Hair salons and spas often grapple with frequent turnover among their staff, which can significantly affect their profitability. Whether stylists and service providers seek career advancement or the salon environment simply isn’t the right fit, employee turnover is a common challenge. But certainly, the staff changes have no corner, and you can utilize the appropriate methods to make people join you and stay with you. Below, let’s discuss some important hiring tips and techniques for salon owners. When you are seeking employees who will stay on your team and grow your business, you can take advantage of these insights to build a strong workforce. For those seeking employment opportunities, utilizing keywords like “Hair Salons And Spas Near Me” can help you discover available positions in your area.
Employment Brand
When it comes to staffing, it’s essential to maintain a consistent focus on recruitment throughout the year rather than scrambling only when there’s an immediate need. Cultivating a robust employment brand is crucial. This not only ensures that potential hires are familiar with your salons or spas but also entices them to consider joining your team. Establishing a strong reputation as an employer can facilitate the swift hiring of qualified stylists who are likely to stay with your establishment for the long term.
Brand Reputation
Building a solid reputation is crucial in attracting job candidates who are increasingly conducting research about your company before applying. Whether your barber shop has been a fixture in the community for years, draws clients from afar for upscale services, or focuses on offering quick and affordable cuts to local families, potential hires want to know what sets your establishment apart.
Similar to how you cultivate your reputation among clients, shaping your employment brand online is key. Your website and social media platforms serve as vital tools in this endeavor:
- Dedicate a section of your website to attracting top talent, showcasing employee stories, milestones, and awards to illustrate the opportunities available at your shop.
- Highlight your company values and how your team embodies them, such as through community involvement or volunteer work.
- Encourage employee testimonials to provide insights into the working environment and growth opportunities.
- Participate in industry competitions and foster relationships with local colleges offering relevant programs. Consider mentorship programs, classroom presentations, or sponsoring hairstyling competitions to engage with potential future hires.
Job Postings
When stylists drop off their resumes at your salon, it’s worth taking a moment to review them, even if you’re fully staffed. Keeping quality resumes on file can prove beneficial when new openings arise, potentially saving time and money during the hiring process.
If you need to broaden your search and advertise an opening, begin by crafting a clear job description that incorporates your salon’s employment brand. Once the job description is ready, utilize these free or cost-effective methods to spread the word:
- Your salon’s website
- Social media platforms
- Implement a referral program where existing staff or clients can recommend a friend or hairstylist, with incentives like gift cards for successful referrals.
- Utilize online job boards such as Modern Salon, Lookbook App, Behind the Chair, Salon Magazine, Indeed, and Monster.
- Reach out to beauty or cosmetology schools, which can be particularly effective for hiring recent or upcoming graduates.
Employee Selection
When it’s time to choose from a pool of qualified candidates for your salon or spa, it’s essential to consider more than just skill level. While competency is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor driving your hiring decision.
Start by establishing a minimum competency level and ensure candidates meet this requirement. However, remember that skills can be taught later, while certain traits cannot. If regulations permit, consider setting up a trial period to assess candidates’ skills and observe their customer service abilities in action.
Another critical aspect to evaluate is whether candidates align with your business’s values. Look for individuals who are personally committed to your salon’s mission and vision and consistently demonstrate these values in their actions, both inside and outside of work.
Cultural fit and personality are also crucial considerations for building a loyal workforce. Seek candidates who will mesh well with your existing team and clientele and strive for a balanced mix of personalities. Search for traits such as humility and leadership, along with the willingness to exceed the boundaries of their job description.
Teamwork is very important in a Salon or Spa setting, so ensure that you select the candidates who are ready and willing to contribute and carry out the tasks outside their primary responsibility. Develop interview questions that will allow you to evaluate these qualities and find out why they decided to leave their current position in order to learn more about the person and their goals in life.
Having stylists with established client lists on your team sounds attractive, but there are several ethical issues to be aware of, as well as potential risks to existing clients. Rather than that, you should put together a team of professionals who will work together to embody your salon’s principles and keep its success going for many years. Remember to incorporate keywords like “Jobs For Estheticians” to attract candidates with relevant skills and experience.
Onboarding
After selecting a candidate for a position in your salon or spa, it’s essential to establish clear expectations and provide thorough onboarding to set the stage for success.
Begin by outlining rules and expectations regarding professional conduct, dress code, and adherence to brand values. Consider implementing contracts or non-compete clauses to protect your salon’s interests, but ensure compliance with state/provincial laws regarding such agreements.
Even experienced stylists should undergo an orientation period, partnering with trusted employees to familiarize themselves with salon culture, processes, and clientele. This approach allows for a smoother transition and may even spark fresh ideas.
Employee Retention
Employee retention is vital despite inevitable staff changes. Several strategies can help minimize turnover:
- Express appreciation and provide encouragement for their hard work, demonstrating that their contributions are valued.
- Take the time to understand each employee’s interests and preferences, seeking their input on relevant decisions.
- Support career advancement by offering regular feedback, identifying opportunities for skill development, and providing mentorship to help employees achieve their goals.
- Ensure equality among team members by establishing clear organizational structures and criteria for promotions, fostering a sense of fairness and transparency.
By implementing these practices, you can foster a supportive and fulfilling work environment that encourages employee loyalty and contributes to the long-term success of your salon or spa.
Introducing LookBook App
Looking to streamline your hiring process or explore exciting job opportunities in the barber shop industry? LookBook App is here to help. Our platform provides a central hub where cosmetology professionals can find the best job openings, thus easing the process for employers and candidates alike. Whether you are a stylist who aspires for their new career move or a salon owner trying to find talented professionals to join your team, LookBook App got you covered.
So, are you ready to take your career to new heights? Join LookBook App now!
