These days, the biggest issue I hear about among our salon partners is finding great employees. In the competitive beauty and wellness industry, recruiting top-tier staff is essential to your success. Rather than simply hiring people who can just fill your open shifts, strategic recruitment ensures that you bring on board individuals whose values align with yours, who contribute to your growth and enhance the overall customer experience. Here are some effective strategies to help you recruit great employees.
Develop & Define Your Brand
To attract high-caliber talent, you must clearly define your salon’s culture, values and the unique aspects that set it apart as well as being an enjoyable place to work. Make sure to showcase a positive work environment and any perks or benefits you offer (Hello, free tanning!)
Utilize the Power of Social Media
Instead of just advertising “Now Hiring” be sure to share engaging content showing all the wonderful things about your current team and why potential candidates would want to be a part of it.
Develop a Professional Careers Page on Your Website
On a dedicated page, provide detailed info about the jobs available, the application process and the benefits of working for you. Include testimonials from current or past employees. Allow people to apply even if you do not have any open roles, but be transparent about that. Keep their info; you never know when the perfect fit will come along and this will also help establish a database of potential employees.
Emphasize Career Growth Opportunities
Whether it’s opportunities for skill development, promotions or additional responsibilities, showcasing a clear path for professional growth can attract ambitious and dedicated candidates. You want people to view your salon as more than just a “job” – allowing you to maintain quality team members for a longer amount of time.
Create a Positive Workplace Culture
This is a powerful magnet for attracting top talent. If you showcase the exciting things about working in your salon, you are more likely to attract fun and outgoing people, and we know outgoing people tend to make great salespeople. Create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and motivated.
Implement Employee Referral Programs
Encourage existing staff to refer qualified candidates, with incentives such as bonuses or additional time off, etc. for successful hires. This not only taps into your team’s network but also reinforces a positive workplace culture. Plus, if you are happy with your current staff, they most likely have friends in their circle with the same positive traits.
Build a Talent Pipeline
Maintain relationships with promising candidates even if they’re not an immediate fit or you don’t have an opening for them. Regularly communicate with potential hires to keep them informed about future opportunities. Even letting them know that you are not hiring at the moment but will keep their resume on file for when you are is a great start.
Seek Honest Feedback from Current Staff
Ask about their experiences working at your salon, the hiring and training process, as well as what their expectations were coming in and what they wish they would have known. Use this info to continually improve your recruitment strategies, address any concerns and enhance the overall employee experience.
Recruiting great employees involves a thoughtful and strategic approach – more than just posting a “Now Hiring” sign. By showcasing your salon’s unique qualities, offering growth opportunities and creating a positive workplace culture, you can attract and retain top-tier talent. Remember, the success of any business is deeply tied to the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of its employees, so investing time and effort in recruitment always pays off in the long run.
