Any salon owner will tell you that the staff you hire can make or break your business, yet so many tanning businesses fail to implement a thorough hiring process. It requires a tremendous level of responsibility and trustworthiness to put someone on the front lines of a business, and something as simple as checking references before hiring can ensure you get the right people for the job.

If you have ever thought that checking references was a waste of time, it’s likely that a chat with a veteran salon owner would change your mind. Over the many interviews I’ve had with owners and managers, I’ve heard stories about everything you could imagine. When I hear things about no-call, no-shows, or theft, my follow-up question always comes back to the salon’s hiring practices.

Don’t dupe yourself into thinking that it’s a waste of time to check references, even if it’s only for a part-time job. It’s a mistake that could cost you in ways you hadn’t even imagined. And if you are already checking references, a few best practices may help you better target the right candidates.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.