When a candidate is considering their next career move, they are not just looking for a job.
They are looking for a salon/spa/business where they feel valued, supported, inspired and genuinely excited to come to work.
Today’s candidates are looking beyond the role, the wage and the job description. They’re asking: “What’s in it for me?” And if you want great people to choose your salon/spa, it’s worth taking a fresh look at the experience you offer.
Flexibility That Fits Real Life
Life doesn’t always fit neatly around salon hours.
Could you offer flexibility around start and finish times? Perhaps later starts, school-friendly hours, or the option to have Saturdays off occasionally or no Saturdays or only weekends?
Even small adjustments can make a huge difference to someone juggling family, school, commuting or other commitments.
Make Getting to Work Easier
The cost of getting to work matters.
Could you offer paid or subsidised parking, or a petrol allowance as part of your employment offering?
And there may even be opportunities for salon owners to provide occasional vouchers or benefits. For example, in Australia, certain infrequent and irregular benefits may qualify for the minor benefits exemption from Fringe Benefits Tax, subject to the relevant ATO rules and eligibility requirements. Always check the current rules with your accountant or the ATO before implementing a benefit.
Invest in Their Career & Not Just Their Time
Great team members normally want to grow, and have fun along the way.
Could your team have opportunities to attend Hair Expo, Beauty Expo, education days, industry events, workshops or photo shoots?
Imagine being able to say:
“We want you to build your skills, expand your creativity and experience more of the industry.”
That is a very different proposition from simply offering someone a position.
Create a Team People Actually Want to Be Part Of
What happens outside the salon floor matters too.
Do you pay for the team lunch on a Saturday?
Do you celebrate birthdays and milestones?
Do you have occasional team get-togethers?
Do you make time to connect, laugh and celebrate your wins together?
Most importantly, are you approachable, and do your team feel comfortable coming to you.
These things may seem small, but they contribute to something much bigger and this is belonging. We all want to feel special, liked, listened to, valued, important and able to voice our opinions or concerns and feel safe.
What Does Your Salon/Spa/Business Feel Like?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself.
What is the vibe of your salon?
Is it energetic and creative?
Relaxed and welcoming?
Professional and polished?
Fun and social?
Calm and nurturing?
There is no single “right” salon culture. However, you need to be able to articulate yours.
Because the right candidate isn’t simply looking for a salon/spa/business.
They’re looking for their salon/spa/business.
Remember: Candidates Are Checking You Out Too
Before someone applies for your position, there’s a very good chance they’ll look you up online.
They’ll check your Instagram, Facebook, website and reviews.
What will they see?
Will your social media show a salon/spa that feels exciting, current and welcoming? Will they see your team, your work, your personality and the culture you’re creating?
Your online presence is often the candidate’s first impression of you as an employer, long before they walk through your door.
Do you have a video showcasing your team and culture? This is a great way of attracting the right person/s for you and your business.
Are You the Kind of Boss/Leader People Want to Work For?
This one can be uncomfortable, however it’s worth asking.
Are you approachable?
Can your team come to you with an idea, concern or mistake without feeling afraid?
Do you listen?
Do you recognise their efforts?
Do you provide feedback and support?
Being a great salon owner isn’t about being everyone’s best friend. It’s about creating an environment where people feel respected, heard, supported and clear about what is expected of them.
And Finally… Look Around Your Team
Are your team friendly?
Do they help each other?
Do they celebrate each other’s successes?
Do new team members feel welcomed?
Do people genuinely work together?
Because culture isn’t something you can simply write into a job advertisement.
Your team creates it every day.
So… Why Would Someone Choose You?
The best candidates are interviewing you just as much as you’re interviewing them.
They want to know:
Will I be happy here?
Will I be valued?
Will I have flexibility?
Will I have opportunities to grow?
Will I enjoy coming to work?
Will I be part of a great team?
If you can confidently answer those questions, you have something powerful to offer.
Because recruiting isn’t just about finding someone to fill a vacancy.
It’s about creating a salon that talented people genuinely want to be part of.
And perhaps the most important question of all is:
If you were a talented candidate looking for your next opportunity, would you choose your salon/spa/business?
For more advice or guidance, or just to have someone to go through all of this with, please call one of our Consultants.
Sheryl: 0466 156 589
Kiara: 0406 690 297
Michelle: 0402 297 349
Courtney: 0406 945 524
Gill: 0407 719 749
