Mastering Recruitment of Gig Workers in the Hospitality Industry: Unlocking Strategies for Success

Hospitality is all about customer satisfaction. Your staff is the face of your establishment, so recruiting the right people can make the difference between a good review and a bad one. However, finding people with the best skills and attributes can often be challenging and time-consuming. That’s especially challenging when hiring flex and gig workers for seasonal work. 

Various software solutions are available to streamline recruitment so hotels can attract, select, and onboard top candidates quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best practices for hospitality businesses to streamline recruitment processes and find the right on-demand and gig workers for their teams.

Leveraging Technology and Automation: Simplifying Screening and Interviewing Processes

Hiring gig workers needs to be faster than hiring regular employees. Technology can simplify and streamline hospitality businesses’ screening and interviewing processes so you can fill positions quickly and efficiently. Here are some ways it can help: 

Automated Screening Systems

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become a popular way to simplify the screening process for HR teams. Recruitment software and applicant tracking systems can automate sorting resumes, application forms, and cover letters to identify the most qualified candidates. These systems can save significant time and manual effort by automatically filtering out unqualified applicants and presenting the most relevant ones for further consideration.

The benefits are clear, as 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS regularly. Here are some statistics on the impact of using automated screening systems in the recruitment process: 

Use and benefits of automated screening software. Image Source

Video Interviewing 

Video interviewing platforms are invaluable for the hospitality industry. These platforms allow businesses to conduct remote interviews, saving time and resources for both the interviewer and the candidate. Video interviews can provide a more efficient way to screen candidates and get a feel for their personality and communication skills, even before scheduling an in-person interview.

Today, intelligent interviewing solutions go beyond providing quality video. These are the main benefits of using a video interviewing platform: 

• Enhances the interview experience: Video interviews allow recruiters and candidates to connect without the hassle and stress of in-person interviews. Video interviews are particularly beneficial when interviewing out-of-town candidates or those with limited transportation options. 
• Expands the candidate pool: Interviewing through a video platform allows HR teams to access suitable candidates who may be living far from the organization and interview for remote and hybrid positions. 
• Provides better insights: Most video interviews are recorded, allowing HR teams and hiring managers to review candidates easily and get a better insight into their potential. 

3 Tips for Recruiting On Demand and Gig Workers in the Hospitality Industry  

High turnover is a significant challenge among restaurants and hotels. As a dynamic industry, it requires specific know-how to hire the best candidates. Time is also of the essence when hiring on-demand staff. Here are some tips that may help: 

Advertise the Job in the Right Places  

In addition to LinkedIn and popular job boards such as Glassdoor or Indeed, post your ads on hospitality-specific job boards. Some examples include HCareers and HotelJobs. 

Leverage Referrals 

Previous hires can refer new candidates to the system pool of potential hires, which helps speed up filling shifts with on-demand workers. A well-crafted referral program can boost the hiring process and increase your retention rate. 

Evaluate Candidates With Technology Tools

Recruitment software can help screen candidates, and assessment tools can help evaluate candidates for the soft skills required for the hospitality industry, such as good communication, problem-solving, and keeping calm under stress. 

Implementing Efficient Onboarding Procedures: Setting New Hires Up for Success

Efficient onboarding procedures are crucial for setting new hires up for success in the hospitality industry. This is especially important for on-demand and gig workers who need to hit the ground running. During onboarding, new employees become acclimated to the company’s culture, policies, procedures, and expectations. 

Set your new hires up for success with these tips: 

Be Clear From the Start

To streamline the onboarding process, businesses should provide clear expectations and goals, create an onboarding checklist, ensure that onboarding materials are easily accessible, and introduce new employees to key personnel. This ensures that new hires feel welcomed, informed, and supported as they begin their journey with the company.

Leverage the Power of Mentorship 

One effective strategy for onboarding in the hospitality industry is to assign a mentor or buddy to new hires. This mentor can guide them through the initial stages of their employment, provide support, and help them navigate the workplace. This not only helps new employees feel more comfortable but also accelerates their learning and integration into the company culture.

Power Your Recruitment With Nowsta 

Mastering recruitment in the hospitality industry is crucial for attracting and retaining the right talent. Following the best practices outlined above, hospitality businesses can streamline their recruitment processes and ensure they find the right employees for their teams. Creating targeted job advertisements, leveraging technology and automation, and implementing efficient onboarding procedures can all contribute to a successful recruitment strategy. 

Nowsta simplifies the recruitment process with the power of automation. Choose from an already screened pool of professionals, assign and change shifts, and hire, pay, and manage all employees. Nowsta is the only solution that lets you manage both salaried and hourly staff, seamlessly integrating with payroll and processing systems. 

Remember, finding the right employees is an investment in the success of your business, and by implementing these strategies, you can unlock the full potential of your team.

Learn how Nowsta makes sourcing and managing your staff a breeze. Request your demo today.