Your ability to realize your business's full potential relies on having the right people in place. Here are some tips on finding the talent you need.
Raise Your Employer Profile
Applicants will seek out and find good employers. If you create a great environment that provides more than “just a job,” you won't have to look hard for new talent. Developing a reputation as a great employer gives career seekers a reason to want work for you. In fact, companies that are recognized as best workplaces typically spend less money on recruiting because people come to them. Getting your name out there as a great employer may be easier than you think.
- Apply for “best employer” awards. Winners, runners-up and candidates are often included in the exposure that typically follows industry awards celebrations.
- Promote sustainable and environmental practices. Send a press release to local newspapers and relevant industry magazines and newsletters.
- Get involved in your community. Sponsor and participate in events that get you out of the building and into the public.
- Sponsor a school in your community. Provide opportunities for the school to raise funds using your product or service. Sponsor refreshments for monthly parent council meetings and school-wide events.
- Consult teachers and career counsellors. Go a step further and build relationships with educators who teach relevant industry programs. Ask for names of outstanding students and approach them about job opportunities.
- Attend career events. Make the time to meet motivated people who are looking to contribute. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for your industry with people exploring multiple career avenues.
- Consider event sponsorship. Raising awareness among target hires might mean spending up front on marketing or public relations efforts. You can do this simply by donating prizes at career events.
- Volunteer as a mentor. Many career development programs seek industry involvement to help job seekers. Use these resources to raise awareness of your company. You might contribute to online newsletters, participate in information interviews or offer advice as an “industry expert.” In so doing, you'll gain access to a great pool of candidates while publicizing your establishment.
- Join the go2 Speaker’s Bureau and deliver the Tourism Career Awareness Program (TCAP). Many BC employers are finding success promoting their business and job opportunities through this dynamic presentation designed for career seekers of all ages and backgrounds.
Participate in co-op programs and internships
BC secondary school students must gain 30 hours of work experience to graduate. Participating in a co-op program will connect you with those soon entering the workforce. Students will earn credit and gain valuable experience; you'll benefit today from their contributions and build key relationships for tomorrow. Colleges that offer industry-specific training make excellent recruiting partners. Commit to hosting a new employee on a short-term basis, and you'll have direct access to bright new entrants seeking hospitality careers. Providing internships regularly will establish your company as a key training ground for employees of the future. For more on co-op programs, see Using Co-ops to Meet Seasonal Staffing Demands.
Talk to current employees
Your current workers are the best resource you have for attracting new talent. As ambassadors for your company, they are in the best position to know like-minded individuals who can contribute to your team. Encourage them to talk to friends, relatives, classmates and neighbours and spread the word that you are taking on responsible, committed workers. Because most employees like working with people they know, they'll jump at the chance to refer acquaintances if they think it's a good fit. Remember, the most powerful recruiting tool is word of mouth.
Offer referral bonuses
You can accelerate recruiting efforts by awarding referral bonuses. Give cash rewards, gift certificates, paid days off or other small prizes to employees who bring in successful applicants. Publicize your recruiting campaign internally and acknowledge those who help your team to grow. For more on employee referral programs, see Recruit Quality Staff with an Employee Referral Program.
Review job boards
Connect with job seekers by posting openings on job sites and searching résumé banks for specific skill sets. For best results, check those that specialize specifically in hospitality staffing. Don't wait until you lose key staff to start looking for replacements. Review applications on an ongoing basis and keep in touch with promising individuals. When an opening arises, you'll have a short-list of pre-qualified applicants. For more on using the Internet to recruit staff, see Using the Internet to Recruit Employees.
For more recruiting tips, read Creative Ways to Recruit and Attract Good Workers.
