How to hire the right employee. Should it be a woman? - Arms and the Woman

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2002 by Lisa Parsons-Wraith

Most gun shops operate on very tight budgets, with most dealers operating with fewer staff than they really need. Owners and employees tend to wear several hats ranging from janitor to public relations manager to chief executive officer.

This makes building the right staff very important. The next time you need to hire a new employee because you're business has outgrown your current staff or you are replacing someone, consider hiring a woman. Take a look at your staff. If you see all men, it may be time to consider hiring a woman who can focus on the needs of lady shooters.

Hiring a new employee can be a daunting task. Hiring a woman may be even more challenging. The firearm industry tends to be male dominated and your pool of women candidates will be smaller. However, the rewards of adding a woman to your staff could be well worth the extra effort.

Woman Employee

First, consider how women customers will respond to women behind a gun store's sales counter.

"Women feel more comfortable shopping with other women," said Albert Rodriguez, owner of the Chula Vista Gun Store in Chula Vista, Calif.

When a woman walks into a gun store and sees a woman behind the counter, it immediately sends the message that this is a woman-friendly gun store. She will feel your female staff member has already tackled some of the issues she will face and will be able to offer a woman's insight. It will also greatly help reduce the intimidation factor most women feel when entering a gun shop.

How will men respond to a woman behind the gun counter? There can be some initial hesitation on the part of male customers, according to Al Dalton of Texas Outdoors in Fort Worth, Texas.

"Men are reluctant to be waited on by her (his female employee) until they get to know her," Dalton said. "Usually, though, customers go to their favorite person, the one they feel will give them the best deal. It has nothing to do with gender."

Dillon Taylor of Southern California Guns in San Diego, Calif., said his customers are only concerned with a proficient and knowledgeable sales staff.

"Our customers are never reluctant to be waited on by our female employee, because she is very knowledgeable. She's been with us for 12 years," Taylor said.

Some men may also find it easier to talk to a woman. Most of the male population has been made to believe they were born knowing how to shoot a gun and fix a car. It might be slightly easier for a man to ask a woman questions, because he doesn't have to admit his lack of gun knowledge to another male.

RELATED ARTICLE: Take Your Time In Hiring

After analyzing all the pros and cons, hiring a female is a win-win situation. Now, here are some tips on how to find a good employee. Most employers don't take these steps. They often hire someone who is available. This is often a mistake.

First, a firearm retailer should create a detailed job description. Step back and take a good look at your store. Make a list of all the things you have been meaning to get to, but haven't had time to accomplish. The list could include updating your displays or organizing your files.

Then list the duties your current employees perform and determine how to divide the tasks you've listed between your current staff and a new employee. This should give you a good idea of the duties for your new employee. Be sure to ask for input from your current staff. Their day-to-day experience usually provides valuable insight.

The next step is finding people to interview. Again, a great resource is your own staff. Ask your employees for referrals of people they know who might be interested in working in your store. People usually associate with those who have similar interests and personal standards. A good employee is likely to refer someone who will also make a good employee.

Also, let business associates know you're looking to hire someone new. Trade groups, the local chamber of commerce, a shooting club and the local range are also good places to put out the word you're increasing your staff.

Another tactic that has been successful for Adeline Woodward, president of the woman-owned and operated Magnolia Indoor Range in Santee, Calif., has been to hire from her customer base. She got to know her regular customers over time, liked them, and then hired them when she could. She currently has 10 employees, two of whom are female.

You may also consider running an ad in your local newspaper. However, to find a truly enthusiastic and gun-appreciating employee, it might be better to post a notice at the local range, gun club or even in a law-enforcement publication. Many law-enforcement personnel work odd hours, allowing them to work part-time.

Screening Candidates

Once you have several applications, go back to the job description you created and choose the applicants whose skills best match your requirements. As you review the applications, look for the length of time the applicant spent on various jobs. You want someone who will stay on your staff for a while, not someone who changes jobs every few months.