However, this process can prove to be challenging because not only is it time-consuming, but you also need heaps of patience. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the right people who will join your company will definitely help you in achieving your business goals. Below are some tips on hiring employees for your cleaning business.
1- Establish a formal process
The first thing that you need to do in hiring employees for your business is to establish a formal hiring process. This can serve as your guide to ensure that you have a uniform process for all applicants. In the long run, you can duplicate this process as your business grows to scale. In doing so, make sure to define the position you are trying to fill and list down the duties and responsibilities of that position. Also, come up with a plan on how you will advertise your job postings. Eventually, you need to review the applications and conduct the interviews, making an offer to shortlisted candidates.
2- Ask open-ended questions
During the interview, make sure to ask open-ended questions and avoid asking questions that can be answered by a simple yes or no. The former will entail the need for the applicant to provide more details and in this way, you will have a better insight on their personality or characteristic. Also during the interview, it is best to let the applicant do the talking. As much as possible, avoid giving too much information about your business because the details from you can be used by the applicant to tailor his or her answers according to what you want to hear.
3- Assess their work ethic
While a great personality can go a long way in terms of dealing with your clients, the work ethic of the person you are hiring is more important. The reason behind this is that more often than not, they will not really be in contact with your clients since, during the scheduled cleaning service, your clients tend to be away, rendering a great personality not as important as work ethic. On the other hand, an impressive work ethic is essential because this ensures that your employees are able to cater to all their cleaning services scheduled for the day of the week.
4- Traits to look for
Aside from work ethics, there are a number of other traits that you should look for in an applicant vying for a position in your cleaning service business. Try to evaluate whether they are independent, self-motivated, and hardworking. It is often the case that the cleaners go out in the field on their own, which is why it is essential for them to be independent and comfortable working alone. Also keep in mind that a cleaning task is a physically demanding job, such that you need to look for an applicant that is fit to handle the workload. You can have a good idea about these traits through the questions that you ask during the interview.
5- Perform a background check
After the interview process, there is a great chance that you already have an inkling on who you intend to hire. However, before you put your finger down, make sure to perform a background check to ensure that you are hiring honest and ethical people who will care about your business. Thereby, make sure to follow up on their references and check on their previous work history.
6- Prepare for orientation and training
Once you have shortlisted your candidates, it is time to put them on the job. You can set a certain probationary period to be able to assess their actual work before fully integrating them in your company. Orientation is often the first phase of this period wherein you need to brief them about the rules and regulations implemented in your business. This should be clear to them and make sure that they are amenable to it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see eye to eye and this can already prove to be a rough start.
Once they are well aware of the rules and regulations employed in your business, you then need to make their duties and responsibilities clear, as well as how they will be compensated for the job they will perform. For sure you have included this in the job posting, but it is better to know that they have a clear understanding of what you expect from them, as well as what they can expect from you in return. Draft a contract if necessary and put everything in a paper because this can serve as your basis in fulfilling each other's obligations. Also, if possible, come up with an employee manual that you can distribute to your new hires.
Finally, you also need to train your newly on-boarded employees. This will ensure that they know the basics when it comes to deep cleaning, including the process of pressure washing houses and residential properties in case this is included in your services. They will be able to perform their duties better if they are equipped with the proper training. In this way, you are sure that your customers will be satisfied with your services instead of otherwise. When your staff is properly trained, they are more likely to grow with your business and work well with your customers.
You will be able to hire the right people if you establish a formal hiring process that you can follow. During the interview, as much as possible, ask open-ended questions for you to get to know the person right in front of you. Their answers will help you assess their work ethic, as well as other traits that you are looking for in an employee. Make sure to perform a background check on each of the candidates you have shortlisted and once everything is set, prepare for their orientation and training. All these are geared towards coming up with a team that will uphold the reputation of your cleaning business in the industry.
