How do you hire the best hospitality staff?

1 Define your needs

Before you start looking for candidates, you need to have a clear idea of what skills, qualifications, and personality traits you are looking for in your hospitality staff. You also need to consider your budget, your company culture, and your expectations for each role. Write detailed and accurate job descriptions that outline the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits of working for your business. Use specific and relevant keywords that attract the attention of potential applicants and showcase your brand identity.

2 Use multiple channels

To reach a wider and more diverse pool of candidates, you need to use multiple channels to advertise your hospitality vacancies. You can use online platforms such as job boards, social media, and your own website to post your job ads and showcase your employer brand. You can also use offline methods such as referrals, networking, and local media to spread the word and generate interest. Make sure you tailor your message and tone to each channel and audience, and highlight your unique selling points as an employer.

3 Conduct effective interviews

Once you have shortlisted your candidates, you need to conduct effective interviews that allow you to assess their skills, personality, and fit for your hospitality roles. You can use different types of interviews, such as phone, video, or face-to-face, depending on your preferences and resources. You can also use various techniques, such as behavioral, situational, or competency-based questions, to evaluate how your candidates perform in different scenarios and tasks. You can also ask them to demonstrate their skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or customer service, through role-plays, simulations, or tests.

4 Check references and backgrounds

Before you make your final hiring decision, you need to check the references and backgrounds of your preferred candidates. You can contact their previous employers, colleagues, or clients to verify their work history, performance, and reputation. You can also conduct background checks to ensure that they have no criminal records, false credentials, or other red flags that could affect your business reputation or security. You can use online tools or third-party services to conduct these checks quickly and efficiently.

5 Offer competitive compensation

To hire the best hospitality staff, you need to offer competitive compensation that matches their skills, experience, and expectations. You also need to consider the market rates, the industry standards, and your competitors' offers when setting your pay and benefits packages. You can offer various types of compensation, such as salary, bonuses, tips, commissions, or incentives, depending on your business model and goals. You can also offer non-monetary benefits, such as flexible hours, training opportunities, career development, or recognition programs, to motivate and retain your staff.

6 Provide a positive onboarding experience

After you have hired your hospitality staff, you need to provide a positive onboarding experience that helps them integrate into your business and culture. You need to welcome them, introduce them to their colleagues and managers, and provide them with the necessary tools, equipment, and information to perform their roles. You also need to train them, coach them, and support them during their probation period, and give them regular feedback and guidance. You also need to monitor their performance, satisfaction, and engagement, and address any issues or concerns that may arise.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?