Career school companies are in a more competitive hiring environment than ever before. Many employers feel the advantage is theirs right now when it comes to hiring. Like home sales,
many school executives think it is a “buyers market.” This has not really proven to be the
case at all. Well-seasoned school professionals are in demand.
During these slow economic times the career school industry has been affected in a positive
manner. While the rest of the business world is struggling, the school business is booming.
People are out of work and assistance like the federal government stimulus package will help
adults to get re-trained. What does this mean for executives in the school business? To use
an old cliche, strike while the iron is hot.
This is the time to make sure that every career school campus has a solid team to meet the
needs of incoming students. How does one put together a “dream team”? Here are a few quick
hints:
Give your management recruiter clear guidelines about what you are looking for.
Does the individual need a degree, experience in a particular market or school type? Don’t
waste precious time looking at candidates that are not going to really fit your company’s
needs.
- Once a candidate is presented to you it is important to respond in a timely
manner. If it is a candidate that might fit your needs time can be of the essence. Waiting a
week to make the initial call to that individual could mean losing out altogether.
- Be prepared with a plan for the interview and hiring process. How many people
would you like to look at, what are the minimum requirements, salary range?
- Look to your recruiter to assist you with setting up some parameters. Is it
typical to offer relocation for this type of position? What type of salary would be
competitive in the industry?
- Lastly, make sure that you are putting forth the most competitive package that you
can for prospective employees. Hiring is like shopping, you get what you pay for. If you
want a top admissions team, you are going to have to pay for a top quality DOA.
Most importantly, this is a time of opportunity for school executives. Making the right
hiring choices will set your organization up for future growth and success.
Carpe Diem!
