Is the trade test REALLY needed? | Salon & Spa Recruitment
Dec 07, 2023
At Savvy Salon Club, we are NOT big fans of trade tests.
Controversial, we know!
Our view on trade tests does not follow the traditions in recruiting within the Hair & Beauty industry. As our industry changes, it’s important to adapt to those changes. Here’s why...
It’s important to set realistic expectations
Right now, competition is high.
57% of Hair & Beauty businesses in the UK have unfilled vacancies. And more than half of vacancies have taken over 16 weeks to fill.
(According to Stard Data collected by NHBF in its 2022 Skills Report)
Finding the perfect candidate who is technically proficient in all aspects of their work, who comes with a clientele and who gets along with everyone on the team, is pretty much impossible. There’s guesswork involved in hiring a new member of staff.
Everybody has something to work on
In our experience, all new team members have things to work on. They’ll never be perfect from day one. Our job as business leaders is to find & mould our team.
Hiring fast is key
When following our mantra of hiring fast (before your competitors swoop in), ask yourself:
“Is a trade test 100% necessary for this candidate?”
The time required to organise everything involved in trade-tests is an enormous investment of time for both you (the team) & the candidate.
ONLY schedule trade tests when:
- You are still unsure after their in-salon interview;
- You need extra time with them before you offer them a position;
- You would NOT be gutted if someone else offered them a job before you and you lost them as a team member;
Skip the trade test when...
On the other hand, if the candidate has integrity, a positive attitude, and the correct experience, AND you WOULD be totally gutted if they were swooped up by your competitor, skip the trade test.
Hiring is guessing, firing is knowing
When hiring, you are always taking a chance on someone you THINK is right. You never actually know if they will be great. The truth is, It’s simply not possible to guess right, every time.
(Hire Fast, Fire Even Faster)
And for more actionable tips on accelerating your salon & spa recruitment process, don't miss out on our FREE guide. 🚀 Download it now: Salon & Spa Recruitment Guide
