Is Your Brand Making These Common Retail Hiring Mistakes?

As a retail brand, hiring the right people can feel a bit like navigating a minefield. One wrong step and you’re stuck with a bad hire that could end up costing you time, money and even your reputation. And, in the world of retail, where customers are king, getting your hiring strategy down pat is absolutely essential.

But what are some of the most common recruitment mistakes that brands make? And how could these be sabotaging your hiring success? From vague job descriptions to rushing the hiring process, the Zachary Daniels recruitment team are here to share some of the top mistakes to avoid when hiring for retail.

Failing to Define the Role Clearly

Imagine trying to assemble a piece of flatpack furniture, but you’ve got the box all the way home and realise there are no instructions. Sounds frustrating, right? That’s exactly how candidates feel when they see a job advertised that they love the look of, but click inside to find that the job description is ultimately quite vague. The right candidates will be looking to put their all into their application – so make sure they’ve got a good base to work off and know exactly what you’re looking for.

By clearly defining the role’s responsibilities, required skills and expectations, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run. This will not only help to attract the right applicants but also give you a better idea of if they’re the right fit.

Rushing the Hiring Process

We get it – retail can be crazy busy at times, so you may find yourself with the odd vacancy you need to fill ASAP. But rushing the recruitment process can lead to disastrous results, especially if it’s for a permanent position.

Instead, take the time to thoroughly screen candidates, conduct proper interviews and assess their ability for the role. Whilst this is time-consuming, rushing the decision can leave you with a bad hire that’s harder to replace than it is to find the right person in the first place.

And, if you’re short on time, why not consider outsourcing your recruitment process to a retail recruitment agency like ourselves? With extensive connections and a team of expert recruiters who have all worked in retail themselves, we at Zachary Daniels can help you find the right hire, every time.

Choosing Qualifications Over Experience…

Whilst qualifications are important, they definitely don’t replace the value of real-world experience, especially for retail jobs. On the shop floor, practical skills and customer interaction are key – so you may find that someone with a proven track record is a better fit than someone fresh out of university. Consider the specific needs of the role and the overall skillset of your top candidates before making a choice.

…And Choosing Experience Over Personality

Okay, so they have a top-notch CV and years of experience, but do they actually fit your brand culture? Like we said, experience is important – but so is personality! Look for candidates who are passionate, enthusiastic and driven, but also actively embody your brand values.

Whilst it might seem OK for right now, choosing someone who’s not the right fit ultimately isn’t the best thing for them or your brand, so take the time to hire someone who can make a positive contribution to the working environment and customer experience.

Hiring Based on First Impressions

We all know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The same applies to retail recruitment. Don’t make snap judgments based on first impressions, always dig deeper, ask insightful questions, and use behavioural interviewing techniques to uncover a candidate’s true intentions and potential for your brand.

Not Using Behavioural Interviewing Techniques

Whilst we’re on the topic of behavioural interviewing… This powerful tool is a great way to get an insight into how your candidates may act, should they be successful in securing the role with you. Ask questions like, “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer” to gain valuable insights into a candidate’s skills and experience.

Not Offering the Right Salary and Benefits Package

Though you’re looking for employees who are applying for your vacancy because they love retail, the truth is, that everyone wants to feel valued – and that starts with being compensated fairly. Research your competitors’ salaries for roles of the same level, and also the best-paid retail jobs in your area, before setting a competitive salary and benefits package. This will not only help your brand to attract top talent in the first place but also showcase a real commitment to employee well-being.

Forgetting to Check References

Don’t you wish you could get a sneak peek into how potential employees would perform in your role? References are that sneak peek, so don’t forget to ask for them before confirming their place within your company. References can reveal valuable insights into a candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and overall suitability for the role.

Not Providing Proper Training

Experience or no experience, expecting your new employee to understand the ropes of their role without proper training is a recipe for disaster. Even if they’ve got a natural aptitude for retail and customer service, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve provided proper onboarding and training so that they know how things work in your brand, and they’re equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Failing to Hire Diversity

A diverse workforce will bring fresh perspectives and ultimately create a more inclusive work environment, so overlooking the importance of diversity in your retail recruitment strategy is a big no-no. To be a more inclusive employer, actively encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to build a team that reflects your customer base.

Want to know more about inclusive hiring? Read this blog.

Forgetting to Outsource Recruitment When Needed

Feeling overwhelmed by the retail recruitment process? We get it. Consider outsourcing your recruitment needs to a specialist agency like ourselves at Zachary Daniels. We have extensive experience in talent sourcing to help you ensure you find the perfect candidates for your brand.

We’re passionate about helping retail brands build winning teams. We understand the unique challenges of retail recruitment, and we’re here to help you hire candidates you’re proud to have representing your brand. Whether you’re struggling to define roles clearly, rushing the hiring process, or simply can’t find the right fit, talk to us.