Today a dealer needs to have the best staff possible. Finding the right general managers, sales professionals and business managers is not always easy. Many dealerships engage a recruiting firm to assist them, and that is a good idea, but they need to be aware of the pitfalls. Carfolks has asked Kevin Bradberry, the President and CEO of TK Worldwide, one of the premier auto recruiting companies to give dealers advice on how to find and work with a recruiting company.
Here is Kevin’s advice:
An auto retailers’ number one priority is to protect the dealership from those who may do it harm, all the while maximizing profitability. Anytime that anyone including Managers, HR people, not to mention another “outside company” speaks to prospective employees on your behalf, you are taking a calculated risk and creating a window for potential problems. In today’s litigious society you must minimize those risks more now than ever. Here are five simple steps a dealership can take to minimize that risk and find a qualified recruiting company.
- Ask for a reference list (local references are obviously preferred) of at least 30 other dealerships that this company has done business with. I know 30 may seem like a huge number, but this IS the most important question you will ask and the answer may surprise you. Any company can look impressive with a nice web site, but when you ask for 30 references and you will find out very quickly the rest of the story. If they DON’T have that many clients, can they be trusted to represent you? If they DO have that many, but are afraid to provide you with their contact information, can they be trusted to represent you? Have the recruiting company do the legwork and get you a reference list, then delegate the verification process to one of your subordinates. If they call the references and there are no horror stories, then you are on your way to step 2.
- Speak to the owner of the company if possible and voice your concerns, reservations or ask him/her any questions you may have. Chances are, if they can’t make YOU, an
automotive management professional feel at ease, they are probably not qualified to handle your dealership’s recruiting needs. Also, it triggers good dialogue, builds the relationship and sends the message that you are engaged, and they need to keep you in the loop and focus on all the details including executing major advertising initiatives. Every detail counts! - Liability Insurance – Make sure your recruiting company has liability insurance and is willing to put you on their policy. This is very simple to do. Ask the recruiting company to fax you a certificate listing YOUR DEALERSHIP’S NAME on their policy as “additional insured” and it will help create an almost impenetrable barrier of protection for your dealership in the event that the recruiter says or does something that prompts litigation against your store(s).
- Complete an Internet (Google) search using the company’s name(s) and the owner’s name as well. You will be shocked to see just how fast and easy making a decision (like which company NOT to use) can be with all the channels at your disposal today. Just remember that often web sites only tell half the story. It’s important for your recruiting company to have and maintain a good rating with credible third party companies. The rating company needs to have an arbitration process so that the recruiting company has a fair opportunity to resolve the issue, such as the BBB. (Better Business Bureau).
- Flexibility in programs – Finally, make sure your recruiter is well rounded and can help you in most, if not all, areas of your dealership(s). The recruiter’s primary focus should be solving your staffing needs with quality candidates in a fast, easy and affordable way while protecting your community reputation. Their process should not interfere with your ability to operate your business in a safe and profitable fashion.
Solution based and customized programs that meet your individual needs are available out there and will make your recruiting challenges a thing of the past. All YOU have to do is find the right company.
Kevin Bradberry is the President and CEO of TK Worldwide, Inc. one of the auto industry’s top recruitment and training organizations. The company website is www.tkworldwide.com. The phone number is 813-571-2200.
