FAQ - I am having a hard time hiring for the needs of my business. What can I do?
One Friday, each month, I dedicate the post to looking at some questions I have heard recently from developing leaders. Sharing those questions and my thoughts for them is a way for me to spread the information to as many leaders and future leaders as possible. If you have a question about leadership, or just a situation you would like some additional insight on, please email me at Effective Retail Leader. Let’s take a look at this week’s question.
II have a lot of trouble hiring for my store, I never seem to have enough good applicants to choose from. What else can I do?
Hiring enough of the right people has always been a challenge. It crosses many industries and primarily driven by the need for skilled and talented workers in any business. There are so many factors that can increase or decrease the effort required to fill the positions you need. There is no silver bullet. Less than six months ago (as of this writing), unemployment was at record lows. Fast forward a few months from that point, add in a global pandemic, and unemployment is seeing peaks not recorded for decades. Yet, in many cases, especially retail, hiring is still no easy task.
The question at hand here is common and came in before we hit the current coronavirus crisis; it has new implications today. Many people who would be considering entry-level or front line retail work continue to receive stimulus checks or unemployment from previous jobs. Economically speaking, it is more lucrative to continue to sit on the couch versus going to work for some. That will not last forever, though. However, that said, they may not be the candidates you are really looking for in many instances.
So what can you do as a leader to improve your hiring opportunities and capture the talent you need and are looking for?
Create a great work environment
Some brands attract candidates by themselves. Starbucks has a continual flow of potential applicants. Retailers like Container Store have historically never had a shortage of people looking to work for them. They have backlogs of potential candidates that they can choose from, largely based on reputation alone. However, even if your company name doesn’t bring people to the hiring table, you can impact that in the hyperlocal arena. When you create a workplace that is fun, engaging, and rewarding, people talk. If you are consistently taking excellent care of your customers, they will share that information. All of this will lead to more potential talent interested in working in your location.
Ask you team
Referrals may still be one of the single best ways to get new candidates. Talk to your team and let them know what you are looking for. Very few people will recommend others that will not live up to the same standards as they have. No one can tell a prospective applicant better than a current employee what it is like to work in your store. If your current team is fully engaged and passionate about what they do and why - that will come across to others.
ABCs
I know I have mentioned this before in previous articles, but one of my favorite things a former Human Resources leader that I worked with said was, “Remember the ABCs - Always Be ‘Cruitin.’” It is a little corny, but we all remember it, and they are words to live by. You have to always be looking for the next great associate. When you find them, figure out a way to get them into your business. Even if it is not immediately, make a connection and stay in contact. Then you will always have a list of people to reach out to when opportunities arise.
Hiring is one of the most challenging things any leader faces in running a business. There is so much at stake; it is such a problematic dance in finding the right fits within a budget and aligning the timing correctly. But each of those can be managed and planned. It is simply something that must be worked regularly and aggressively. The more people from your team you can get involved in seeking, supporting, and working your long-term hiring plan, the better you will always be on your hiring front.
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