What would you say is the number one challenge in the hospitality industry? (I would love to hear your answer in the comment box below). If you’re like most of the hotel professionals I consult with weekly, your answer probably is.. EMPLOYEES. They say “finding good, honest, hardworking people is impossible to find!!” and…

Is this true?

In this article, I share some of my best practices to help you find the right people for your hotel. I’ll give you tips on where to look and how to think outside the box.

Yes and no, putting together a great working team is work. Hard work! One moment you think you’ve assembled an all-star team and then, a superstar quits on you. You scramble to find someone to cover shifts and then you hire the first person that walks into the door. A week later that new hire quits, you’re stressed and scrambling again!

So now what? What do you do? Where do you go to find candidates?

I suggest you come up with a game plan, a strategy that includes sourcing from multiple channels. Here are 10 things you can do to fill that hotel position. 

How to Find Employees for Your Hotel

When we’re looking for that person to work the 3-11 position, we run out an place an expensive and wasteful ad. Sometimes that perfect person is right under our noses, working in our hotel. You might want to give that dedicated housekeeper an opportunity to advance his or her career. Always look within your organization first.

When you don’t have someone you can hire within, empower your team to help you. One of the best ways to find a candidate is an internal referral. Your employees might have a friend or contact that is seeking a position. Put together a program.. if a current employee helps you find and fill a position, offer a $50 referral. You can even put in restrictions, such as new hire must stay on for 90 days to get the referral. Hey if it works for apartments, it can work for you!

I’m pretty sure you know other general managers in your market, ask them! You might even have a couple hotels you send overflow business that you could reach out to. These relationships are a great way to find potential candidates. They might have an employee looking for full time work or a stack of resume to share! Always create positive networking in your local market. You never know when it may come handy.
*Pro tip*- Do not steal employees from neighboring hotels. This will hurt you in the long run.

(Related Article: 10 Traits of a Great Front Desk Agent)

The internet is the most popular place to let the world know you’re hiring. Depending on the position and your market, you can come up with a budget and strategy to get the word out. Here are some websites you can take advantage of:

• www.craigslist.com (post often)
• www.indeed.com
• www.hcareers.com
• www.ziprecruiter.com
• http://www.simplyhired.com/
• www.snagajob.com
• http://www.hotelcareer.com/

Don’t forget to use your social media pages to let your followers know you’re hiring. Use local targeted social media ads such as Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/business/
Post a help wanted picture on Pinterest.com, Use Twitter with hashtags (#orlandoJobs, #helpwanted #hiring, #nowhiring, #takingapplications…)

We’ve probably all hired college students looking to gain experience and building their resume. College students with time on their hands might be the perfect fit for that night auditor position you have open. If your hotel is situated close to colleges and universities, reach out departments such as admissions, job placement, sports and administrative. Ask if they have a job fair coming up. Who knows, you might have an employee for life!

(Related Article: 5 Ways to Keep Your Hospitality Team Motivated)

6) Ask Other Businesses in Area
7) Reach Out to Local Chamber of Commerce or CVB
8) Local Professional Workforce or Development Organization
9) Churches or Religious Organizations may have someone for you
10) Contact Your Top Local Accounts

1. Hire for attitude, train for skills.
2. Don’t hire the first person that walks in. Take your time.
3. Don’t hire a warm body.
4. Check references.
5. Ask a lot of questions.
6. Go with your gut instinct
7. Roll play during interview (how they would deal with a situation)

There are tons of other ideas and ways I can think of when we’re looking fill a position. Like I mentioned in the beginning, nothing comes easy. It’s hard work! You may go through 20 to 50+ people until you find the right one, DO NOT GIVE UP!

In the end, it will make your job and life so much more easier. Keep it going. If you need more help, please reach out to me. I am always happy to consult with you.

Have a successful day!
– Rupesh