Are you looking to add new staff or faculty to your business? We are always on the lookout for new people to add to our team every day, all year long. Why? Because you never know when the right one will appear so I recommend that you keep your eyes and ears open.
I always tell business owners to be perfectly honest with themselves during all phases of the hiring process. First of all, don't hire someone because they are a friend of the family or happen to be the best friend of a good customer of yours. By the same token, don't hire a relative to be part of your operation because in many respects, that's just asking for trouble. Other employees might get the wrong idea when family is on the job. Keep things as professional and balanced as possible. Look at people's resumes, but even more importantly, watch and listen carefully when you bring them in for an interview.
Have they dressed appropriately for the position?
As they are talking, ask yourself if this is the type of person that your studio's clientele would like and respect? Is this honestly a good fit?
Experience on paper is important, but how you truly feel about applicants sitting right in front of you and what vibes they happen to be giving off should vie for first place during the hiring process.
Ask questions as if they were already on the job. How would they handle certain situations, as described by you? What are their long-term goals and aspirations? Where do they see themselves in five years? What are three things totally unique to them that they would bring to the table if they were hired?
What's on a resume can often be deceiving. Someone whose resume lists years of experience in the industry and dealing with the public may present himself as anything but when you meet him in person. There is no way you'd put this person in front of your customers! By the same token, an industry novice, whose resume shows few dealings with the public, might pique your interest and you won't even know exactly why. There's something about how that person's face seems to glow and light up when he or she smiles. Something deep within you just senses something special about this person's personality, and you just know you must have this candidate on your staff. The key is that you need to have a way to train anyone who may be working for you so that they can understand and know what you want. These are all important things to keep in mind when it comes time to hire.
I have often hired people over the phone, never having met the candidate, and knew after the first few minutes of the call that the person was either a perfect fit or not for the position. You know in your heart of hearts if a person is right for a job. It's important to be in touch with that part of yourself during all stages of the hiring process.
Remember that the person answering your phone is the voice of your business! If you have two people you like you could have both applicants do a test run answering the phone by having a trusted friend or associate call your business with some simple questions. Get their honest feedback on their performance and listen in.
If you can it is not a bad idea to involve other staff members when a candidate comes in for an interview. Ask those employees what they thought of this person and whether that person would indeed be a good fit. The more you involve your staff members in the everyday operation of your studio, the more they feel an honored part of the team. Teamwork and moving forward as a team is huge when it comes to the successful business practices. Their input can also help you with your decision making.
