How to recruit and hire the right staff in hospitality

Finding the right employees for your hospitality business can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In 2022, more than two in five (42%) employers recruiting for hospitality workers had unfilled vacancies for more than a month. That’s a long time to be short-staffed, and the pressure it puts on your existing team? Not ideal.

The main reason behind these hiring struggles? A lack of applicants (42%)—and among those who do apply, 16% of employers say they simply aren’t suitable for the job. Sound familiar? If you’re struggling to find and hire the right people, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down together and look at the best ways to recruit hospitality staff who are the right fit for your business. 

Why hiring the right people matters

In hospitality, your staff are everything. They are the face of your business, the people who interact with customers daily, and the key to ensuring smooth operations. A single positive interaction with an employee can turn a first-time customer into a loyal regular. On the other hand, one poor experience—whether due to bad service, long wait times, or a lack of professionalism—can drive customers away for good.

Hiring the wrong people—or not having enough staff—can have a domino effect on your business, leading to:

• Poor customer experiences
• Increased stress for your existing team
• Higher turnover rates, which means going through the hiring process all over again
• A hit to your bottom line

Hiring the right staff leads to better team morale, improved efficiency, and most importantly, satisfied customers who keep coming back. So, how do you make sure you are bringing in the right people?

What to look for in hospitality staff

Before you even advertise for the role, you need to be clear about what you are looking for. In hospitality, skills matter, but so does personality. A great hire will have a mix of the following:

1. The right attitude

Hospitality is all about people, so a positive, customer-focused attitude is a must. Look for candidates who are friendly, approachable, and great at problem-solving. Skills can be taught, but a good attitude is something a person either has or does not.

Look for applicants who:

• Have a natural enthusiasm for customer service
• Stay positive even in high-pressure situations
• Show a willingness to learn and adapt
• Can handle feedback and improve their performance

2. Strong communication skills

From taking orders to handling guest requests (such as dietary requests or allergies), clear and effective communication is key. Your team needs to be able to work together seamlessly and keep customers informed along the way. Most issues can be resolved or avoided with clear communication. 

Strong hospitality employees should be able to:

• Listen attentively to customer needs
• Communicate clearly and politely with guests and colleagues
• Resolve issues quickly and professionally
• Work well within a team

3. Adaptability and resilience

Hospitality can be unpredictable—one moment it is quiet, and the next it is completely full. Staff who can stay calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations will perform best in this industry.

Employees need to be able to:

• Stay calm under pressure
• Adjust quickly to changing circumstances
• Handle multiple tasks at once
• Solve problems on the go

4. Reliability and work ethic

Unreliable staff can disrupt your entire business. Punctuality, commitment, and a strong work ethic should be at the top of your list when screening candidates. You want employees who are happy to jump in and help out when needed and try their best when they’re at work. 

When screening candidates, look for:

• Positive references from previous employers
• A track record of reliability and responsibility

5. Experience (where it matters)

Experience is not always essential, but for certain roles, such as chefs or bartenders, relevant experience is key. 

When evaluating experience, ask:

• Has the candidate worked in a similar environment before?
• Can they demonstrate key skills required for the job?
• Do they have any industry-related qualifications or training?

For entry-level positions, focus on attitude and willingness to learn over direct experience. Someone who has worked in retail or a call centre may have the adaptability and customer service skills needed for hospitality.

How to hire the right people for the job

When hiring, the right approach makes all the difference. Instead of waiting for the perfect candidate to walk through the door, try these fresh hiring strategies to attract top talent.

1. Post an engaging advertisement

Job ads should do more than just list responsibilities and qualifications. They should sell the role. What makes your venue a great place to work? Is it a supportive team, a fun work culture, or flexible shifts? Highlight what makes your workplace different to the rest. Keep it clear and concise. Nobody wants to scroll through paragraphs of text—get to the point and make it easy to understand.

2. Use Sidekicker to hire—90% of roles are filled within an hour

When you need temporary staff quickly, Sidekicker is the best in the business. With pre-vetted, qualified hospitality workers ready to go, you can fill shifts in no time. Whether you need a bartender for a busy Friday night or extra waitstaff for an event, Sidekicker helps you find reliable, skilled workers, fast.

The best part? Sidekicker's workers have been reviewed and rated, so you can choose people with a proven track record.

3. Reach out to your network

Often the best hires come from word of mouth. Let your current team know you are hiring and ask if they have friends or former colleagues looking for work. Not only does this help you find candidates who come with a recommendation, but it also increases the likelihood of a good cultural fit. People tend to refer others they know will work well in the team.

4. Tap into local Facebook groups

Gone are the days when job seekers only used traditional job boards. Hospitality workers are highly active in local job-hunting Facebook groups, where venues post vacancies and job seekers connect directly with employers. Jump into these groups, post your job ad, and be responsive to questions. A quick chat in a group can often lead to a great hire.

5. Offer “work perks” beyond pay

Pay matters, but it is not the only thing job seekers look for. Offering additional perks—like free meals or coffee during shifts, staff discounts, or career development opportunities—can make your business stand out. Flexibility is another big one. If you can offer more control over rosters or shorter shifts that work around study schedules, you will have a much better chance of attracting and keeping great staff.

Finding the right people for your hospitality business isn't just about filling vacancies, it's about bringing in someone who will bring value to your team and enhance your business. A great employee is worth their weight in gold, and the key to finding them is to take a proactive approach. Craft job ads that truly sell the role, use smart hiring tools like Sidekicker, and connect with the communities where hospitality workers are already looking for their next opportunity.

If you are ready to take the stress out of hiring and get the right people on board fast, Sidekicker can help. Get started today and fill your next role in no time!

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