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Posts tagged ‘hiring staff’

The “Bear” Necessities of Choosing the Right Staff

Seek to hire people who loved their previous Job

 

I titled this blog post after a book that I am reading called, The Bear Necessities of Business, written by Maxine Clark. Just in case you do not know who Maxine Clark is…She is the Founder and Chief Executive Bear at Build a Bear Work Shop.

I bought Maxine’s Book, The Bear Necessities of Business about five years ago while on vacation in Chicago from one of the Build-a-Bear Workshops.  In fact, I was inspired  to buy Maxine’s book, because I was quite impressed with the company that she created with the help of a great team.

Earlier this year, I went on a field trip to the St. Louis Galleria Build-a Bear Workshop with my preschool graduates and I was loving  the spirit of excellence throughout the store. Moreover, I really enjoyed working with the staff at the Build-a Bear work shop. The staff was so friendly, very knowledgeable about their job and seemed to really enjoy working at Build-a-Bear Workshop. Furthermore, the trip to that store, inspired me to read Maxine’s book again, because I really enjoyed the experience and that’s what I want to give my customers…an Experience.

The night before I wrote this blog post, I was reading a chapter of Maxine’s book and came across a statement that inspired me to evaluate the questions that I ask applicants during the interview process. Maxine wrote: “I am not interest in bringing on people who hated their last job. I want to hire those who loved where they worked and came to us with great habits and ideas they have learned on the job.”

Maxine, also suggested that you hire people who have worked for great businesses that you respect and admire. In my case, that would be Kinder care Learning Centers, Head Start  and any Accredited Child Care Facility, because I know that the teacher has worked in a Quality environment.

Also, Maxine recommends that you ask those you hire this question: “What are we not doing that your previous employer did?

WOW!!! I think this is the answer to the job turn-over in the childcare field. What do you think? Do you know how much trouble that you and I can save ourselves if we simply ask the question: So, how did you feel about your last job?

I agree with Maxine 100%, because I recently hired a teacher that loved her previous job and she came to work with me for the summer and she loves her job. In the past, I hired teachers that hated their previous jobs and they hated working for me.

In summary, I think Maxine shared a golden nugget by mentioning the fact that she does not seek to hire people who hate their previous jobs. So, now when you schedule your next interview, be sure to ask: So, how did you feel about your last job?

What do you think about Maxine’s Philosophy about not seeking to hire people who hate their former jobs? Do you plan to ask the questions mentioned above during your next interview? I look forward to your comments below.

Be sure to get your copy of Maxine’s Book, The Bear Necessities of Business Today! Don’t forget to schedule your next field trip to Build-a-Bear Workshop!

With your business in mind,

Shiketa

Category:

Employee Management, Staffing

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Staffing Your Child Care Center This Summer

Every summer my enrollment increases and this creates a demand  for more staff during the summer time.  In fact, as the enrollment increases during the summer, I see the importance of assuring that my staff is trained on field trip safety, Playground/Water safety and are effectively supervising young children.

Has your enrollment increased? Are you fully staffed? Don’t know where to find qualified applicants? I want to share with you where I find the majority of my teachers……Craigslist!

Craigslist is free and it is an easy and quick way to post your job openings. However, I must say that you must be very specific about what you are looking for in an applicant. For example: Be sure to indicate the amount of pay; education required; hours; if the position is for the summer only; the age group that the applicant will be working with; be sure to list licensing requirements; and request that the applicant sends you a resume.

Before wasting your time scheduling interviews, I find it to be easier to schedule a telephone interview with the top three applicants and screen for the following:

  1. Recent Experience working in a childcare center
  2. Education in early childhood or youth development
  3. Passion for working with children
  4. Classroom management Style and knowledge of health/safety of young children
  5. Positive Attitude!

If your center is not already fully staffed for the summer, I encourage you to give Craigslist a try and my hope is that you find the perfect teachers for your summer program!

With Quality Staff in Mind,

Shiketa Morgan

If you have not already downloaded your copy of the Summer Camp Planning eGuide, get your copy today!

Category:

Staffing, Summer Program

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