Boss hungry for workers with attitude

PERSONALITY rather than experience is the key to winning work at Domino’s, Townsville pizza franchisee Nathan van Jole says.

Mr van Jole was commenting after they “got hammered” by applicants attending the hiring day for their new store at the Bushland Beach shopping centre at the weekend.

A total of 28 people were signed up from more than 120 applicants.

Asked what was their most important selection criteria was, Mr van Jole said being available and people having personality and confidence.

“For me, it’s very much about ( applicants having) energy and attitude more than anything else,” he said.

“How they respond is more important than the content of what they are saying.”

He wanted to know whether they were confident, could hold a conversation and were keen to learn.

Mr van Jole said he did not seek people with experience and preferred to train people.

Mostly they hired people aged between 15 and 24 but one of their delivery drivers, Joe Cosentino, was aged 71 and was one of their best team members, he said.

The Bushland Beach store will operate in space previously occupied by IGA.

Mr van Jole started working for Domino’s 15 years ago as a delivery driver while studying at university and is now opening his seventh Domino’s store.

It will be the third store he will operate with business partner Mandie Hales.

“Mandie started working as a store manager in my store network five years ago and we have since become franchisee partners in the Domino’s North Shore and Mount Louisa stores, and now Bushland Beach,” Mr van Jole said.

“Mandie truly is a dedicated, hands- on franchisee who is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and fosters a great culture.”

The new store will feature fast- bake ovens, digital menu boards, Wi- Fi and seating.

It is hoped to open before the end of the month.