Club Management - September/October 2007 - (Page 27) Human & Professional Resources The Search for Seasonal Staff The shortage is expected to reach crisis proportions by 2010 with a 10 million worker shortage. These predictions, coupled with the startling reality that applicants are not flocking in droves to get jobs at your club, make it critical for hiring managers to employ new strategies for getting and keeping good people. This article presents four strategies for recruiting a steady stream of seasonal staff. Rope ’Em In First, the search must be constant. It is not wise to wait until a month before you need staff to post an ad. You are better served by establishing a constant presence in the places where your applicants are most likely found. That means providing sponsorships, participation in community fundraisers and any number of other activities that show you to be a good corporate citizen. Place ads in campus newspapers, attend career fairs and stay well connected with college placement offices. The more visible you are, the more likely you are to be considered a good potential employer. Second, consider non-traditional applicants. Retirees and the disabled are both markets that many employers forget. Connect with your local senior citizen agency to get a steady supply of seniors who want flexible, part-time work. While this is a stereotypical belief, most of these older workers have a work ethic and dedication that is both enviable and admirable. Make the Gray Hair Brigade one of your potential sources for staff. There are many myths about the severe limitations that disabled employees present. The disabled are no different from you and me. We all come with different competencies, skills and abilities. Work with one of your community organizations that specializes in job training and placement for the disabled. They are skilled at matching disabled employees with employers. They also will help you develop a more clear understanding of the benefits of hiring from this special population. The third secret society of potential seasonal employees is the Mommy and Me play group. Any group that caters to stayat-home moms is a wonderful source of untapped talent. These hidden treasures are often looking for temporary work that offers flexibility. Many are fortunate enough not to need benefits. They will be happy with fun, temporary work in a pleasant environment. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • 27 By Joanne L. Smikle W here, oh where, are the seasonal staff? Shouldn’t they be lining up to work at your club? You, dear club manager, are no different from millions of other employers in the United States. You are feeling the effects of the labor shortage predicted by economists and doomsayers for the past several years. Baby boomers are getting ready to retire. The economy continues to grow. There are fewer qualified workers.
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