As in any industry, we know that our success and our longevity is due, in part, to having a great team. In my travels to salons, I meet operators in many different markets – from those just starting in the tanning business, to seasoned industry veterans – and they all struggle with the same dilemma: finding and maintaining a solid staff.
The ideal salon employee needs to have many qualities, including a friendly and energetic personality, a good work ethic and most importantly, strong sales skills. Finding these people can be difficult; so this month, to help ensure you have quality staff members in place for the upcoming busy season, we’re going to go over some of the keys to hiring great employees.
It’s called a JOB because it’s WORK!
In observing the interview process, I’ve seen many salon operators “selling” the applicant on the job and making it appear “fun” or, they simply hire by “seeking those who love to tan”. Although the tanning industry IS fun, your interviewees are still applying for a J-O-B. I’ve seen salon owners make the mistake of representing a position on their staff as easy; during an interview, be sure you explain that the position actually requires work! I know it sounds silly, but to avoid problems later, make it very clear – explain that every night after closing, the salon is meticulously cleaned, and that staff is responsible for themselves and their shift. Remind them that your salon does not operate on “banker’s hours” and employment with your company includes working nights and on the weekends. Most importantly, this is not a front desk job, it’s a sales position. Make sure your applicants know that they are required to sell and educate clients on products and services – not just answer phones and assign tanning rooms.
It’s important to hire the type of people you can trust to be the face of your business in your absence.
Ask the Right Questions
After you educate your applicant on what you expect from your salon employees, find out a little about them. Below are my favorite and most useful salon interview questions:
- What do you hope to gain from this position?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- What does “success” mean to you and how have you tried to achieve it?
- What was the least rewarding thing about your last job? The most rewarding?
- What attracted you to your last job? What was your reasoning for leaving?
The Element of Surprise
This is, by far, my favorite interview question – it will help you weed out some of your less desirable candidates. Ask your applicant to take something out of their purse or pocket and “sell” it to you. They might give you a puzzled look; but explain that they are the consumer who purchased the item and you’re asking them why they bought it. The ones who shine will have no problem pulling out an item (wallet, pen, lipstick, etc.) and explaining why it is the best lipstick they ever bought!
A good staff is a huge contributing factor in any company’s success. Finding qualified employees, training and keeping them motivated all come into play. It’s important to hire the type of people you can trust to be the face of your business in your absence.
There is a quote by Mary Kay cosmetics founder, Mary Kay Ash, which seems fitting here: “People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps.”
Happy Hiring!
