In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, the key to running a successful hotel lies not only in delivering exceptional service, but also in hiring the best staff. Hotel staff play a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for guests, and their competence, professionalism, and genuine passion can make or break a hotel’s reputation. 

In the following lines, we outline a comprehensive guide to help hoteliers navigate the hiring process and assemble a top-notch team that will elevate their establishment to new heights.

 

Define Your Ideal Candidate

Before embarking on the hiring process, take the time to clearly define the attributes and qualifications you seek in your hotel staff. Consider the core values, skills, experience, and personality traits that align with your hotel’s brand and target audience. Are you looking for individuals with previous hospitality experience or individuals who possess exceptional interpersonal skills? Clarifying your expectations will streamline the recruitment process and enable you to identify candidates who are the best fit for your hotel. 

Also, discuss with departmental managers what they need and what they would like. Regardless of whether you need a hotel manager, receptionist, cleaner, or chef, you need to know precisely what position(s) you are hiring for and what that new hire will actually do in the hotel. You must also hire at the right times – when you can afford to do so, when there is a need, but before performance drops too much.

 

Craft Compelling Job Descriptions

The job description serves as the first point of contact between your hotel and potential candidates. It should be well-crafted and provide a clear overview of the position’s responsibilities, required qualifications, and any additional details specific to your hotel. Highlight the unique benefits and growth opportunities your hotel offers to attract high-quality applicants. Be sure to include specific information about the hotel’s culture, values, and any unique features that set your establishment apart from others. 

 

Implement a Rigorous Screening Process

To ensure you select the cream of the crop, establish a comprehensive screening process. Begin by thoroughly reviewing resumes, focusing on relevant experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. Conduct preliminary phone interviews to assess communication skills, professionalism, and general fit with your hotel’s vision. Consider utilizing pre-employment tests or assessments tailored to the specific roles to evaluate candidates’ technical skills or problem-solving abilities.

 

Conduct In-Depth Interviews

Personal interviews are a critical component of the hiring process. Craft a structured interview format that includes a mix of behavioral, situational, and competency-based questions to gauge candidates’ skills, attitudes, and their ability to handle challenging scenarios. Incorporate role-playing exercises or case studies to assess problem-solving capabilities and interpersonal skills. Additionally, involve key team members in the interview process to obtain different perspectives and ensure cultural fit.

 

Focus on Attitude and Potential

While experience and technical skills are valuable, don’t underestimate the power of attitude and potential. Look for candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for hospitality, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow. Assess their ability to adapt to fast-paced environments, work collaboratively, and provide exceptional customer service. Consider hiring candidates with the right attitude and aptitude, even if they lack extensive experience, as they can be moulded and trained to become exceptional employees.

 

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

To attract and retain top talent, it’s crucial to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages. Conduct market research to determine prevailing industry standards and ensure your offerings are in line with or exceed them. Consider additional incentives such as performance-based bonuses, employee recognition programs, training opportunities, and career advancement prospects. A well-compensated and motivated staff will be more inclined to provide exceptional service and remain loyal to your hotel.

 

Hire From a Range of Different Channels

When you have a hotel job role that needs filling, you may think to advertise it on relevant job boards, especially those focusing on the hotel industry, which is a perfectly viable strategy. However, you should think beyond this, too, because the best candidates may not necessarily look at those boards.

For this reason, your hiring strategy must extend to various channels and platforms. There is a wide range of options, from turning to a professional recruiter, who may have extensive experience in sourcing the best candidates for hotel jobs, to using social media.

 

Use the Interview Process to Narrow Candidates Down

Once you have your list of applicants, you can start to filter out the ones who do not meet your criteria and identify the ones who you think might have the best chance of fitting in. Then, you can use the interview process to narrow this list of potential candidates even further to make your final decision easier.

 

Invest Sufficiently in Training for Your New Hires

Lastly, it is crucial to bear in mind that the hiring process doesn’t conclude once you have made your decision on whom to hire. Newly recruited hotel staff must undergo training to effectively perform their duties. Additionally, it is important to foster a sense of belonging within the team by providing them with work uniforms and ensuring they are acquainted with company policies.

Investing in training is essential, even if they possess previous experience in a similar position. Since each hotel is unique, they will need to familiarize themselves with the specific procedures and practices of your establishment.

 

If you need further information or counselling, we’ll be delighted to help you out. Contact us!