By Neal Glatt

If you’re working to hire snow shovelers for winter work, you might be starting to get a little frustrated.  It’s always difficult to fill these seasonal positions with reliable workers but this year is absolutely one of the toughest.  When I was hiring hundreds of shovelers, I always succeeded by looking at my “secret” labor sources.  Here’s my full list of where to find snow shovelers…

I always found success hiring those from backgrounds that would prevent them from being employed at other locations.  People who had spent time in jail often had messy background checks.  Sometimes they would have visible tattoos or lack professional soft skills.  Fortunately, none of that necessarily prevents them from being reliable snow shovelers because the work is done outside, away from customers, and usually doesn’t require security clearances.

Similarly, I found success hiring from addiction rehabilitation programs.  People involved in or having recently completed these programs were usually committed to making their lives better and consistently worked hard to do so as snow shovelers.

Veterans and immigrants composed another great source of labor who, for a variety of reasons, struggled with traditional employment opportunities but would thrive with winter work.  Some accommodations may have to be made, like having a translator on the job, but the work was always accomplished.

I also always tried to find people who didn’t have the education or experience required for many jobs.  Giving others the opportunity to work despite a disadvantaged background was one of the greatest accomplishments of my career in snow removal.  Retirees can also find renewed purpose in a part-time, seasonal job like the ones our industry offers.

Of course, there is a lot of technique in how to post positions, engage these untapped talent pools, and actually get them hired.  Fortunately, our friends at Team Engine have allowed us to create a FREE course on Recruiting Talent.  If you need to hire people, then you need to sign up today by clicking here.  You may just learn what you need to solve the hiring puzzle.