Many franchise owners choose to hire a manager to oversee day-to-day operations. This approach can be especially helpful when you own multiple franchise locations and need qualified managers at each franchise. While the franchising company may offer some insight and guidance, hiring for your franchise is ultimately your responsibility. This guide will show you how to start a franchise by choosing the right managers.
Check Your Franchise Agreement
Before you start writing a job description or dreaming about candidates, check with your franchisor.
Your franchise agreement may offer particular guidance when it comes to hiring for your franchise. The franchisor may even have specific requirements that you’ll need to adhere to when selecting a candidate for this position, which will help you narrow your selection process.
Create a Clear Job Description
What exactly do you need your manager to do? You’ll want to be as clear as possible so candidates know what’s expected of them. Your job description will be industry-specific, but most franchises will want to hire managers who have a strong aptitude for customer service, providing organization and leadership.
Again, here is where your franchisor can be helpful. Since the operation of each franchise is relatively standard, the company may already have job descriptions that you can use in your own location’s job advertisements.
Place Your Advertisements
Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll need to advertise. When hiring for your franchise, it’s not unusual for your franchisor to provide banners, posters, and other physical advertisements that you can use in-store. But naturally, you’ll want to expand your search beyond these means.
Online job boards and hiring websites have become the new want ads, and you’ll want to advertise across multiple sites and platforms for maximum visibility.
Here’s a tip: You don’t necessarily have to advertise a salary and benefits in your initial ads, but doing so provides a layer of transparency and helps job-seekers know exactly what to expect.
Screen Your Applications
By this point, the applications should start to roll in. For a management position, you’re likely to also receive cover letters that explain a bit more about the applicant’s background and qualifications.
The chances are that you’ll have more applicants than you have time to interview effectively. Your best option is to screen applicants and select those with the most desirable skills.
What skills should you look for on their resumes? The right candidate doesn’t necessarily need to know how to start a franchise from scratch, but it may be helpful if they offer the following qualifications:
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Industry experience
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Prior management experience
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A history of customer service
In some industries, such as cosmetology or barbering, you might also look for industry qualifications or professional certification that makes them specifically qualified for your franchise.
Conduct Interviews
Aim to narrow your candidate pool to no more than ten people. Ideally, you’ll want to focus on four to five qualified candidates and invite them all for interviews. These days, it’s not unusual to host virtual interviews via video conferencing platforms.
Make sure to assess the candidate’s personal skills in addition to their professional qualifications. Do they smile? Do they maintain eye contact? Do they cross their arms and appear standoffish?
Ask tough questions. Focus on inquiries like:
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Describe an experience where you improved the efficiency of an organization.
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What kind of relationship have you had with past subordinates?
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How have you handled conflict between yourself and other staff members?
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What’s one thing that you’re truly proud of?
Again, you may have additional questions related to your specific industry, but these questions will help you get to know the candidate’s managerial abilities.
Review Your Notes and Make Your Decision
Take good notes during the interview. Later, you can review these notes and make an objective decision about who to hire as your manager. Take your time since the manager will dictate the day-to-day operations of your franchise.
Consider a Management Pipeline
Sometimes, the best managers are former employees. Consider developing a management pipeline where you help your current employees become future managers.
This approach might include training opportunities, seminars, and a clear path for further advancement. Having this sort of pipeline in place might also help you retain quality employees long-term.
Need Help Finding the Right Franchise?
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