You're in charge of staffing for a big event. How do you choose the right temporary staff members?

1 Assess Needs

Before diving into the hiring pool, you need to thoroughly understand your event's specific staffing needs. Consider the size of the event, the venue, the expected number of guests, and the type of event you are hosting. Different events require different skill sets; a corporate conference, for example, will need a different type of staff compared to a music festival. Clearly define the roles you need to fill, including any special skills or qualifications required for each position. This clarity will streamline the selection process and ensure that you're looking for candidates with the right expertise.

2 Create Profile

Once you've identified the roles and skills required, it's time to create an ideal candidate profile for each position. This profile should include the necessary skills, experience level, and personality traits that would best suit the role and your event's atmosphere. For example, if you're hosting a high-energy sporting event, you might look for staff members who are enthusiastic and have excellent communication skills. This profile will serve as a benchmark during the recruitment process, helping you to quickly identify which applicants are likely to be a good fit.

3 Source Talent

Finding the right talent pool to draw from is critical. You can source temporary staff through staffing agencies, job boards, social media platforms, and industry networks. Staffing agencies can be particularly useful as they often have pre-vetted candidates ready to work. However, it's important to communicate your needs and candidate profiles clearly to ensure they can match you with suitable applicants. When using job boards or social media, craft your job postings to attract the type of staff you're looking for by emphasizing the unique aspects of your event and the qualities you value in staff members.

4 Conduct Interviews

Interviews are your chance to get to know the candidates beyond their resumes. Use this opportunity to assess their interpersonal skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for the event. Ask questions that reveal how they handle pressure, work in a team, and deal with unexpected challenges. Role-playing scenarios relevant to your event can also provide insight into their problem-solving abilities. Remember, you're not just looking for someone who can do the job; you're looking for someone who will contribute positively to the event's atmosphere and team dynamic.

5 Check References

Don't overlook the importance of checking references. This step can provide valuable insights into a candidate's past performance and work ethic. Contact previous employers or clients to verify the information provided by the candidates and ask about their reliability, interaction with guests, and ability to handle the demands of a busy event. This due diligence will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that you're hiring staff members who have a proven track record of success in similar roles.

6 Train Thoroughly

Finally, once you've selected your staff, provide comprehensive training to ensure they are well-prepared for the event. This training should cover specific job duties, expectations, and the overall goals of the event. Equally important is familiarizing them with the venue, emergency procedures, and any equipment they'll be using. A well-trained staff will work more efficiently, provide better service to your guests, and be able to handle any situation that arises with confidence and competence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?