Recruiting in Restoration

In the competitive world of catering, especially during seasons of high demand, restaurants face unique challenges in acquiring talent. From searching for experienced cooks to finding committed customer service personnel, recruitment can become a daunting task due to the large volume of resumes received and the need to quickly identify the most suitable candidates for each position.

Problems in the search for talent.

The restaurant industry is facing unique challenges in recruiting talent, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has left a lasting impact on the sector. One of the main problems that persist is the “talent escape” which caused the pandemic, where many workers in the sector chose to change careers or seek opportunities in more stable industries during prolonged closures and economic uncertainty. This talent drain has left restaurants struggling to rebuild their teams with qualified and committed staff.

Worker Return and Re-Engagement

The current need goes beyond simply filling vacancies. Restaurants must win back workers and show them that the sector offers opportunities for long-term growth and stability. Many employees experienced job losses or job instability during the pandemic, which has led to a negative perception of the restaurant industry as a viable career.

Future projection and professional growth

To attract and retain talent, employers in the restaurant industry need to focus on showing a clear vision of the future and professional development. This involves providing ongoing training programs, internal promotion opportunities, and benefits that go beyond basic pay. Workers want to feel that their work has a purpose and that they can build a strong career in restoration, not just as a temporary job.

The need to make workers fall in love again

Rebuilding the sector's workforce requires a comprehensive strategy to “make workers fall in love” with the industry again. This involves promoting the culture of work in restaurants as a dynamic and exciting environment, where creativity, customer service and teamwork are valued. Employers must effectively communicate how roles in catering can be rewarding and offer an enriching work experience.

What is the solution?

The introduction of AI-powered chatbots in the recruitment process can be an effective solution for the specific problems faced by the restaurant industry.

• Quick resume analysis: Chatbots can automatically review the resumes received, identifying key skills such as culinary experience, customer service, or relevant certifications. In this way, HR professionals are freed from these administrative tasks and can focus on tasks that truly provide value and help improve employee satisfaction.
• Efficient interview management: With digitized platforms, interviews with shortlisted candidates can be scheduled and confirmed, allowing applicants to choose available schedules in a convenient and agile manner.
• Visibility and control of the process: Recruiting teams can have a real-time view of each candidate's progress, including their level of suitability for different roles, based on specific criteria such as experience, skills and availability.
• Candidate satisfaction: From the first contact with the company, candidate satisfaction is prioritized. The ability to perform a first filter through a chatbot significantly improves the company's employment image.

In short, the restaurant industry faces unique challenges in recruiting talent. However, automating the selection process using AI-powered chatbots can simplify and streamline the identification and hiring of qualified candidates. Not only does this optimize the experience for applicants, but it also frees up time for recruitment teams to focus on other strategic tasks, thus ensuring a trained and committed staff to provide exceptional service.