Swipe Right to Secure Your Perfect Hospitality Employee: The Tinder for Hiring Staff. A Chat with Sam McNamara of Get Ahead.

Bean There, Done That!

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of recruitment in the hospitality industry. Our guest, Sam McNamara, founder of Get Ahead, describes his company as the "Tinder for employment" - a swipe app that connects job seekers and companies seamlessly.

Key Takeaways:

• The power in the recruitment process has shifted from employers to employees, making it more challenging for businesses to attract and retain staff.
• Get Ahead's swipe app allows employers to quickly match with potential candidates and conduct video interviews, saving time and improving the hiring process.
• Personality and attitude are becoming more important than experience in the hiring process, as businesses can train employees in the necessary skills.
• Referrals from existing staff can be a valuable source of new talent and can contribute to a positive company culture.
• Building a strong online presence through social media can help attract both customers and potential employees.

The Changing Landscape of Recruitment

The hospitality industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most notable shifts has been the transfer of power from employers to employees. As Sam points out, the job market has become more competitive, with a smaller pool of candidates available for hospitality positions. This has forced businesses to rethink their recruitment strategies and find new ways to attract and retain talent.

The Rise of Fast Recruitment

Traditional recruitment methods, such as posting job ads on platforms like Seek, have become less effective in the current job market. Employers are faced with challenges such as no-shows for interviews, high costs of advertising, and difficulty finding candidates with the right skills and personality fit. This is where Get Ahead comes in. The platform offers a fast and efficient hiring process, allowing employers to create a profile, swipe through potential candidates, and match with them for video interviews. By streamlining the recruitment process, Get Ahead aims to reduce hiring time and improve the quality of hires.

The Importance of Personality and Culture Fit

One of the key insights from our conversation with Sam is the growing emphasis on personality and culture fit in the recruitment process. Employers are realising that skills can be taught, but personality traits and a positive attitude are essential for success in the hospitality industry. Sam highlights the importance of creating a transparent and engaging profile on Get Ahead, where employers can showcase their brand and culture. By sharing videos and photos, employers can give candidates a glimpse into their business and attract those who align with their values and vision.

The Power of Referrals and References

Referrals and references play a crucial role in the recruitment process. Sam encourages employers to incentivise their existing staff to refer potential candidates. This not only helps in finding suitable candidates but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the workplace. On the other hand, traditional reference checks may not always provide an accurate picture of a candidate's abilities and work ethic. Sam suggests doing your own homework and reaching out to people in the industry who may have worked with the candidate in the past.

Building an Online Presence and Brand

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for attracting both customers and potential employees. Sam advises businesses to leverage social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share their brand story and engage with their target audience. By posting regular content that reflects the culture and values of the business, employers can create a positive image and attract top talent. Sam also emphasises the importance of being authentic and genuine in your online presence, as candidates are looking for businesses that align with their own values and aspirations.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The recruitment landscape in the hospitality industry has undergone significant changes, and businesses need to adapt to stay ahead. Platforms like Get Ahead are revolutionising the hiring process by offering a fast and efficient way to connect with potential candidates. The focus has shifted from solely looking for experience to considering personality and culture fit. Employers are encouraged to build an online presence and share their brand story to attract both customers and employees. By embracing these changes and adopting innovative recruitment strategies, businesses can overcome the challenges of the current job market and build a strong and talented team.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to stay agile and open to new approaches. By embracing technology and leveraging the power of social media, employers can create a competitive advantage and attract the best talent. The future of recruitment in the hospitality industry lies in finding innovative ways to connect with candidates and build meaningful relationships. With platforms like Get Ahead leading the way, the future looks bright for businesses looking to accelerate their potential and thrive in the ever-changing world of hospitality.

About The Guest:
Sam McNamara is the founder of Get Ahead, a fast hiring platform that aims to revolutionise the recruitment process. With a background in hospitality and retail, Sam understands the challenges faced by businesses in these industries and has created Get Ahead to help them attract and retain top talent.

Tune in now and stay caffeinated, my friends. Until next time, this is Phil Di Bella signing off, reminding you that the Coffee Commune is here to accelerate your potential.

Get Ahead: www.getahead.com.au

Quotes:

• "People are paying a hell of a lot of money for something that's really suitable to their industry, which was our biggest tell sign, to build something that could do that better." - Sam McNamara
• "People are more than happy to take a pay cut and a lot of them did... for the lifestyle and for the environment and the culture." - Sam McNamara
• "Treat your good staff well... and they'll treat your business with respect and your customers." - Sam McNamara

Produced By The Podcast Boss

#recruitment #hospitalityindustry #businessgrowth #cafeowners #successsecrets"