Question:
I'm trying to find skilled picture framers, builders and finishers for
our high end, custom frame and fine art shop, which is located in the Atlanta
area. I've tried placing ads but we get very little response. It's a great job,
but we can't get anyone through the door to fill out an application. What can we
do?
First Answer:
Try the local colleges. Art students are always in need of money, and these
days many work 30-40 hours per week to support their educational effort.
Juniors and seniors in the fine arts areas should know matting and framing
well. Graphic design students will be accustomed to doing presentations
boards and will understand the need for precision. To work in a shop with a
link to what they love might be just the ticket. Be sure to let them know
they get a discount for any framing they need done.
-- Holly Lentz, Lentz Productions
Second Answer:
In January, the Federal Reserve Board reported that jobs everywhere were
getting harder to fill and they said Atlanta in particular had more help
wanted advertisements than they had ever tracked before. There are a lot of
employers in a hard way in Atlanta right now.
The rules for finding employees are the same as the rules for finding a job.
The very first of which is: YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD. Who said
placing an ad is the best way to get new employees?
Just like jobseekers, employers need to get out and meet people. Ask
questions. Talk it up. Seek referrals. If it is such a great job, why bury
it in the classifieds?
Perhaps checking out the local high schools and college campuses for
students with skills needed for the job may be a good way to begin. Ask a
teacher, talk to contractors, seek out the semi-retired. There are a great
many experienced-but-not-ready to retire folks that want to work. They may
not be able to handle the physical stress of a traditional construction job.
But they might be more than capable of doing what you need. These people can
often be found through churches or community programs.
Just like a jobseeker, you should talk to everyone you know and see who they
know. You should talk about what you have going on and ask if they know
anyone that might be interested.
-- Kelly Stone, myjobsearch.com
