Finding the right staff for your festival: How to hire the best workers

Determine your staffing needs

Start by assessing your staffing needs, based on the size and scope of your festival.

Consider the types of positions you need to fill: Think about everything from start to finish, including ticket sellers, security staff, food vendors, litter pickers, bar staff and event coordinators.

Use multiple recruitment channels

Cast a wide net to attract the best candidates by using multiple recruitment channels.

Post job listings on online job boards (like redwigwam) as well as social media platforms, and industry-specific forums.

Reach out to staffing agencies, local universities, and community organisations to find potential candidates.

Write a clear job description

Craft a clear and concise job description which outlines the duties, qualifications, and requirements for each position.

Be specific about the skills, experience, and education required, and clearly state the salary and benefits, as well as the dates of the festival and rough hours they will be expected to work.

Are you including extras like meals or accommodation? Are they allowed to enjoy the festival when they are not working?

Any additional benefits like this will make your role more attractive to potential staff.

Look for relevant experience

Look for candidates who have relevant experience in the festival industry or related fields, like event planning, hospitality, or customer service.

Candidates with experience in large-scale events or festivals are particularly valuable, as they can bring valuable insights and expertise.

Evaluate the attitude and personality

In addition to experience and qualifications, it's important to take into consideration a candidate's attitude and personality.

Look for workers who are enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate about the festival industry.

Good communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are also important qualities to look for.

Conduct thorough interviews

Once you've identified potential candidates, conduct thorough interviews to assess their skills, experience, and overall fit with the rest of your festival team.

Ask open-ended questions which encourage candidates to share their experiences and ask follow-up questions to clarify their responses.

Check references and backgrounds

Before making a job offer, check candidates' references and backgrounds. Verify their employment history, education, and any certifications or licenses required for the position.

Using a platform like redwigwam can help with this – all workers are pre-vetted and checked for their right to work in the UK.

By following these tips, you can easily find the best workers for your festival and create a successful and memorable event for all attendees.

Remember to cast a wide net, look for relevant experience, evaluate attitude and personality, conduct thorough interviews, and check references and backgrounds.

Good luck in your search for the right festival staff!