1. Look within
Before you post the position, look at the staff you already have. The possibility of promotion motivates staff and shows your employees there are opportunities to move up in the shop.
2. Profile the position
Develop a list of ideal traits a new hire should possess. This will give applicants an idea of what the job entails and may help weed out those who aren’t ready to work at a busy florist.
3. Screen the resumés
Look for any gaps in work history, neatness, consistency and accomplishments. Compare the resumés to your list of ideal traits and see which ones match the best.
4. Draw up a list of questions
Come up with standard questions for each one of the applicants so you can compare responses. Also include questions that address any areas of concern you may have from the resumé.
5. Ease into the interview
When you bring an interviewee into the shop, chat with them while you make your way to a quiet spot where the meeting can take place. This can help reduce any jitters the candidate may have.
6. Keep you’re ear to the table
During the interview, listen four times more than you talk. This process is about getting to know the person and finding out facts about them. Take notes and keep track of questions that come up.
7. Ask the right stuff
In the interview, talk about things that are relevant to the position, ask open-ended questions and focus on behavioral situations (eg. “Tell me about the time you handled an angry or disappointed client.”) Probe for details and present real situations from your shop to see how they’d react.
8. Be prepared to answer questions too
Come with a detailed description of the job and be assertive when addressing any concerns they may have. After all, you’re also trying to sell this position and your workplace atmosphere to a potential employee.
9. Summarize what you thought
After each interview, detail what you thought of the candidate and any key points from the interview. Oftentimes, the first interviewee can get overlooked because it’s easy to forget what they had to offer after talking to other applicants. Keep your notes consistent so you can compare each person.
10. Keep the process positive
Once you’ve made your decision, contact the people who didn’t make the cut to thank them for their time. You never know when you’ll need to fill another position, so end the process on good terms. It may save you a lot of time when you have to hire again.
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