Hiring for Heart: Building Strong Teams at SMS
How SMS Finds the Right Cultural Fit–One Hire at a Time
At Service Management Systems (SMS), great service starts with the right people. But finding the right person isn’t just about skills or experience. It’s about cultural fit. Every facility we service has its own rhythm, personality, and community. So, how do we tailor our hiring processto match each environment?
It starts with intentionality.
The Hiring Process: More Than Just a Resume
Our hiring process is thorough. Most candidates find us through platforms like Indeed, but from there, they’re guided through a structured internal application process via ADP. For most roles, our next steps include in-person or virtual interviews, job offers, and drug screening. Once cleared, candidates are paired with a manager, supervisor, or seasoned team member for hands-on training during their first week. That one-on-one onboarding time isn’t just about learning duties — it’s about ensuring the new hire meshes with the team dynamic and client culture.
Screening for Integrity and Growth
When SMS evaluates potential hires, we look well beyond the resume. We consider stability in employment history, but more importantly, we assess punctuality, communication, professionalism, and whether the person wants to grow with us. The number one trait we seek? Integrity. It’s one of our core values. We look for it in every candidate we screen.
Over time, we’ve learned that a well-presented, driven, and communicative person can perform just as well as someone with a perfect resume. It’s about the full picture.
Culture Match Begins with Understanding the Community
Every facility and market we serve is different, and our recruiting strategy reflects that. We analyze each community's economic makeup, public transportation options, and where potential employees live relative to the site. This local insight helps us determine how realistic it is for someone to commute, thrive, and stay.
This approach is especially important when facilities offer wages below the market average — we can’t expect success without understanding where the right labor pool lives and how to reach them.
Doing "Whatever it Takes!"
The SMS mindset of “Whatever it Takes!” is more than a motto — it drives how we hire. We don’t rely solely on job boards. We get creative. We tap into employee referrals, develop relationships with local employment offices, experiment with Facebook Marketplace, and offer referral bonuses and longevity pay incentives. Staffing today takes hustle, and we bring that same energy to recruiting as we do to serving our clients.
Hiring with Heart
One of the most rewarding parts of hiring at SMS is seeing someone start at an entry-level position and rise through the ranks. This isn’t just a job — it’s a launchpad. We’re proud to offer a career path where hard work and dedication matter more than degrees or certifications.
We’ve seen time and time again that when someone is given the proper support and environment, they can thrive beyond expectations. That’s why we don’t just hire for roles. We hire with the belief that people can grow. From day one, we encourage ambition and offer real opportunities for advancement. Whether someone is new to the workforce or restarting their journey, we’re committed to helping them build a future. Watching team members take ownership of their work, gain confidence, and eventually lead others is one of our most rewarding aspects. It’s proof that investing in people always pays off.
A Hiring Philosophy Rooted in People
What makes SMS different is our emphasis on the person, not just the resume. We seek individuals who reflect our values and can bring that spirit to each facility we serve. Whether it's a busy shopping center, a complex medical facility, or a historic venue, we understand that culture is everything, and the people we hire define it.
At the end of the day, we’re not just filling positions. We’re building teams that care, and that starts with hiring people who do, too.