The restaurant industry continues to face significant challenges in hiring. According to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of operators struggle to find enough employees to meet customer demand, and 75% plan to invest more resources in recruitment and retention.

Unfortunately, overly complicated hiring processes are driving candidates away, leaving restaurants understaffed and scrambling to fill shifts. In 2025, simplifying the hiring process is no longer optional—it’s essential.

This guide will cover strategies to simplify your hiring, attract top candidates, and streamline onboarding for lasting results.

Why Complicated Hiring Practices Hurt Restaurants

Complex application processes frustrate candidates and increase drop-off rates. Common pitfalls include:

• Requiring applicants to create accounts on multiple platforms
  • This can be frustrating for applicants and cause them to only create an account with the first platform found.
    
• Long forms with redundant questions
  • Questions should be short and sweet. To the point but clear enough that applicants understand what is being asked.
    
• Confusing application navigation
  • Simple but effective. You want the best quality candidates possible but not for them to waste time getting through an application. Reality is that hospitality people are not corporate America people – we need to adjust the approach.
    
• Delays in communication after applying
  • Communication that the application has been received and all subsequent steps is important. 

Candidates, especially younger generations like Gen Z, expect fast, mobile-friendly, and engaging hiring experiences. If your process isn’t intuitive, your top talent may never complete the application.

Embrace Mobile Technology for Faster Applications

With 84% of Americans owning smartphones, mobile technology is a powerful tool for recruiting. Restaurants can leverage mobile-first strategies to simplify hiring:

• Direct mobile links: Avoid sending candidates to a website homepage. Use QR codes or links that take applicants straight to open positions.
  
• Text-based communication: Many candidates prefer texting over email. Implement systems that allow for real-time messaging.
  
• Mobile-friendly applications: Keep forms short, simple, and easy to complete from a phone.
  

Tip: Place QR codes in high-traffic areas such as your restaurant’s entrance, social media posts, or local community boards. This makes it easier for candidates to apply immediately.

Engage Candidates Through the Hiring Process

Engagement is key to keeping applicants interested. A hiring process that feels personal and engaging increases the likelihood of qualified candidates completing their applications.

Ways to make the process engaging:

• Showcase your company culture in job descriptions. Highlight values, mission, and team environment.
  
• Personalized follow-ups: Automated but personalized messages make candidates feel noticed.
  
• Interactive pre-hire tasks: Optional surveys or short video introductions can give candidates a chance to showcase personality.
  

A memorable hiring process creates a positive candidate experience, increasing the chances that top talent chooses your restaurant over competitors.

Streamline Onboarding to Reduce Ghosting

Many restaurants struggle with new hires disappearing before starting work. Digitizing onboarding is critical to reducing this risk.

• Mobile onboarding: Allow employees to complete forms, tax documents, and employment verification from their phone.
  
• Pre-day introductions: Provide digital handbooks, welcome videos, and team introductions.
  
• Automation for reminders: Use automated texts or emails to remind new hires of start dates and next steps.
  

Case Study: A multi-unit restaurant group implemented a mobile onboarding system. Turnover during the first week dropped by 30%, and managers reported faster integration of new employees into daily operations.

Tools That Help Simplify Restaurant Hiring

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

An ATS centralizes the entire hiring process. Features include:

• Resume pre-screening
  
• Automated interview scheduling
  
• Team collaboration on candidate reviews
  
• Customizable job postings
  

StaffedUp, for example, is designed specifically for restaurants. While it doesn’t replace scheduling tools, it integrates smoothly with workforce management platforms, helping managers connect hiring and scheduling efficiently.

Automation & Messaging Tools

Using automated communication tools reduces candidate drop-off by keeping applicants informed at every step:

• Automatic application acknowledgments
  
• Scheduled reminders for interviews
  
• Easy access to FAQs or role-specific documents
  

Tip: A seamless experience keeps candidates engaged during peak interest, reducing ghosting and improving fill rates.

Creating a Frictionless Candidate Experience

A smooth hiring process can significantly improve your candidate conversion rates. Best practices include:

1. Simplify applications: Reduce the number of fields and clicks required.
   
2. Prioritize mobile accessibility: Ensure forms load quickly and are easy to navigate.
   
3. Use clear language: Avoid confusing jargon or multiple steps.
   
4. Communicate clearly: Keep candidates updated on their application status.
   

Restaurants that adopt these practices report higher applicant completion rates and better overall satisfaction with the hiring process.

Benefits of Simplifying Hiring for Restaurants

Streamlining hiring provides tangible results for restaurant operators:

• Faster time-to-hire: Fill open roles quickly during high-traffic periods.
  
• Reduced turnover: Candidates who experience a positive process are more likely to stay.
  
• Stronger employer brand: A smooth and engaging process reflects positively on your restaurant.
  
• Operational efficiency: Managers spend less time chasing applicants and more time managing staff.
  

Investing in technology and simplification can transform the way restaurants hire hourly staff, making operations more predictable and less stressful.

Real-World Impact: StaffedUp Case Study

Client: Multi-unit restaurant group with 6 locations

Challenges:

• Lengthy, confusing hiring process. Split up on multiple different platforms and paying outrageous fees for the live job postings.
  
• High candidate drop-off. No communication after the application is submitted.
  
• Inefficient onboarding. Half online, half paper. Applicants lose interest when onboarding takes weeks and they needed to start working yesterday.
  

Solutions Implemented:

1. Mobile-first applications via QR codes and direct links
   
2. Automated messaging to maintain engagement
   
3. Digital onboarding with tax forms and company handbooks
   

Results:

• Candidate drop-off reduced by 40%
  
• Time-to-hire reduced by 50%
  
• Managers reported smoother integration and improved team readiness
  

This demonstrates how a streamlined, technology-driven approach can have a measurable impact on staffing levels and employee retention.

Conclusion: Simplify Hiring to Win the Talent War

In 2025, restaurants can no longer rely on traditional hiring methods. Complex processes, slow responses, and cumbersome forms push top candidates away. By embracing mobile technology, engaging candidates, and streamlining onboarding, restaurants can fill roles faster and reduce turnover.StaffedUp helps operators implement these strategies, providing a platform that integrates with scheduling tools, manages applicant flow, and improves overall hiring efficiency. A simplified, modern hiring process is no longer a luxury—it’s a business necessity.