Having Trouble Finding Hospitality Job Candidates? What Should You Do?

As the economy improves, demand for hospitality professionals increases. People who had been saving their discretionary income begin once again splurging on vacations and restaurant meals. At the same time, workers who had turned to hospitality for extra income in a slow economy may now return to their regular jobs.

With increased demand and fewer available quality candidates how can you keep your facility running smoothly and efficiently?

Rethink Your Hiring Strategies.

If what you’re doing now isn’t working, it’s time to consider making change in who you hire and how you get the most from them.

Hire for trainability. Experience is great, but look also for candidates who are eager to learn.  Taking some extra time to get a candidate you might have overlooked up to speed will pay dividends in loyalty and retention.

Look to non-traditional populations. Often older employees may be looking for work. Whether it’s a mid-life candidate looking for a change or an retiree looking for extra income, consider any transferable skills they may offer.

Promote and encourage growth.  Positions such as entry level service positions in hospitality are considered by many to be dead-end or stop gap jobs. It’s up to you to dispel that notion from day one by showing employees a clear career path.

Cast a Wider Net.

You may need to look a little harder and be a little more creative to find high quality candidates when there is a shortage.

Host an open house.  If you have more than a handful of open positions or are planning to expand, consider hosting an open house. Candidates see what you offer in a low-pressure environment and you can build a pipeline of potential employees.  Participating in networking events  or job fairs are also great options.

Get employee referrals. People tend to socialize with those in similar fields or of the same work ethic. Ask if they know good people looking for work. Offer bonuses – it doesn’t need to be much. Also look at your records to see where you got your best people.

Leverage social media. Post your job openings on your Facebook page or Twitter. It’s a fast way to engage with a lot of people.

Work with a specialized recruiter

Finding the right people is challenging and takes time away from business. Why not let the experts handle it for you? Contact Horizon Hospitality. We find top candidates and screen them for you, presenting only the ones who closely match your ideal. Call us today to get started.

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