Traits gym owners should look for when hiring
As we discussed in the blog 5 Traits to Look for in a Future Leader, hiring employees is one of, if not the most important endeavors for any health club owner or manager. Having the right people in the right positions is the only way for the staff and the gym to succeed.
Unfortunately, most owners and managers haven’t quite mastered the interview process. But, it’s not their fault. There are so many different methods and philosophies for interviewing and hiring that it is almost impossible to master except for the best of HR people.
But, there are some tips and tricks that any interviewer can take with him or her into the room with them to help make sure that only the best people become part of the fitness club’s team.
Perhaps the most important thing for any interviewer to remember is that the key to a good interview is good follow-up questions.
Very often it is the second response that is the real answer. As many experts have pointed out, the first response that a job candidate gives to your interview question is rehearsed, just as your questions should be. Rehearsed answers do not give you much insight into the candidate. The follow-up question digs beneath the surface. As a result, candidates tell you their real story.
But, only by asking the right questions will a hiring manager find out if the candidate is the right person for the health club’s needs.
While the list of questions one can ask is as diverse as one gym from another, and there will, of course, be job and company specific questions, there are some main traits that a hiring manager will want to learn about the candidate during the interview process.
Gauge the Candidate’s Self-Awareness Level
Does the candidate really understand where he or she is in the career track? Does he or she know what they can actually bring to the company? Again, follow-up questions will help you delve deeper into the candidates understanding.
“If I were to call up your [most recent supervisor, best friend, older sister],what would he or she say about you?”
Understand the Candidate’s Ability to Adapt, Learn and Innovate.
Most health clubs operate at a quick pace with new members, programs and innovations rapidly or at least regularly changing. It is vital to know that everyone working on the team not only keep up, but is the type of person that wants to keep up.
“How has your current position evolved over the past year and how have you acquired the skills to adapt to the changes?”
Who Are You and Do How Do You Fit Our Culture?
Hiring the job applicant who, in addition to the required job skills and qualifications, exhibits the best fit within your organization’s culture is the best way to ensure long-term happiness and productivity for both the employee and the health club.
“How do you feel about becoming friends with your coworkers?”
Use these three key questions in the interview process to better establish quality candidates. Remember, the follow up will lead you to gold!
Click the link below to check out a sample Employment Application we’ve included. Feel free to use this in your hiring process, or simply as a jumping off point to create your own.
