Month: April 2023

The ongoing effects of the “Great Resignation” in 2021, where 47 million U.S. workers quit their jobs, continue to be felt, especially in the restaurant industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, restaurants have seen the highest number of resignations among all employment sectors, with the yearly quit rate rising from 4.8% to 6.9%. Many workers have cited low take-home pay as a major reason for quitting.

With restaurants facing record inflation and 53% of Americans reducing their dining out, it is difficult for operators to allocate budget for higher salaries or raises, and more important than ever to improve recruitment and retention efforts.  

Recruitment

In terms of recruitment, make sure you’re leveraging available technology to market your jobs, hiring culture, and priorities in positions to actively compete for qualified talent 24/7/365.  Engage your candidates and be efficient in your communication to ensure that you’re their employer of choice, otherwise someone else will. 

Retention

When it comes to retention, technology can help address this problem by improving your service staff’s experience and increasing tips. By moving the central terminal to the servers’ handheld device, they can take orders and process payments directly from the table. This allows them to focus more on hospitality and less on administrative tasks, resulting in better customer satisfaction and bigger tips, as well as reduced stress for servers, increased repeat business, and efficiency savings for the restaurant.

Moreover, technology can turn new hires into knowledgeable service staff who provide a personalized dining experience to guests. For instance, the system can provide wine pairing suggestions for each dish as it is ordered, without requiring the staff to have extensive knowledge of wine. This enhances the guest experience and leads to higher tips. Additionally, server mobility pads connected to real-time inventory data ensure that the system only suggests wine that is actually available, avoiding any embarrassing situations.

In conclusion, technology can help you hire the right service staff, and help that service staff perform their job to a higher standard, improving the guest experience, and leading to higher tips. This creates a happier and better-compensated staff, reducing the likelihood of another “Great Resignation,” without the need for increased base pay. Technology is playing a vital role in helping restaurants thrive during these challenging economic times.

Embarking on a career in the restaurant industry can be both exhilarating and fulfilling. Whether your aspirations include becoming a chef, server, manager, or even a restaurant owner, there are numerous ways to acquire valuable experience and succeed in this field. In this blog post, we will delve into some practical steps you can take to develop your restaurant industry experience.

1. Begin with an entry-level role

One of the most effective ways to gain experience in the restaurant industry is by starting with an entry-level role. Positions such as dishwasher, busser, host/hostess, or server can provide an excellent opportunity to observe the inner workings of a restaurant and comprehend the significance of each role in the overall operation. To find entry level positions, consider searching for roles near you at restaurants you enjoy going to. 

2. Enroll in culinary school or attend classes

If you aim to specialize in a specific area, like becoming a chef or a pastry artist, attending a culinary school can be an ideal way to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Many culinary programs also offer internships or apprenticeships, providing invaluable hands-on experience in professional kitchens.

If you’re not prepared to commit to a full-time program, consider enrolling in a few classes at a local community college or culinary institute. This can help you learn new techniques and broaden your understanding of the industry.

3. Connect with industry professionals

Networking plays a vital role in developing your restaurant industry experience. Participate in industry events, conferences, or local meetups to engage with other professionals in the field. Spending time in restaurants you are pursuing a job at and getting to know current employees can also be a great way to network.  Establishing relationships with experienced individuals can lead to new opportunities and offer valuable insights into the industry.

4. Experience different types of restaurants

To obtain a well-rounded understanding of the restaurant industry, consider working in various types of establishments, such as fine dining, casual dining, fast food, and catering businesses. Each type of restaurant operates differently and will present unique experiences and challenges.

5. Utilize online resources

A wealth of online resources is available to help you learn more about the restaurant industry. Websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, and blogs can offer valuable information and insights from seasoned professionals. Leverage these resources to expand your knowledge and stay informed about industry trends.

6. Pursue mentorship

Securing a mentor in the restaurant industry can be incredibly advantageous as you work to gain experience. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate the complexities of the industry. Reach out to experienced professionals you admire and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.

7. Embrace feedback and personal growth

Finally, it’s crucial to embrace feedback and personal growth throughout your journey in the restaurant industry. Be prepared to learn from your mistakes and accept constructive criticism. Continuously strive to hone your skills and knowledge to become an invaluable asset in any restaurant setting.

In conclusion, acquiring restaurant industry experience requires commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful career in the restaurant world.

The restaurant industry continues to face a major challenge in the hiring process. According to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of operators struggle with a shortage of employees to meet customer demand and 75% plan to invest more resources in employee recruitment and retention.

The cumbersome and time-consuming hiring process, which often requires applicants to navigate complex job websites, create accounts and complete paperwork, is driving away top candidates. To overcome this obstacle, companies need to simplify the hiring process.

Embrace Mobile Technology

With 84% of Americans owning smartphones, mobile technology offers a convenient way to connect with potential employees. To create a seamless experience, companies should eliminate any extra steps and make sure the process is frictionless from start to finish. For example, if you plan to use a QR code, don’t direct candidates to your website where they have to search for your application. Instead, guide them directly to the hiring link where they can review open positions, and apply immediately. 

Take advantage of the preferred communication method of the target demographic, Gen Z, by using software that communicates via text, and apply directly from their phone. A simple QR code can direct the applicant to a mobile-based experience. Place these codes in areas where your target audience may be, such as high traffic areas in your establishments, or on social media.  When applications come in, use automation and pre drafted responses to immediately respond and communicate. This minimizes the waiting time and keeps the candidate engaged at their peak of interest, reducing ghosting and drop-off rates.

Make The Process Engaging

Making the recruiting process engaging is crucial in attracting top candidates. Candidates are more likely to apply and stay engaged if they feel a personal connection with the company and the hiring process. To make the recruiting process engaging, write company culture and job descriptions to showcase your company’s culture, values, and mission. Engaging follow-up interactions can also help to build a connection and keep candidates interested throughout the process. 

By making the recruiting process engaging, companies can create a positive and memorable experience for candidates, increasing the chances of attracting top talent to join the team.

Streamline Onboarding

After making an offer, many companies struggle with ghosting, where applicants disappear without explanation. To combat this, companies should digitize onboarding by creating mobile-friendly forms and company documents. Allow candidates to fill out tax and employment verification materials and answer common questions prior to the first day, helping to ensure a smooth start for the new employee.

By simplifying the hiring process, companies can eliminate unnecessary obstacles and make it easy to fill an open job. Investing in technology can revolutionize the hourly hiring process and help you reach your desired staffing levels.

If you’re looking for a job in the restaurant industry, you may be wondering what to expect during an interview. The truth is: every restaurant has its own hiring process and interviewing style, so it’s hard to say exactly how an interview will go. But all interviews share some commonalities. If you’re prepared and have a good attitude, that’ll go along way toward helping you get hired—and maybe even get that dream restaurant job!

Have a good attitude and be preparedThe interview is an opportunity for you to show your potential employer that you’re the right person for the job. You should have a positive attitude and be prepared, but also remember that it’s not just about how well you can answer questions or do tasks–the restaurant manager will want to see how well you fit into their team. Here are some tips on how to make yourself stand out:

• Have a good attitude: The manager wants someone who will enjoy working at their restaurant and not just someone who needs a paycheck. Show them that by being polite, respectful, confident (but not arrogant), honest about your skills/experience and expressing gratitude for even having an interview!
• Be prepared: Researching the company ahead of time shows that not only do they interest you but also gives insight into what kind of person they might hire based on what type of information was gathered during research time frame.

Be on time, or better than that, early

Being early shows that you care about the interview and have respect for the employer’s time. It also gives you a chance to relax before going into an interview and make sure everything is in order–you don’t want to be worrying about whether or not your shirt matches your pants while answering questions.

If there are unforeseen circumstances (traffic, illness) that will cause you to be late for an interview: Call ahead! Letting them know beforehand will show them how responsible and thoughtful of an employee they could have on their team–and who doesn’t want those qualities in their employees? If calling isn’t an option because of no cell service or whatever other reason, send an email as soon as possible to the hiring manager. 

Bring an extra copy of your resume, just in case

Bring an extra copy of your resume, just in case. You never know when you might need it, and if the interviewer loses their copy or forgets to give it back to you after the interview, then having another one will help ensure that they can follow up with additional questions or contact information later on.

This could also be a good idea if there are multiple people interviewing at once (i.e., two managers). They may want to keep track of who said what during the process–and having an extra copy on hand means no one has to scramble around trying to find theirs!

Dress appropriately for the industry and the particular establishment you are interviewing at.

Dress appropriately for the industry and the particular establishment you are interviewing at. If your interview is at a fast-food chain, then it’s okay to wear jeans and a T-shirt or polo shirt. However, if you are applying for a job as an executive chef at a high-end restaurant, then dress accordingly!

When deciding what to wear on your first day of work (or even before), ask yourself: “How do I want my future coworkers/manager/bosses to perceive me?” If they see that there is potential in me as an employee or colleague, then I will be able to use this opportunity wisely so that my future employers can see my worthiness of being hired permanently into their company.”

Come with questions about the company, its culture and its products or services.

Come prepared with questions about the company, its culture and its products or services.
Ask about what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis, as well as where your career could go from there.

Find out how long employees have been working at your target restaurant, if they enjoy their jobs and whether there is room for advancement in the future: This will help you determine whether this is an employer that will be able to meet your needs over time (including financial ones).

Take notes

• Take notes of your interview and bring them home to study.
• Take notes of the questions you were asked and your answers.
• Take notes of what you learned about the company, including its goals, values and mission statement.
• Take notes of what you learned about yourself by participating in this interview process (areas for improvement or growth).

Make sure to ask any follow-up questions that may have come up during your conversation with the interviewer(s).

We hope this article has helped you prepare for your next interview. We know it can be stressful, but with a little bit of preparation and a good attitude, you’ll be on your way to getting the job of your dreams in no time!

Restaurant and recreation industries experiencing seasonal fluctuations yearly isn’t anything new. While hiring for these volume peaks and valleys seems pretty straight forward, there are a few unexpected challenges that are easily avoidable with the right perspective, and tools of course. 

From customer-facing positions to kitchen support and logistics roles, it’s easy to overlook important parts of the hiring process and miss out on quality candidates. To help avoid these mistakes, here are five common hiring blunders we often see being made during the seasonal hiring process and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Lack of Season-Specific Hiring Strategy

Using the same hiring process for short-term and long-term employees is not effective. Hiring seasonal talent requires a different approach, including creative sourcing, screening, and onboarding methods that are tailored to the needs, schedules, and capabilities of seasonal workers. By developing a specific hiring plan for seasonal workers, you can attract and hire the right candidates for your needs at that moment.

How to avoid: Consider the lifestyle and urgency of your ideal candidates when creating your application process. Make it mobile-friendly and easy to navigate for college students who may be home for winter break.

Mistake #2: Inadequate Needs Assessment

During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to lose focus on what your business actually needs beyond extra help. Overlooking the training and onboarding process for new hires can be time-consuming and costly.

How to avoid: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to determine the number of employees needed and how they can complement existing processes. Hiring support for current staff can help them handle high-traffic times while minimizing the training required for seasonal workers.

Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Start Hiring

Starting your seasonal hiring process earlier than you think can give you a competitive edge. Restaurants and other companies are scrambling for seasonal talent, so starting early can help you secure the best candidates.

How to avoid: Consider making your seasonal hiring strategy a year-round endeavor to stay ahead of the competition. Invest in a hiring platform that enables fast, mobile applications and automates the hiring process.

Mistake #4: Hiring Only for Seasonality

While hiring seasonal workers to handle extra tasks is important, don’t overlook the potential for longevity. Seasonal hires have the potential to bring positive change to your current roster and can be assets over time.

How to avoid: When interviewing seasonal workers, consider their long-term goals and whether they align with your company’s goals. Be transparent about the possibility of keeping them on staff after the seasonal period has ended. For annual recruits, establish a workflow to connect with them and hire them easily every year.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Long-Term Hiring

Investing in long-term hires starts with sourcing. Set up your hiring parameters to filter for candidates who are seeking short-term or contract work with the potential for an extension after the contract ends.

How to avoid: During the screening and interviewing process, discuss the candidate’s career goals and consider whether you may have a more permanent position for them in the future.

In conclusion, seasonal hiring can be challenging, but with a system in place and a focus on avoiding common mistakes, you can attract and retain quality talent how, and when you need it.