Best way to hire restaurant employees – 6 Proven tips

Your staff is the heart and soul of the guest experience. They turn humdrum Tuesdays into celebratory dinners and keep customers returning for more. But fining answer for ‘how to hire restaurant staff’ feels like searching for the Holy Grail. You’re not alone! 

Staffing shortages are a real pain point across the hospitality industry. An article in the New York Times says restaurant business is booming, but many restaurants can’t find enough workers to keep up with the surge.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Demand Soars: Restaurant employment has risen post-COVID, but staffing levels at full-service restaurants are still down by 20%.
• Supply Shrinks: National Restaurant Association data shows staffing is low because there are more job openings than available workers. One online job site advertised over 300 line cook positions in a single area, and those listings sat open for months!

In such situations, how to hire restaurant staff? 

It is time to dive deep into some proven tactics and help you build your all-star team. Let’s talk solutions – from innovative social media campaigns to the power of employee referrals, exactly  how to hire restaurant staff that keeps raving about your restaurant. 

So, get ready to learn to navigate this competitive environment and secure the amazing staff your restaurant deserves.

Why Are Employees the Asset of Your Restaurant?

Your staff isn’t just there to flip burgers and clear tables, although they do those things too! However, they are more than just employees – they are your greatest asset. Why? Because their role is pivotal in determining the success of your establishment. 

Here’s a detailed explanation of why employees are considered an asset to a restaurant:

1. Customer Service & Food Quality

• Your Hospitality Heroes:  Hire restaurant staff that becomes the frontline, the friendly faces your customers interact with directly. A team that’s attentive, efficient, and genuinely welcoming is key to creating a positive dining experience.  

• Guardians of Great Food:  Your chefs and kitchen crew have a direct impact on the quality of your food. Consistency in taste and presentation is what keeps customers raving. A passionate team takes pride in their craft, ensuring every dish is a masterpiece.

2. They Create a Seamless Symphony:

• The Well-Oiled Machine: A team that works together like clockwork creates a smooth-running operation.  From the moment guests walk into their final farewell, the collective effort of your staff shapes the entire atmosphere. Servers communicate seamlessly with chefs, bartenders anticipate drink refills before you even blink, and bussers keep things clean and inviting. This kind of collaboration creates a comfortable and efficient experience for your diners.
• Engaged for Success: Employees who are passionate about what they do go above and beyond. This kind of engagement fosters a positive atmosphere and turns first-timers into your regular guests.

3. They are the Foundation of Your Success:

• Retention Rewards: Keeping experienced staff is a win-win. They bring valuable knowledge, consistent service, and a deep understanding of your restaurant’s culture. This, in turn, helps you maintain the high standards that keep your customers loyal.

• Cost-Effective Culture: Happy and engaged employees are less likely to leave, which means less money is spent on hiring and training new staff. That frees up resources to invest in everything that keeps your restaurant at the top of its game.

The bottom line? Invest in your people, and watch your restaurant flourish.  

By fostering a positive work environment, you empower your team to deliver exceptional service, ensure top-notch food quality, and create a welcoming atmosphere. This isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment in your restaurant’s greatest asset – your employees.  

Challenges in Restaurant Recruiting

We all know the struggle of finding the perfect people to join our team. It can feel like a constant battle. Let’s discuss:

• Attracting Committed Candidates:

Finding folks who are passionate and want to stick around can be tough. But listen, let’s focus on what makes your restaurant special. Highlight the growth opportunities you offer, the chance to be part of a tight-knit team, and the perks that go beyond just a paycheck. Think flexible schedules, killer employee discounts, or even fun team outings – these things matter!

• Efficient Applicant Tracking:

Do the piles of resumes make you feel overwhelmed? Find the best platform to hire employees or some smart tech tools to streamline this process. With a better applicant tracking system, we can spend more time engaging with potential hires who are a good fit. 

• Streamlining Onboarding:

Getting to hire restaurant staff quickly is critical. How about we create a structured onboarding program with clear steps? Assigning mentors to help newbies settle in faster can make a big difference.

• Boosting Employee Retention:

Retention is key and you can seal-the-deal with perks that show you care. Think flexible schedules, employee discounts, and regular recognition for a job well done. Employees who are content and happy, are more likely to stick around!

• Adapting Recruitment Strategies:

The world keeps turning, and so should our recruitment methods. Let’s explore new avenues like social media, employee referrals, and partnering with local schools or programs. The wider the net we cast, the more likely we are to find the right talent.

• Hiring And Training Costs:

Hiring and training can be a budget concern. Let’s be strategic. Focus on hiring versatile folks who are passionate about hospitality. Then, invest in their training and development. This translates to long-term gains for both you and your team.

By tackling these challenges head-on, you can build a strong, motivated crew that’s ready to take on anything. Sounds good? Let’s make your restaurant a place where everyone wins – you, your team, and your happy customers!

How to Source & Hire Restaurant Staff?

Did you know that the cost of hiring and training a new restaurant employee can average around $2,000, while managerial positions can go up to $15,000? Hence, sourcing the best staff for a restaurant involves innovative strategies that tap into modern recruitment channels and leverage the power of existing employees. Here’s how to approach it:

• Social Media Recruiting

Social media has become an indispensable tool for reaching out to potential candidates in the restaurant industry. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow restaurants to showcase their culture, share job openings, and engage directly with job seekers. Recent studies indicate that 82% of recruiters use social media to advertise positions and target and evaluate talent.

• Employee Referral Programs

Employee referral programs can turn your staff into effective recruiters and brand ambassadors, bringing talented hospitality professionals to your doorstep. These programs often include bonuses for employees who refer hired candidates, incentivizing them to recommend high-quality candidates. It’s reported that jobs filled through employee referrals on average take fewer days to fill, compared to career site postings.

By utilizing these strategies, restaurants can reach a wider audience, but can they really attract high-quality candidates?

6 Tips for Hiring the Right Employees for Your Restaurants

Streamlining the recruitment process and enhancing the quality is the best way to hire restaurant employees. To ensure you hire the right employee for the success of your restaurant – we have listed six tips to help you find the best!

• Define Your Needs

What skills and experience are must-haves?  Having this crystal-clear picture helps you target the right candidates and ensures they know exactly what’s expected.  Think of it like creating a dating profile for your open position – attract the right matches from the start!

• Optimize Job Descriptions

List the essential qualifications, but don’t forget to highlight the perks and rewards of being part of your team.  Think flexible scheduling for students, killer employee discounts, or a fun, fast-paced environment.  Be honest about the challenges and the wins, and use language that reflects your restaurant’s personality.

• Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels

Utilize a mix of online platforms like social media, industry forums, and even local community boards.  These can be goldmines for finding hidden talent.  Employee referral programs are also fantastic for attracting folks who are a good cultural fit and come with a built-in recommendation from someone you trust!

• Interviews Go Beyond “Why Us?”

Consider having multiple interviewers to get different perspectives on how candidates would mesh with your team.  Remember, it’s not just about ticking boxes on a skills list – you want someone with the right personality and work ethic who will thrive in your environment.

• Value Your Team with Competitive Pay & Perks

Be transparent about how much you offer and how employees can grow their earnings.  Think of it as an investment – happy, well-compensated employees are more likely to stick around and become stars!

• Invest in Training: Happy & Skilled = Restaurant Success!

Offer a well-structured onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for your new hires.  They will feel integrated into the team, understand your company culture and policies, and have the resources they need to excel. This means happy, productive employees who stick around.

And if you are ready to take it further?

KNOW APP can be your secret weapon for building a rockstar training program. 

The KNOW APP is indeed a powerful ally in the quest to build an exceptional training program for your restaurant staff. Here’s a detailed look at what it offers:

Mobile-Based Training

• Mobile-First Design: KNOW APP’s mobile-first design provides flexible, on-the-go learning, perfect for busy schedules. 
• Micro-Training Sessions: These training sessions are short, focused, and engaging, while gamification elements like points, badges, and leaderboards make learning fun and competitive, especially for new hires.
• Rich Multimedia Content: Such content caters to diverse learning styles, and you can create interactive courses with bite-sized lessons for optimal comprehension and retention.
• Personalized Learning: Personalized learning paths ensure training is relevant, while progress tracking helps identify areas for individual coaching. 
• Detailed Analytics: Analytics on completion rates, engagement, and performance empower you to continually improve your training programs for better results.

Additional Features

• Digitization of Operations: Streamline your operational checklists, forms, and audits, and store all data in one place for easy access and compliance tracking.
• Communication: Inform every staff member about company SOPs, notices, news, and policies with features that support translation and mass personalization.
• Issue Reporting: The app facilitates real-time issue and fault reporting, ensuring that any problems are quickly communicated and resolved.

So, don’t let them flounder! Visit the KNOW APP today and transform your new hires into restaurant superheroes.  This is most definitely the best way to hire restaurant employees!