10 Top Tips To Hire New Employees For Hospitality Companies

With the hospitality industry being one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors globally, there’s a constant demand for skilled employees. In the UK alone, the sector employs over 3.2 million people and contributes approximately £130 billion to the economy each year. 

In such a competitive environment, it’s crucial for businesses to know how to hire new employees for hospitality companies effectively. 

This article dives deeper into data-driven tips for recruiting top talent in the industry.

Let’s get to it…

1. Analyse industry-specific hiring trends

To make informed decisions during recruitment, start by researching industry-specific hiring trends. 

For instance, data from the UKHospitality Workforce Commission Report suggests that 75% of staff in the sector are aged under 30. 

Knowing this, you can tailor your recruitment strategy to attract younger candidates by offering benefits like flexible work hours or opportunities for career progression.

2. Leverage data from job listing platforms

Job listing platforms provide a wealth of data that can help you optimise your recruitment process. 

For instance, research shows that job listings with a salary range receive 30% more applications than those without. 

Including a competitive salary range in your job descriptions can increase your chances of attracting the right talent.

3. Identify high-performing channels for talent sourcing

Data-driven hiring involves identifying the most effective channels for sourcing candidates. 

According to a 2018 survey by the British Hospitality Association, the top three sources of hospitality staff were:

• Jobcentre Plus: 40%
• Word of mouth: 37%
• Online job boards: 32%

Knowing this, you can allocate your resources more efficiently by focusing on these channels when advertising your vacancies.

4. Utilise applicant tracking systems (ATS)

An applicant tracking system (ATS), like GoHire, can help streamline the recruitment process by automating the collection and analysis of candidate data. 

These systems can provide valuable insights, such as the average time to hire, the number of applicants per role, and the effectiveness of various recruitment channels. 

By leveraging this information, you can optimise your recruitment strategies and make more informed hiring decisions.

5. Implement data-driven assessments

Incorporating data-driven assessments into your hiring process can help predict candidate success. 

For example, psychometric tests are reliable predictors of job performance in the hospitality industry, particularly when assessing customer service skills and emotional intelligence. 

By integrating these tests into your recruitment process, you can identify candidates more likely to excel in their roles.

6. Monitor employee performance metrics

Monitoring employee performance metrics, such as customer satisfaction ratings, sales figures, or staff retention rates, can provide valuable insights into the success of your recruitment strategies. 

Tracking these metrics over time allows you to identify trends and make data-driven adjustments to your hiring process. 

For example, if high staff turnover is an issue, you may need to reassess your onboarding and training procedures or offer more competitive benefits packages.

7. Invest in employer branding

In the competitive hospitality industry, a strong employer brand can significantly impact your ability to attract top talent. 

According to a LinkedIn survey, 75% of job seekers consider an employer’s brand before applying for a position. 

Investing in your company’s online presence, showcasing employee stories, and highlighting unique aspects of your work environment can enhance your employer brand and appeal to a broader pool of candidates.

8. Embrace diversity and inclusion

A diverse workforce can bring immense benefits to your hospitality business, including increased innovation, improved problem-solving, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

In fact, a 2018 study by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies with the highest levels of gender and ethnic diversity were 33% and 35% more likely to outperform their peers, respectively. 

When hiring new employees, prioritise diversity and inclusion by ensuring your recruitment strategies and work environment are welcoming to candidates from all backgrounds.

9. Monitor industry benchmark data

Keep an eye on industry benchmark data, such as average salary information, benefits packages, and employee satisfaction ratings, to ensure your company remains competitive.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that the median full-time salary in the UK hospitality sector was £23,000 in 2020. By comparing your offerings with these benchmarks, you can identify areas your business may need to improve to attract and retain top talent.

10. Utilise social media for recruitment

Social media platforms can be valuable tools for reaching potential candidates and showcasing your company’s culture. 

According to a 2021 survey by HospitalityNet, 84% of hospitality companies use social media for recruitment purposes, with LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram being the most popular platforms. 

By leveraging these platforms to share job openings, company updates, and employee stories, you can connect with a wider audience and drive interest in your vacancies.

Let’s wrap up the top 10 tips to hire new employees for hospitality companies

Mastering how to hire new employees for hospitality companies requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach to recruitment. 

By staying informed about industry trends, tapping into job platform data, focusing on the most effective sourcing channels, harnessing the power of applicant tracking systems, incorporating data-driven assessments, keeping a close eye on employee performance metrics, building a strong employer brand, championing diversity and inclusion, staying abreast of industry benchmarks, and leveraging social media for recruitment, you can assemble a formidable team of talented individuals.

A well-rounded hiring strategy, grounded in data and industry insights, will enable your hospitality company to attract and retain top talent. 

This, in turn, will contribute to a thriving business that consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences and distinguishes itself in an increasingly competitive market. 

By investing time and resources into refining your recruitment process, you can create a solid foundation for long-term success and ensure that your company continues to flourish in the dynamic world of hospitality.