Building a Winning Team:
The Ultimate Barbershop Hiring Guide

When we talk about skilled staff, we're talking about barbers who know their way around a pair of scissors and a razor, sure. But it's also about people skills.

Can they make the customer feel comfortable?
Can they understand what the customer wants and deliver on that?
Can they handle different types of hair and different styles?

A barber with excellent technical and people skills is a treasure. But skills alone aren't enough. Dedication is just as important.

A dedicated barber shows up on time, treats every customer with respect, and takes pride in their work. They're always looking to improve, always trying to learn more. A dedicated barber is someone who sees this as more than just a job. This is their career, their craft, and they want to be the best they can be.

Finding skilled and dedicated staff, and keeping them happy at your barbershop, can be a challenge. But it's a challenge that's well worth tackling.

This guide is designed to give you practical, actionable tips to help you attract the best people to your barbershop. But it's not just about hiring. It's also about creating a work environment that encourages those people to stay, to grow, and to give their best every day.

Our goal is to help you build a strong, competent team that will not only deliver exceptional service to your clients but also contribute to a positive work environment. This way, your barbershop can continue to succeed and grow, standing out in the industry as a great place to work and a great place for customers to come for their grooming needs.

Evaluating The Current Team's Strengths And Weaknesses
First, take a good look at your current team. Every barber brings something unique to the table, and understanding these strengths can help you see what's already working well in your shop. Maybe you have a barber who's a wizard at fades, or someone fantastic at handling tricky customers. But it's not just about what's going well. You also need to identify where there's room for improvement.

Are there any services that your customers ask for that your team struggles to provide? Are there areas where your barbers could use some additional training? Understanding these weaknesses helps you see what skills and qualifications you should be looking for in your new hires.

Outlining Roles And Responsibilities Of New Hires
Once you have a clear understanding of your current team's capabilities, it's time to think about what roles and responsibilities your new hires will have. Are you looking for someone who can do general barber work, or do you need someone with a specific skill set, like expertise in ethnic hair or advanced shaving techniques? Do you need someone who can step into a leadership role, or are you looking for more entry-level barbers?

Make a list of the tasks that your new hire will need to perform. Be as specific as possible. This will not only help you create a more effective job ad, but it will also help your new hires understand exactly what is expected of them.

Considering Your Barbershop's Culture And Work Environment
Your barbershop's culture and work environment play a major role in attracting and keeping top talent.

What are the values that guide your business?
What's the vibe in your shop?

Is it a high-energy, fast-paced environment, or is it more laid-back and relaxed? Consider how you want your employees to feel when they come to work. Do you want to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork?

Or do you prefer an environment where barbers work more independently? Your barbershop's culture should be a reflection of your values and goals as a business owner. By understanding and clearly communicating this culture, you can attract candidates who align with your vision and contribute positively to your work environment.

Writing An Understandable And Exciting Job Description
An effective job description is clear, concise, and engaging. It should include the job title, a brief summary of the role, and a list of the main tasks and responsibilities.

Remember to use plain, simple language that's easy to understand. Be as specific as possible about what the job involves, but also try to convey why it's an exciting opportunity.

For example, instead of just saying "Must be able to cut hair," you might say, "You'll use your expert scissor skills to help our customers look and feel their best." This not only explains what the job involves but also why it matters.

Showcasing Unique Aspects Of Your Barbershop
Your job ad should also highlight what makes your barbershop amazing. Maybe you're located in a trendy neighborhood or you have a diverse and loyal customer base. Perhaps you specialize in certain styles or techniques. Or maybe you're known for your amazing customer service.

Whatever it is that sets your barbershop apart, make sure to include it in your job ad. This will help attract candidates who are excited about what you offer and who are more likely to fit in with your shop's culture.

Highlighting Benefits And Opportunities For Growth
Most job seekers are interested in more than just salary. They want to know what other benefits you offer and how they can grow in their career with you. So be sure to include information about things like flexible scheduling, professional development opportunities, or unique perks that your barbershop offers.

Also, if you have opportunities for career advancement, make sure to mention them. For example, if you like to promote from within or if you provide training for advanced barbering techniques, those are great selling points to include in your job ad.

Remember, the goal of your job ad is to attract people who are not only qualified but also a good fit for your barbershop's culture and values. The more specific and exciting you can make your job ad, the better chance you have of attracting the right people..

Using Online Job Platforms And Social Media
Online job platforms and social media are great places to advertise your open positions. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can help you reach a broad audience of job seekers.

Similarly, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok can be effective tools for getting the word out about your job openings, especially if your target candidates are frequent users of these platforms.

When using these platforms, be sure to include a link to your job ad and encourage people to share the post with anyone they think would be a good fit. This can help you reach an even larger audience.

Attending Industry Events And Job Fairs
Industry events and job fairs are excellent opportunities to meet potential candidates in person. These events allow you to interact with a wide range of people, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals, and you might discover talent that you wouldn't have found through online methods.

Bring copies of your job ad to these events and be ready to talk about the benefits of working at your barbershop. You can also use these events to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Networking With Local Community And Industry
Building relationships within your local community and the broader barbering industry can also help you find top talent. Reach out to local barbering and cosmetology schools and ask if they can refer graduates or students who are about to complete their training

Also, consider joining industry associations and online forums where you can connect with other barbershop owners and professionals. They might be able to recommend potential candidates or offer advice on effective hiring strategies.

Motivating Employee Referrals
Don't forget about your current staff - they can be a great source of potential candidates. Encourage your employees to refer people they think would be a good fit for your barbershop. You might even consider offering a referral bonus or other incentives to motivate your employees to participate in the recruitment process. This can not only help you find qualified candidates but also foster a sense of ownership and involvement among your current staff.

Preparing A List Of Relevant Interview Questions
Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that will help you assess the candidate's skills, experience, and fit for your barbershop. Some questions might be technical, asking about their barbering skills and experience. Others might be behavioral, asking about how they handle certain situations in the workplace.

For example, you could ask, Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult customer? What did you do and what was the outcome?
This question not only tests their customer service skills but also gives you insight into their problem-solving abilities.
Remember, the goal of the interview is to understand how the candidate would perform in your barbershop, so tailor your questions accordingly.

Judging Candidates' Skills, Experience, And Fit For The Barbershop
During the interview, pay close attention to the candidate's responses. Are they confident in their skills? Do they have relevant experience? Do they seem enthusiastic about the job and your barbershop? Also, consider how well they would fit into your barbershop's culture. Do their values align with your barbershop's values? Do they seem like they would get along well with your current staff?

Remember, skills can be taught, but the fit is often harder to change. Hiring someone who fits well with your team can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Involving Current Staff In The Interview Process
Consider involving your current staff in the interview process. They can provide valuable insights into how well the candidate might fit in with the team. Plus, they can ask questions from their perspective, which might be different from yours.

You could have a potential candidate spend some time shadowing a current employee or have a group interview where staff members can interact with the candidate. This not only helps you make a better-informed decision, but it also gives your staff a sense of involvement in the process.

Keeping Up With Industry Standards For Pay And Benefits
To attract top talent, your pay rates need to be competitive. Research what other barbershops in your area and industry are offering. This information can often be found through online job platforms, industry reports, or by networking with other barbershop owners.

Keep in mind that 'competitive' doesn't necessarily mean 'the highest.' It means offering a fair wage that reflects the skills, experience, and responsibilities of the job.

Considering Non-Monetary Benefits
While salary is important, don't overlook the value of non-monetary benefits. These could include flexible scheduling, a relaxed dress code, or even the simple perk of a positive and inclusive work environment.

Work-life balance is important to many people, so offering things like flexible hours or the option to take unpaid time off could make your barbershop stand out from others. You could also consider perks like free or discounted haircuts or product discounts.

Providing Professional Development And Growth Opportunities
Offering opportunities for professional growth can also make your barbershop attractive to potential employees. This could include providing training sessions, workshops, or opportunities to attend industry events. You could also offer a clear path for advancement within your barbershop, such as the chance to become a senior barber or manager.

Providing these opportunities not only helps your staff improve their skills and stay engaged, but it also shows that you're invested in their future and care about their career development.

Or do you prefer an environment where barbers work more independently? Your barbershop's culture should be a reflection of your values and goals as a business owner. By understanding and clearly communicating this culture, you can attract candidates who align with your vision and contribute positively to your work environment.

Encouraging Open Communication And Feedback
Open communication is crucial for a positive work environment. Encourage your staff to share their ideas, feedback, and any concerns they may have. This can be done through regular team meetings or by having an open-door policy where staff can come to you with their thoughts and issues.

Don't just listen – act on the feedback you receive. If your staff feels heard and sees their feedback making a difference, they'll feel more valued and invested in the success of the barbershop.

Offering Regular Staff Training And Development
Continual learning keeps your staff engaged and ensures your barbershop stays on top of the latest trends and techniques. This could be in the form of in-house training sessions, online courses, or sending staff to industry events and workshops.

Investing in your staff's development not only improves the quality of your service but also shows your staff that you value their growth and want to see them succeed.

Acknowledging And Rewarding Outstanding Performance
Recognition goes a long way in making staff feel appreciated. Whether it's a shout-out in a team meeting, a bonus, or a simple thank-you note, acknowledging your staff's hard work and achievements boosts morale and motivation.

Consider setting up a system to regularly recognize and reward great work. This could be a 'Barber of the Month' award or small bonuses for hitting certain targets.

Promoting Teamwork And Collaboration
Teamwork makes the dream work! Encourage your staff to work together and support each other. This could be through team projects or goals, team-building activities, or simply fostering a culture of respect and cooperation.

A collaborative environment not only improves the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your barbershop but also creates a more enjoyable and supportive work atmosphere.

Regularly Checking In On Employee Satisfaction
It's important to regularly check in with your employees to see how they're doing. This could be through informal chats, scheduled one-on-one meetings, or anonymous satisfaction surveys.

Ask about their workload, their work-life balance, their relationships with their coworkers, and any ideas they have for improving the barbershop. And remember - it's not enough to just ask, you need to act on the feedback you receive.

Offering Career Advancement Within The Barbershop
Top talent is likely to want to progress in their careers, so it's important to provide opportunities for advancement within your barbershop. This could mean offering senior barber or managerial roles or providing opportunities for employees to specialize in certain areas.

By providing a clear path for career growth, you can motivate your employees and show them that they have a future at your barbershop.

Encouraging A Culture Of Ongoing Learning And Improvement
A culture of continuous learning and improvement can help keep your staff engaged and motivated. Encourage your staff to stay up-to-date with industry trends, participate in training programs, and share their knowledge with their colleagues.

By fostering this culture, you'll ensure that your barbershop stays competitive and that your staff continues to develop their skills and knowledge.

Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for the success of your barbershop. Skilled and dedicated staff can elevate the level of service you provide, create a positive environment, and contribute to the overall success and growth of your business.

Remember, the key is to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to building a top-notch team that will help your barbershop thrive.