Recruitment: How to Actually Find Good Staff

Did someone just hand in their notice? Or maybe you're stuck with staff who just aren't good enough, but you're too scared to let them go. Good news: good staff exist. You're just fishing in the wrong pond.

In this episode, Phil Jackson breaks down the five-step recruitment process that actually works in 2026. This is Build Your Salon's #1 most-watched topic—updated for portfolio working, flexibility expectations, and where good people actually are.

What You'll Learn:

• The five points where your recruitment process breaks down
• Why "nobody wants to work" means you're looking in wrong places
• Where good staff actually are (not Indeed or Facebook)
• How to make your offer compelling in 2026
• Proper interview process that prevents expensive mistakes
• Why onboarding determines 90% of recruitment success

The Five Steps:

Step 1: Know What You're Looking For

• Written job description before you need it
• Required vs. desired skills, culture fit criteria, deal-breakers
• Desperation hiring = expensive mistakes

Step 2: Fish in the Right Pond

• Good staff are already employed, ready to move for right opportunity
• Where to fish: Instagram, college tutors, industry events, your clients
• Always be recruiting (even when fully staffed)
• Build pipeline: "When you're ready to move, call me"

Step 3: Make Your Offer Compelling

• 2026 staff want: progression path, training, flexibility, low drama, transparency
• Include: Training budget, 4-day week options, success stories
• Good people have options—they're choosing you too

Step 4: Interview Like You Mean It

• Phone screen → interview → practical → trial (paid) → references
• Call references, don't just email
• Real example: "Car crash" hire because no references checked

Step 5: Onboard Properly

• Shadowing, training on YOUR systems, clear expectations
• 12 weeks probation minimum
• Regular feedback (weekly for first month)
• Most failures happen in first 90 days

This Week's Action:Write that job description before you need it.

About Phil Jackson:Phil Jackson is a salon business coach with 27 years of industry experience and a Creative Head Most Wanted Award. He helps salon owners in hair, beauty, and aesthetics build profitable businesses without the hustle BS.

Work with Phil:If recruitment struggles are symptoms of bigger issues (pricing, culture, systems):

• 1:1 Ultimate Clarity Coaching: 90-day intensive delivering your 5-year lifestyle-first business plan, 12-month profit & pricing strategy, and 12-month marketing plan
• Book a free consultation: https://tidycal.com/philjackson/1to1-enquiry
• Email: [e-mail]