The new year is getting off to a rapid start. Do you have the talent you need to be ready for your busy season? The talent market continues to be tight, with more competition for the strongest candidates. In the coming year, employers will have to work a bit harder to find and attract the best people. Consider these trends savvy employers are using to compete for in-demand hospitality professionals. Choose the ones that will give you an edge in restaurant recruitment and in the hospitality industry.

Social Media

Engage with potential employees on social media. Advertise your opportunities on your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts. Your advantage here is two-fold. You’re reaching people who already have some interest in your business, and you are interacting with them on a more informal basis than you typically can. It’s also simple for them to share with their friends and colleagues.

Referrals

One of the oldest recruiting methods, whether it’s in hotel recruitment or any hospitality field, has become new again in a tight talent market. Why take chances on making a bad hire when you can ask your best people for recommendations. Emphasize to your employees that they should focus on colleagues who would fit into your organization, not just friends who need a job. Ask why they are recommending them. To motivate your current employees to provide great referrals and not just supply names for the sake of supplying names, provide a financial incentive or a reward when referrals join your team. Pay a portion of the incentive or reward when the new hire starts with your company and then pay the remaining part after a pre-established period of time (90 days).

Data-Based Hiring

Can you quantify what makes your current employees successful? Use this information to assess incoming resumes. Take full advantage of your ATS to compile and analyze data that can help you predict who will be a successful candidate. Eliminate some of the human error associated with hiring by putting the focus on the quantifiable.

Candidate Experience

In a tight talent market, a positive candidate experience can be critical. Good people have plenty of jobs to choose from. They are evaluating you along every step of the interview and the hiring process. Make a great first impression by letting them know what to expect and providing consistent follow-up.

Better Job Descriptions

Your job postings should not be just a dry recitation of requirements. Treat them as a selling tool that excites potential candidates about your opportunity. With thousands of postings being added to job boards every day, it’s vital that yours jumps off the screen if you want to grab their attention.

Need help creating a hiring strategy for 2016? Contact the experts at Horizon Hospitality. We can help you find and attract top hospitality talent. Start your search for proven industry professionals today by working with a leader in hospitality recruitment.