Franchise Recruitment: A View from Other Side of the Desk
We see lots of potential franchisees, some impress, some fall short. So how do you stand out at a franchise interview? Firstly, think about the view from the other side of the desk!
The franchisor of your chosen business has spent years building a successful model and theywant it to continue that way. Most franchisors are keen to grow and expand and so are looking for franchisees who can help them do that, by running successful franchise businesses.
Franchisors are looking for individuals who have done their due diligence. They will have researched the company thoroughly, they will understand the business model, tried the product and have their own ideas about running the franchise.
They will come armed with questions certainly, but these questions will demonstrate their insight into the franchise as a result of the research they have completed. They will also be keen and enthusiastic! Anyone who runs their own business will need a passion, energy and drive to succeed and to have this they must be excited by the opportunity. Motivated individuals who are prepared to go the extra mile are those who usually excel. The desire to roll-up sleeves and get stuck in, which in our business means everything from making pizza through to managing staff, will go a long way!!
Most franchises require interaction with customers and staff and so as franchisors we are looking for personable people! Great communicators with good interpersonal skills are thosethat can liaise with suppliers, staff and customers to build relationships which is a big part of running a successful business. We know people who like and get on well with others often dowell.
At Papa John’s, franchisees come from all cultures, backgrounds and walks of life and their levels of experience can vary hugely. It’s the right attitude that is key and with correct and thorough training, plus a world-class service and product, all the ingredients are in place to create a successful franchised business.
Naturally, we look for the very best candidates to work with us as franchisees. They become custodians of our brand so need to be motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working and want to be part of a growing team. Often working for yourself requires long and sometimes unsocial hours to ‘get the job done’ so individuals should share our values and outlook on providing a superior product and customer service to ensure they can deliver every time. In this way, like most franchisors, our franchisee recruitment process is detailed and very much a two-way evaluation.
Papa John’s own process starts with a face-to-face meeting, then suitable candidates are invited to an in-store experience day. The agenda is carefully designed for them to observe and learn about the culture and values of Papa John’s and also experience how one of our stores is run.
We minimise the numbers of people we invite our Quality Control Centre (QCC) to ensurethey receive individual attention and importantly we can get to know them. It means they geta real taste for what has made Papa John’s so successful and what it really takes to run afranchised store. We are looking for the good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and those thathave already seriously researched our business.
At each stage of the recruitment process the franchisee and our team at Papa John’s ensure everyone is keen to move forwards. By the time we get to the business planning and franchisee approval panel interview, everyone should have a very clear idea of what’s expected.
This meeting is the chance for the franchisee to present their business plan and show they have completed their own due diligence and homework, particularly on the financial aspect of their business. Although we provide a business planning template all the work and research that goes into this plan must come from the franchisee. It’s the chance to shine and there is no limit to the research the candidate can undertake. It also demonstrates to the franchisee the value of the opportunity and how it will work for them in their particular situation.
Buying a franchise is a serious business! It requires significant investment and commitment from the franchisee but also the franchisor in terms of time, training and trusting someone to represent the brand. Therefore, thorough preparation and a well thought out approach is essential. If a potential franchisee has demonstrated the necessary skills and undertaken the right research, then the view from the other side of the desk will look promising! For further information please visit our profile on Business Franchise
