Trying to push through my fear of hiring.

Nomad74

Boy Sprout
Joined
Feb 4, 2016
Messages
23,461
Location
Redding
Well, it's time. I'm at the point where I need a little help. I need to take measures to make my business scalable and open the door for growth. I'm currently sitting at 700 customers with no signs of stopping. I'll be honest. I'm a little nervous about bringing someone on. Having to deal with all the fico and workmans comp bullshit is a little overwhelming for me.

Here is the ad I'm thinking about placing. Let me know if I need to add, change, or delete anything.

Carpet Cleaning Technician ** Willing to Train**

A Plus Carpet Cleaning, a Local Redding family owned company is looking for a new carpet cleaning technician.
You will start off as a part time trainee at $12 an hour and move up to a possible $15 an hour after training is complete.

A Plus Carpet Cleaning values Quality above all else. We take pride in the work we do and do not cut corners. We are looking for an employee that is willing to work hard and take direction in order to properly learn this field inside and out. We are growing fast and would like to find another Carpet Cleaning Technician that can help us fill our clients demands.



Attribute we look for in an employee:
* Able to clearly communicate.
* Able to perform basic math skills.
* Able to perform physical work with some lifting (up to 75 lbs.).
* Able to multi-task and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
* Can Pass driving record review.
* Can Pass criminal history background check.
* Can Pass pre-employment and random drug screening.

Required education:
•High school or equivalent
Required experience:
•Prior Carpet Cleaning Experience and mechanical skills are a Plus
Required language:
•English
Required license or certification:
•Valid Driver License
 

Old Coastie

Supportive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Messages
7,504
Location
Heart of Dixie
Name
Stephen
In Alabama you do not need Worker's comp insurance until you have four full time employees (including yourself). Check your State. Also, you need a bookkeeper to track all the money and give you guidance on percentages of wages, advertising and so on.

Last thing; hire a non smoker. Ban hats on the job and require clean clothes. I think jeans or shorts look tacky but that's just my bias.

If you can, hire a vet, they are supremely coachable, have safety habits built in and tend to take a lot of pride in their skills. It goes without saying that a Coastie is the best kind of vet, but what are your chances?
 

Dolly Llama

Number 5
Joined
Oct 7, 2006
Messages
30,492
Location
North East Ohio
Name
Larry Capitoni
Ok, sometimes just the mention of it scares bad applicants away


it also eliminates potentially good ones.
there's a world of difference from a guy that smokes pot and an opiate addict, meth or crack head


g'luck in your search.
If Redding is anything like it is here, anyone that's not currently working is generally some kind of dysfunctional.


the last two guys I added to the crew this summer (that were remotely worth a chit and didn't get canned right quick) were currently working and I stole them .
One from a window and siding outfit, one was a line cook in a restaurant

..L.T.A.
 

J Scott W

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
4,061
Location
Shelbyville TN
Name
Jeffrey Scott Warrington
I agree with Jim and Larry. My best employees were already working somewhere else when I found them. Look for those who give you good customer service at the convenience store, fast food restaurant and such. Hand them a card to contact you if they are interested in a new career.

Include compensation plan that can grow if they do add-on sales and such. A minimum wage job with no prospect of going higher is not very attractive.
 
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PrimaDonna

Megatron
Joined
Jan 2, 2008
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NorthEast, USA
Name
MB
and move up to a possible $15 an hour after training is complete.

With potential of $15 per hour based on attitude, performance, and skill level after initial 90 day review period.

Seeing as this person will be interacting with your clients, I'm surprised you said nothing about requiring and outgoing, upbeat personality, and being able to do SALES. I think you should focus on that and emphasize the NO EXPERIENCE PREFERRED part of things.

If the applicant has a dud personality, they are no use to you and won't ever run a truck as a lead tech, no matter how good they are at being a chimp/helper. Is your goal to get a helper to be with you or someone that can be a lead tech and run a second truck for you?
 
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Old Coastie

Supportive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Messages
7,504
Location
Heart of Dixie
Name
Stephen
You might consider an entry wage for 90 days, perhaps boosting a little for each skill mastered. After they are trained, shift to a percentage of each job (your bookeeper can help you here by setting wage limits).

My former elves really stepped up when I did that. They took ownership and gave themselves (in effect) an hourly raise.

I charged them a little for my time on callbacks, unless they went to do the work. I gave them a $10 bonus for a good review or even phoned in compliment. They divvied up tips among whomever was on that particular job.
 
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steve_64

Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2012
Messages
13,371
Some of my accounts require workman's comp to bring employees onto property.
 
Joined
Aug 26, 2017
Messages
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Location
Grants Pass, Oregon
Name
Wayne Thompson
Watch people and see how they are at the job they already have first. They do not know that you are thinking about hiring them. Are they lazy, sloppy, rude,?
 

bob vawter

Grassy Knoller
Joined
Sep 15, 2007
Messages
43,689
Location
La La Land
Name
bob vawter
I had one guy that was with me over 15 years..another over 12 years...a. few lasted 4 or 5 years maybe. ...I
attribute this too hiring the right people and not micro manage every move they make.....
I would much rather deal with a laid back pot smoker than a crazy ass alcoholic that goes to jail for beating his wife.....
 
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