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Who Would YOU Hire?

So, this goes along with several other posts, including my last one, Massage Clinic. Plus, from my understanding, there are several of us looking in to the expansion process. This may be very helpful information to have, so please give us all you've got! After interviewing potential ICs, I have a very tough decision to make between two of them.

First candidate: Graduating next week, becoming Nationally Certified, becoming licensed, becoming insured, is passionate about massage and very eager to get her hands on some clients. Very flexible with hours and perfectly satisfied with coming in to the business at 40%, with no over head and room to grow. Nervous in verbal interview and hands-on assessment, which I considered to be expected with the first actual interview. Understands that there are no guarantees that there will be clients on her schedule immediately and that it takes time to build a client base.
Second candidate: Graduated last year, not Nationally Certified, is licensed, is insured, is currently an IC at a Chiro office as well. Passionate about massage and learning as much as she can through CEUS and other therapists. Very flexible with hours and eager to grow in one location to build from there. Satisfied with 40% with no over head and room to grow. Confident in speaking about massage and in interview/hands-on assessment. Also knows that there is no initial client guarantee, but willing to make it happen.

So, although slightly vague, with these mini-bios what would you do? Go for the experienced and help cultivate the ambition or help a new colleague grow in all matters of the profession? Who would YOU hire?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by silvana marroche on July 16, 2010 at 3:56pm

the new girl

Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on July 17, 2010 at 1:30am

I would definately go with number two. She will have the confidence level to give a good massage to clients (and hopefully get return business!) after having that year of experience. One of the glaring problems with new grads, in my experience, is they lack a confident touch...there is so much they haven't been exposed to yet, and their focus is more on their own abilities than on your clients. We've all been there, I think. Passing the National does not a therapist make...most of the local therapists I run into haven't bothered with it since the MI licensing requirements are not so stringent yet...but I thought it was a requirement in order to get an Illinois license? Whatever you decide, glad you're finally getting some help over there! ~m

Permalink Reply by JP on July 17, 2010 at 11:35am

Permalink Reply by Sue Rexford on July 18, 2010 at 6:07pm

I vote for number two as well. A year of experience goes a long way.
Thanks for this discussion. I have to make the decision between a relatively new therapist and one that has 10 years experience with a regular following and looking to further build her client base. she would be a great asset to the practice but not sure if she's going to be satisfied with what I have to offer and she will also keep her other office space.
Tough decisions.

Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on February 25, 2011 at 9:00am

Sue, I am still a student. Forgive me if a comment from me seems presumptuous.

Is there a danger that a therapist who maintains a separate, established practice might pull clients from your practice and into her own? IMO uneducated opinion, there could be definite advantages to taking on a newly graduated therapist whose loyalty will be to you, who has given her the opportunity to develop.

Permalink Reply by Tonya Brooks-Taylor on April 12, 2011 at 2:04pm

The second therapist with 1 year experience. One year makes a huge difference.

Permalink Reply by Shelene Taylor on June 29, 2011 at 7:18pm

If there was enough hours/shifts I would hire both! There isn't enough of a distiction really between the two so the more experienced would be the best - but I have had excellent luck with new grads - have one that has been with me for 12 years.

Permalink Reply by Marissa on June 29, 2011 at 8:14pm

Update: I hired on the therapist with 1 year experience. She has now been with me for almost a year. The other gal never passed her exam. However, I have recently hired on another who is due to graduate this coming July. Just the idea of giving someone their first experience "in the field" is a bit of warm and fuzzy. Thanks for all the comments. I'm sure others are going through the same process!

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on July 4, 2011 at 5:50pm

Good for you Marissa. Keep growing!

Permalink Reply by Sandy Kuebler on January 13, 2012 at 10:11am

There is a very large difference in "understanding" that there are no "guarantees" in clients and scheduling and the reality of the situation. HANDY STAFFING offers consulting to employers to aid them in finding the right candidate and preparing that person to be a profit center for your practice. As you know, clients get upset when they lose their favorite Massage Therapist, so it is important that you prepare your new Massage Therapist for success.