A potential employee’s first contact with your home can be critical. For candidates, it’s a first impression – for administrators and staff at the home, it’s an important initial opportunity to gather information about the candidate. That’s why managers need to be prepared to meet with every walk-in applicant. High-quality applicants are in demand by other facilities, so having a short on-the-spot job interview – followed by a tour of the facility – can help boost your recruitment.
Often, the receptionist or front desk staff at your facility plays a key role in the recruitment process. Having a designated area at the reception desk – with blank application forms and a checklist for staff to use when interacting with applicants – can be helpful.
Consider taking the applicant on a tour of the facility. This serves several purposes: Managers can see applicants’ impression of the facility, listen to applicants’ observations about the home, and watch how applicants respond to residents.
CNAs and other staff members in your home might recognize applicants, having possibly worked together at another location. Ask your existing employees for a “thumbs up or down” after touring the applicant. This empowers existing staff, demonstrating your trust in their valuable input.
Consider having your staff help you develop standard interview questions, including:
- In your previous job, how did you improve your work environment or department (personally & professionally)?
- How have you responded to an upset family member or resident?
- What did you like best about your current/former place of employment? What would you have changed?
- Describe the last time your were responsible for caring for another person. What did you find most rewarding and the most frustrating?
You can also address staff retention by taking these additional steps:
- Register now for our series of retention webinars. Continuing education credit hours for nursing home administrators are available.
- Download and skim over the staff stability toolkit and the compendium of practices.
- Visit the Advancing Excellence Web site for further information on staff retention. Consider signing up for this national campaign to be counted among the top performing homes in the nation.
Taking another look at first impressions
