Labor Day just passed, but in just a few weeks, holiday decorations will start appearing!  And you know what that means for retailers…It’s time to begin your seasonal hiring!  It may seem early for decorations or to even start to think about the impending holiday season, but the sooner you start the hiring process, the better your season will be.

Here are some tips to help you get through the process while staffing your business with the best!

1.  Start with your customers!  Some of the best employees start out as loyal, repeat custom

ers.  Chances are, if you see these customers, minimally on a weekly basis, you know a little bit about them.  Ask if they would ever consider applying for a seasonal position.  But make it very clear that you are just screening right now and that there is no guarantee that they will be hired or retained after the season ends.  You do not want to ruin the relationship with one of your best customers because you failed to communicate clearly.

2.  Recruit!  Yes, they are only seasonal employees and many will not stay on after January.  So, why waste half a day recruiting when applicants are handing in applications every other minute?  Because you have the opportunity to see them in action!  You can approach an employee in another store that gives you great service or walk away from one that fails to impress you. It is also a perfect way to network with management from other neighboring stores.  The managers can inform you if they have excellent employees who may be looking for a second job.  This will make your job much easier.

3.  Trust your gut.  Some training programs and manuals will tell you not to listen to that inner voice and to just focus on the applicant’s qualifications.  I’m telling you to listen to it.  If you are hesitant when extending an offer to an applicant for any reason, it could result in a mediocre or even terrible employee.  Figure out what is making you question your decision and conduct one more follow-up interview with the applicant just to quiet that voice.  If you are still unsure, do not extend an offer to that candidate.

4.  Do not wait until the last minute.  Obviously, right?  But you still do it.  You do not yet have the payroll to devote to newly hired employees, so what’s the point?  Starting now gives you time to decide on the best talent for hire, instead of taking what you can get just to fill your hiring quota.  Be honest and tell the seasonal employees that you have a limited number of hours, but reassure them that you will squeeze them in where you can.  Usually, they are happy to get started and will take what they can get.

5.  Delegate and schedule time for hiring.  Just because it is your business does not mean that you have to do every part of the hiring all by yourself.  Ask one of your assistants to organize the whole process and schedule time for it each week.  You can complete the second interview and use this as a training platform to fine-tune your assistant’s hiring knowledge.

Seasonal hiring does not have to be stressful.  Follow this simple advice and your business will run smoothly throughout the holidays.  Don’t wait another day!  Hire the good ones now or someone else will!