Hiring a new employee costs an average of $4,000-$7,645. For example, The 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an annualized employee turnover rate of 73.88% in the hotel and motel industry. If you operate with a 13-person staff, a 73.88% turnover rate will cost you between $148,000 to $282.865 each year.
There is a solution, and it’s a lot easier than you might think.
It’s time to reconsider the traditional hire slow and fire quick philosophy—at least the hire slow part. Maybe hiring should be more like speed dating. Put many candidates across the table from you but spend very little time evaluating them. You’ll drastically reduce the number of clever slackers who make it into your workforce compared to your current slow and expensive recruiting and hiring process but for much less cost and time.
Once you determine the applicant meets the minimum job requirements, either from their application or resume, give them an unscheduled call. It seems like no one answers their phone these days; leave a clear, short message with a short deadline to call back. For example, “This is Jane from XYZ Hotel. Based on your application you look exactly like the superstars we hire. Give me a call by Friday so you and I can clarify a few minor points before scheduling a formal interview.” You’ve now just boosted their excitement level about your position and simultaneously calmed them down about a telephone interview — which is exactly what clarifying a few minor points is. Of course, leave your phone number.
Once you have the applicant on the phone, take just three minutes to ask these screening questions. If they pass the screening questions, immediately schedule an interview for a later date. A negative response to any of your questions disqualifies the candidate for hire — end the interview. Initial, date, and note on the application why you disqualified the applicant.
Move on to the next applicant. This is speed dating, remember?
Use this 3-minute screening interview in conjunction with accurate interviews, short probationary periods, productive onboarding, effective evaluations, meaningful & diverse work, and common-sense policies to recruit, hire, and retain superstar employees. You’ll drastically reduce the number of slackers and people with too many personal obligations who make it to the interview process and into your workforce. This will save you time, money, and headache later.
If this sounds daunting, book a free consult with me to transform your workforce into productive, cohesive, team-players who stay for the long haul, and contribute to innovation and excellence on the job.
Amazon #1 New Release Best Selling Author—Twice
Don Kermath is the employee turnover reduction expert that empowers small business owners and managers to transform their workforce into productive, cohesive, team-players who stay for the long haul and contribute to innovation and excellence on the job (and could really benefit your bottom line).
Superstars Wanted: Whiners & Slackers Need NOT Apply is for the small business owner or manager who wants to avoid the pain and minimize the expense of recruiting, hiring, and retaining superstar part-time employees.
