10 Tips for Hiring the Right Staff for Your Service Franchise

When it comes to a service franchise, your services are the product you’re selling, so having the right people to perform them is crucial. 

If you’re in the market for staff members, here are 10 tips for hiring the right people for your service franchise. 

Have a Thorough Interview Process

The interview process can be a tedious one. However, it is well worth it to spend time interviewing candidates. Rushing through the process can end up leading to chronic turnover in the long run, which can be expensive and unproductive. 

“You're only as good as your labor, and it's hard to find labor,” said Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart. “It's worth not hiring until you find the right person. So, I would take your time interviewing and really pick people that actually are going to like doing the job.” 

Staff As Much As Possible

It is also important to staff as many workers as you can afford. You don’t want to be at a complete loss if you lose an employee or two along the way.

“You staff for the sales you want, which always means you should over-staff and then grow into that with buyer sales,” Rowe added. “You have to staff for the kind of company you're trying to build.”

Keep Your Pay Competitive

Paying competitively is crucial in hiring, and retaining, staff in today’s market.

“I really believe that if you pay better, you're gonna get better,” said Rowe. “I've seen it work a million times, where if you just pay a little bit more, you’re going to get really good people … all of a sudden you have people that are never leaving.” 

Use Recruiting Tools

Make use of recruiting tools at your disposal. Take to job boards, social media, applicant tracking systems, and video interviews to find and screen candidates. Additionally, utilize the careers page on your franchise website, and keep it up to date with eye-catching images and information on how your organization supports employees. 

Leverage Franchise-Offered Materials

One great part about franchising is that franchises often have their own hiring materials designed to help owners with the hiring process. These resources, such as ad templates, job descriptions and training materials, can often save franchisees a lot of time and effort that they can spend elsewhere. 

Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion

Incorporating diversity and inclusion into your hiring process is crucial in today's workforce. Creating a diverse team not only fosters creativity and innovation, but it also reflects the varied perspectives of your customer and prospective franchisee base. 

“Diversity within the corporate organization is key,” said Tarji Carter, founder and president of The Franchise Player. “Aspiring franchisees want to look out into an audience and see themselves reflected. When that doesn’t happen, it can be a little deflating. Both in franchising and the larger corporate world, there needs to be more diversity at all levels.”

Focus on Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, don't underestimate the value of soft skills. Look for candidates who possess strong communication, adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving skills. These qualities contribute significantly to a harmonious work environment and effective collaboration among employees.

Promote Employee Referrals

Tap into your current employees' networks by establishing an employee referral program. Employees often recommend individuals who they believe would thrive in your organization. This can save time in the sourcing process and result in higher-quality candidates who are likely to align with your company values.

Provide Growth Opportunities

During the interview process, highlight the potential for growth and development within your franchise. Candidates are more likely to commit to a job if they see a clear path for advancement. Discuss opportunities for skill enhancement and training within the company culture. 

Implement a Trial Period

Consider instituting a trial period for new hires. This gives both parties the chance to evaluate if the job is a good match. It also allows the employee to experience the role and company culture firsthand, while the employer can assess the candidate's performance and fit within the team.

A strategic, comprehensive hiring process can greatly impact the success of your service franchise. By following these 10 tips, you grow your chances of building a dedicated and talented team that contributes to the growth of your business.