Having a successful restaurant requires hiring the right staff quickly. Need staff yesterday? Clock’d, the only dedicated recruiter in the food industry, is offering tips on how to staff a restaurant in two weeks.
First, know exactly what you need.
Do you need one or two line cooks? Write the job descriptions to accurately reflect the needs of the restaurant and the qualities of the ideal candidates. While you’re thinking about it, write down interview questions too.
Next, post the listings at the same time to multiple locations.
Do not spread this out. Run a tight ad campaign on job boards and cut it early so the cost does not creep up.
The very next morning contact applicants.
Applicants apply to 3-5 jobs at a time so you need to be faster than everyone else. If you use our SEEN applicant tracking system, you’ll likely get 35% more qualified applicants and can respond with a click of a button.
Set dedicated time for in-person interviews and alert staff so they’ll hop in and cover stations for you.
Remember those interview questions you jotted down earlier? You’re going to need those. Make sure the applicants have the skills and talents needed to be successful in the restaurant.
Finally, have an offer letter ready for the winners you recognize in the interview.
Once it’s signed, schedule their first day, right away. It doesn’t hurt to send them a text reminder, thanking them for joining the team, so they show up.
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With these tips in mind, you should be able to effectively staff a restaurant in two weeks. Good luck with your hiring endeavors! If you need help, call us at Clock’d. We’re the only dedicated recruiter for the food and hospitality industry. Schedule a consultation now.
Marc LaPierre is a 10-year veteran of the food and hospitality industry, Certified Staffing Professional, and CEO/Founder of Clock’d + SEEN. From cooking in James Beard award-winning kitchens to opening and managing a nightclub in Mexico, he worked every job in the industry. Today he connects professionals looking to advance their careers with clients eager to find an all-star team.
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