Bar Operations Made Easy: Effective Hiring Techniques

Ask any manager in the hospitality industry right now what their most significant challenge is. Chances are their response will be one thing: finding employees and keeping them. Finding the right people to work behind the bar doesn't have to be a struggle. Below are a few tips for finding the right staff.

Be Transparent

The workforce of today has access to hundreds of jobs in the palm of their hand. With so many options available, workers will pass over employment that isn't detailed or honest. Let's face it, no one wants to drive to an interview to learn what the schedule and pay are like. How can you combat this?

One word: Transparency.

When posting a job listing, include all the details that a prospective employee would want to know. Details such as responsibilities, qualifications, schedule, and pay should be known to prospective workers before they ever send in a resume. The benefit to this is that the people who send in applications are interested and won't dash for the door when you tell them working Sunday nights is required. If you're still struggling to get applications, it may be time to reevaluate your offerings.

Referral Bonuses

Chances are your employees know people in the service industry that are looking for work. Incentivize them to bring in their talented friends with a referral bonus. It's a win-win, you get the hands you need, and your employee gets some extra cash in their pocket.

Just make sure to set clear terms about your referral program for your staff so there are no headaches later on. Typically to receive a bonus, the referred employee should work for anywhere from 1-6 months while remaining in good standing.

Recruitment Sites & Services

Cast a wide net for your positions using sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn. These sites are easy to use and typically can be used for little to no cost. There are other, hospitality-centric recruitment sites you can check out as well.

Looking to fill a Director, Manager, or other high-skilled role? Unfiltered can help in your search and connect you with the top candidates.

College Recruiting

One easily overlooked source of employees is colleges. If there is a campus near your bar or restaurant, especially one with a school of hospitality, reach out to their career center staff with your employment opportunities. College kids have two qualities that employers can fix: typically they're broke and they're looking for experience.

Pro tip from a recent college grad: While you may be looking to fill a server, bar back, or bartender role, sweeten the deal by offering to give some training or insight into the business side of things. Whether that's going over your P&L, order guides, or marketing strategies, these are things college kids want to learn and put on their resumes.

Vetting Process

No matter the role, always be sure to properly vet your potential employees. Don't be afraid to ask for a reference or to confirm their background or qualifications. A quick pop quiz on basic recipes or asking them to make a drink can help you call out any bluffs. Asking the necessary questions and performing your due diligence before hiring can help mitigate the risk of ending up right back where you started.

Now that you have the staff you need, be sure to keep them! Check out our other blog on the best employee retention practices here. If you're looking to train your staff or transform your cocktail offerings look no further than Unfiltered Hospitality. Schedule a call today!