The Manager of a soon-to-be-opened retail franchise location is seeking a successful candidate who will attend a three week training given by the franchisee. The successful candidate will be the key manager for the location and will be responsible for hiring, supervising all staff, inventory purchase, opening and closing. The franchise owner wants to see a variety of people so he can make a choice based on industry experience and chemistry. Some of the skills he is looking for in the winning candidate include:

• Flexibility
• Customer Service Skills
• Management Ability

How the search was conducted:

Our recruiter reviewed approximately 200 candidates to narrow the search down to ten potential candidates which were qualified by our seven step interview process.  Past employers of these individuals were contacted and asked a series of questions to determine approach to management, dependability, and suitability to be the key manager in a branch location.  Here are additional places we looked: retail establishments with strong managers, industry experts that might have referrals, Careerbuilder, Monster, Craigslist and referrals from our extensive network of professionals and job seekers.

The owner has interviewed all candidates and must make a decision by August 4th. Based on the candidates below, who do you think should get the job?

Linda

Resume Stats: 25 years moving up the ranks at a retail store where she is currently the manager.   She is responsible for operating costs, inventory and labor.

We found: very flexible and has strong loyalty from group she manages, strong cost management ability.

Ralph

Resume Stats: 20 years grocery store managment,  2 years retail managment and 6 years as a location inspector.  He is well versed in safety, audits and maintenance.

We found: knowledge of audits could serve well in new restaurant and safety knowledge will control costs.

Alice

Resume Stats: 15 years  in two retail establishments as clerk, greeter and manager.   She also spent  a year outside of the industry running the finance side of a business office.

We found: great energy, well rounded background and bilingual ability would be asset in hiring workers.

Joel 

Resume Stats: 5 years as chef and kitchen manager followed by retail management of 5 years in three establishments. Has handled all aspects of managing a location. 

We found: experience handling recent grand opening with stellar financial results will be helpful to new owner.