How to Hire Great Staff for Your Escape Room

Before you begin the hiring process, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the different roles and responsibilities within your escape room business. Typically, you’ll need game masters, who guide and monitor players throughout the game, as well as customer service representatives who handle bookings, inquiries, and provide a positive experience for visitors. By defining these roles, you can tailor your hiring process to find the best candidates for each position.

Passion and enthusiasm are essential qualities when it comes to hiring staff for an escape room. Look for candidates who have a genuine interest in escape rooms and enjoy problem-solving and immersive experiences. During interviews, ask questions that gauge their level of excitement and dedication to the concept of escape rooms. Passionate individuals are more likely to go the extra mile to create an unforgettable experience for your customers.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital for any escape room staff member. They need to effectively communicate instructions, provide hints, and maintain a positive and engaging atmosphere throughout the game. During the hiring process, conduct role-playing scenarios to assess candidates’ communication skills and how well they interact with others. Look for candidates who can adapt their communication style to different groups and handle challenging situations with ease.

Escape rooms are all about solving puzzles and riddles, so it’s crucial to hire staff members who is excellent in problem-solving. Look for candidates who can think critically, analyze situations, and come up with creative solutions. Consider including problem-solving exercises or puzzles as part of the hiring process to evaluate candidates’ abilities. This will help you identify individuals who can effectively guide players and provide hints without giving away the solutions too easily.

While experience in the escape room industry is not always a requirement, it can be a valuable asset. Candidates with previous experience working in escape rooms or similar immersive entertainment venues may already possess the necessary skills and knowledge of how these businesses operate. They may also be familiar with the common challenges and customer expectations, allowing them to hit the ground running. However, don’t discount candidates from other industries who demonstrate the right qualities and a willingness to learn.

When you narrow down your pool of candidates, it’s important to conduct thorough interviews and background checks. Ask about their previous work experience, their understanding of escape rooms, and how they handle challenging customer situations. Consider contacting their references to gain insights into their work ethic, reliability, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, background checks can help you verify their qualifications and ensure a safe and trustworthy team for your escape room business.

Escape room staff members often work in teams and must collaborate effectively to provide a seamless experience for players. Look for candidates who can demonstrate strong teamwork skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. During the hiring process, consider group activities or team-building exercises to assess candidates’ ability to work together, problem-solve collectively, and maintain a positive team dynamic.

Once you’ve hired your staff, it’s important to provide them with comprehensive training. This includes familiarizing them with your escape room themes, game rules, safety protocols, and customer service standards. Ongoing training sessions can also help your staff improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Additionally, consider offering growth opportunities within your escape room business, such as promotions or the chance to develop new game concepts. This can incentivize your staff to excel and remain motivated in their roles.

In conclusion, hiring great staff for your escape room business is crucial for providing exceptional experiences to your customers. By understanding the roles and responsibilities, prioritizing passion and enthusiasm, assessing communication and problem-solving abilities, seeking relevant experience, conducting through interviews and background checks, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability, and providing training and growth opportunities, you can assemble a dedicated and talented team that will elevate your escape room to new heights. Remember, your staff are the face of your business, so invest time and effort into finding the right individuals who can bring your escape room vision to life.