Frequently Asked Questions

Many employers are unfamiliar with the process of working with a hospitality executive search firm, and they often come to us with questions about our services. Below are the TOP 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding our recruitment services and processes.

#1 – How do you find qualified candidates?
We leverage over a dozen innovative recruiting resources to identify and attract qualified candidates. A key element of our success is our proprietary database of over 465,000 hospitality professionals across the United States, with whom we consistently share exciting career opportunities. Since many highly talented candidates are currently employed by your competitors, we proactively and confidentially reach out to individuals in similar roles. Additionally, we maintain an active presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to further expand our reach.

#2 – What can I expect from the search process?
Horizon Hospitality maintains clear and ongoing communication throughout the interview process. We begin by understanding your company and discussing your specific hiring needs to develop an ideal candidate profile. Your recruiter will then market the position and interview potential candidates using our comprehensive screening process. We will present you with the resumes and credentials of qualified candidates who meet your requirements, and based on your feedback, we will assist in scheduling interviews. Our team is also available to support you in creating, presenting, and negotiating competitive offers to secure the candidate’s acceptance. We continue to follow up after the new hire starts to ensure a smooth transition.

#3 – Why do you charge an engagement fee to begin a search?
With 25 years of successful hospitality recruiting, we have found that our most effective partnerships are built on mutual commitment. We invest significant time and resources into learning about your company, sourcing, screening, and presenting candidates tailored to your specific role. Unlike many of our competitors, we work exclusively on your behalf and do not present candidates to multiple companies simultaneously. The engagement fee ensures a commitment from both sides, fostering a more dedicated partnership.

#4 – How does your replacement guarantee work?
It’s straightforward—if a candidate leaves the position for any reason within the guaranteed replacement period, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional cost.

#5 – Can you conduct a confidential search?
Absolutely. Our recruiters have extensive experience in conducting discreet searches to secure top talent while maintaining confidentiality for our clients.

#6 – What regions do you focus on?
Our extensive network and technological resources allow us to recruit across any market in the United States and North America. Our team conducts all interviews and screenings virtually, allowing us to efficiently secure top talent for both local and national searches while reducing the time to hire.

#7 – What industry segments do you focus on?
While 72% of our active searches are within Restaurants, Hotels, Resorts, and Country Clubs, our recruiters have experience across most hospitality-related industries. You can find a list of our industry specialties here.

#8 – When do you conduct reference checks?
We typically initiate reference checks once our clients express interest in moving forward with a candidate in the interview process. In addition to checking references from prior supervisors, we also collect feedback from peers and subordinates to gain a well-rounded perspective of the candidate’s strengths and areas for improvement. Reference checking is included in all our searches, and criminal background checks are available at a nominal cost.

#9 – How long does it typically take for a candidate to begin work once my search has started?
We work swiftly once a search begins, and you will typically see a selection of highly qualified candidates within 7-12 days. The average timeframe from the start of the search to the candidate’s start date is 5-9 weeks. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the company’s interview process, the candidate’s notice period, and any potential relocation requirements.

#10 – Why are Horizon’s Recruiters superior to other search firms and competitors?
Each of our recruiters has held leadership positions within the hospitality industry, giving them a unique understanding of our clients’ needs. Unlike many competitors, our recruiters are not franchisees or licensees; all Horizon team members are employees, which ensures a higher level of professionalism and consistency in our searches. Our internal structure allows our recruiters to focus exclusively on recruiting, without the distractions of business development. We have a dedicated client relations team that handles service overviews, fee structures, and agreements to initiate your search. You can find a full list of our competitive advantages here.