Why hiring the easiest candidates might make your management job much harder
In short: In the high-turnover world of hospitality, the temptation is to hire quickly to fill gaps. However, selecting staff based solely on ease of recruitment can lead to management struggles. Success requires a diverse team capable of maintaining excellence under pressure, even if they are only passing through.
The restaurant industry faces a constant challenge with staff turnover, particularly in hourly positions. Because of this, the selection process is critical. A fundamental principle for successful restaurant owners is that 'hiring hard makes it possible to manage easy,' whereas choosing the path of least resistance during recruitment often results in a more difficult management experience later on.
When building a service team, managers should look beyond basic technical skills. A high-quality staff must be able to collaborate with diverse personalities and maintain consistent performance during stressful situations. It is common for servers to use the role as a temporary means to pay bills while pursuing other life goals or avocations. While this means losing talented people when they find other opportunities, their commitment to excellence and teamwork during their tenure is what matters most for the guest experience.
A balanced team requires a mix of different strengths. If a staff is composed entirely of the same personality type, the team will lack the necessary variety to succeed. A robust team needs some members who excel at meticulous detail and specific tasks, and others who are naturally warm and skilled at engaging guests to create a festive atmosphere. The goal is to create a whole that aligns with the specific spirit and level of excellence intended for the restaurant.
Effective recruitment involves multiple channels, including hiring websites, newspaper advertisements, and word-of-mouth. Maintaining a reputation as a fair and supportive employer is vital; when staff feel well-cared for, they become ambassadors that attract other top-quality service professionals. Additionally, a restaurant's success and positive reviews act as a magnet for skilled servers looking for vibrant workplaces. The hiring process should include formal interviews, reference checks, and a 'trial' period where new hires work under senior supervision to learn the dining room's specific requirements.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Hire Waitstaff | Restaurant Business
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