How do I find qualified employees?

Q. I'm having a tough time finding employees for my store. What are some ways to attract qualified sales staff?

A. Michigan's economic health has made it tough to find retail employees. Our members told us in a survey two years ago that it was the toughest problem they faced; last year it was even worse and this year shows no sign of letting up.

There's no single best way to solve your problem; retailers are using all sorts of techniques in trying to get the help they need.

There are traditional methods: help wanted ads in the local paper; help wanted signs in the store window; enlisting employment agencies, especially for temporary workers during major seasons; participating in local job fairs. Most of these have not been as successful as they were in the past.

Tough times require creative solutions. More creative ideas include: recruiting senior citizens and college students, who generally have the skills and are interested in part-time work; paying a bonus to an existing employee who brings in a new one; sweetening starting wages, benefits and merchandise discounts, including year-round discounts to seasonal workers.

Also: contributing to charities which successfully refer job prospects; being flexible when it comes to hours, especially for parents and students; mentioning in your store's regular advertising that positions are available; recruiting your regular customers or offering special discounts for their referrals; emphasizing the advantages of a retail store environment over other work environments to good employees you encounter in other work places.