest reasons staff leave any industry is feeling uncared for, which leads to feeling undervalued. Make time to check in with individuals on a regular basis and encourage honesty and feedback.