People are at the heart of every organization. From the smiling face that greets customers upon entrance to the maintenance staff that waits for the last customer to leave at night. While finding and hiring employees can be a challenge for any business, we’re here to make it easier and help keep your club running efficiently and your members happy.
Frank Milillo, pickleball professional at Pickleball Xpo in Oceanside, New York, said first and foremost he looks for a candidate he can trust, is reliable and likes what they do. With a facility that offers nine courts along with event space, he is well-versed in what it takes to hire the right person for a job.
Focus on Your Staffing Needs
Where are the gaps? Is your front desk staff overworked because they can’t get time off? Is the snack bar closed more than you like? Have members been complaining about the status of the bathrooms? Talk to members and other employees and listen to what they say vs. assuming what is needed. Making the time to take a 10,000-foot view of your business hiring with specific goals in mind will make it easier when posting positions and then selecting staff.
Accurate Job Description
Being specific with what you are looking for helps ensure you hire the right person for the job. Be precise with the skills required including previous experience in the position or other health clubs. While knowledge of pickleball can be learned, it might be a bonus if your staff members could be a resource for new and seasoned players alike. It is also important to list accurate days and hours required. Is part-time 10 hours a week or 20? Placing the qualities you are seeking front and center sets appropriate expectations from the beginning.
Frank Milillo, pickleball professional at Pickleball Xpo in Oceanside, New York, said of their five part-time employees none of them were pickleball players, yet they had all worked at an athletic facility in the past. “A few of our employees stayed with the building when it transitioned from a cage and turf building to pickleball courts,” Frank stated. “It was more important that our employees knew how to use the point of sale system and were familiar with our space booking apps then the sport our members were playing.”
People Skills for the Win
While job skills are important, remember they can be taught! Hiring employees who can make people feel comfortable, listen to member compliments as well as complaints and greet members with a smile could be harder to come by. If possible, walk the prospective candidate around the club and introduce them to other staff and members. It’s an easy way to see how they interact in a variety of situations.
“When I’m interviewing a candidate, I want to get a feel for how they handle situations and if they can think on their feet,” said Frank. “They have to be really good with customers, especially the demanding ones. That is a skill that can’t be taught, our employees have to come in with that ability.”
Show off Your Company’s Culture
Using social media is a great way to sell your club as an awesome place to work! If you have someone who enjoys social media on staff, task them with capturing the “vibe” of the workplace. Focus on staff parties and interactions with each other and members. Host birthday celebrations for staff and clientele alike and share that with the public. When prospective employees research the club they’ll be able to get a glimpse of what it might be like to be a part of the team.
Encourage Referrals
Offering a “finding fee” for employees can be a great way to get referrals. Members could get a court or merchandise discount and employees a bonus after the new hire works a predetermined amount of time. If finding time to interview is a concern, a hiring fair can help by allowing for quick, on-site meetings to be followed up by more in-depth discussions at a later date.
Frank said most of his staff applied through word of mouth. Either their friends work here or they know members and have seen the club.
“When hiring people who are familiar with the club it’s very important to make sure they are working there for the job, and not the possible perks of court time. Their first priority needs to be their job within the club, not the extra opportunities that might come with the job.”
Taking the time to find the right people to work in your business is always worth the investment – and pays you back in the end!
