The Power of Recruitment Marketing in the Restaurant and Service Industries

Posted on by zippyapp

The restaurant and service industries are the lifeblood of the economy, delivering exceptional customer experiences and creating millions of jobs worldwide. However, one of the biggest challenges these industries face is hiring and retaining top talent. With high turnover rates, seasonal fluctuations, and an increasingly competitive job market, traditional hiring methods are no longer sufficient. This is where recruitment marketing comes into play.

Understanding Recruitment Marketing

Recruitment marketing is the strategic approach of applying marketing principles to attract, engage, and hire the right talent. It involves employer branding, targeted job advertising, candidate experience optimization, and leveraging technology to reach potential employees effectively. In essence, recruitment marketing is about treating job seekers like customers—creating an appealing, engaging, and informative journey that makes them want to work for your brand.

Why Recruitment Marketing Matters for the Restaurant and Service Industries

  1. High Turnover Rates – Restaurants and service businesses often experience turnover rates exceeding 70%. Recruitment marketing helps build a talent pipeline, reducing the time and cost of filling vacancies.
  2. Employer Branding – A strong employer brand attracts top talent. Showcasing company culture, employee testimonials, and career growth opportunities can make businesses stand out in a crowded hiring landscape.
  3. Reaching the Right Candidates – Recruitment marketing utilizes social media, job boards, and search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure job postings reach the ideal candidates.
  4. Improved Candidate Experience – A streamlined application process and clear communication create a positive impression, increasing application completion rates and retention.
  5. Cost-Effective Hiring – Traditional recruitment methods can be expensive and ineffective. By leveraging targeted marketing strategies, businesses can reduce hiring costs while improving the quality of hires.

How Talentral and ZippyApp Drive Recruitment Marketing Success

Talentral specializes in recruitment marketing consulting, helping restaurant and service industry employers create compelling talent acquisition strategies. With expertise in employer branding, digital advertising, and data-driven recruitment solutions, Talentral ensures that businesses attract and retain top talent efficiently.

At the core of this practice is ZippyApp, a leading recruitment marketing platform designed specifically for the restaurant and service industries. ZippyApp simplifies job postings, streamlines applications, and enhances employer visibility, making it easier to connect with qualified candidates. With features like mobile-friendly applications, automated communication, and powerful analytics, ZippyApp helps businesses optimize their hiring process and reduce turnover.

By integrating Talentral’s expertise with ZippyApp’s technology, businesses can build a sustainable recruitment marketing strategy that keeps their workforce strong and their operations running smoothly.

Ready to transform your hiring strategy? Discover how Talentral and ZippyApp can help you attract, engage, and retain the best talent in the industry.

A Thanksgiving Feast of Service: Finding Heart in Hospitality

Posted on by zippybeck

As the golden leaves of autumn herald the approach of Thanksgiving, a time steeped in the Norman Rockwell-esque Americana of family, gratitude, and, of course, a bountiful feast, we in the restaurant industry find ourselves at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Thinking about Thanksgiving I thought this is the ideal opportunity to carve out a moment to reflect on the essence of hospitality, a trait that’s as timeless as the holiday itself, and how it intertwines with the art of hiring for the holidays.

In a landscape often buzzing with talks of tipping protocols and service charges, it’s crucial to remember that at the core of every memorable dining experience is the human touch – a smile, a thoughtful gesture, a well-timed joke – elements that can’t be summed up in a percentage at the bottom of a bill. The true flavor of service, much like the secret ingredient in grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, lies in its sincerity and warmth.

As restaurateurs, our quest during this festive season is not just to fill vacancies but to discover those sparkling gems of employees who understand that true hospitality is not just a service but a heartfelt experience. The perfect hire is akin to the right spice in a dish – it can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one.

Imagine walking into a restaurant greeted not just by the aroma of roasted turkey and cinnamon-spiced cider but by a server whose eyes light up as they welcome you, a chef who pours their soul into every dish, a host who makes you feel like you’ve come home. This is the essence of service with a smile, a job well done, an unforgettable experience.

In a time where tipping is often seen as obligatory, it’s vital to remember that customers still wield the ultimate power of choice. They can choose where to bestow their time and resources, and this decision is heavily influenced by the quality of their experiences. Restaurants that merely extend their hand for a tip without offering a slice of genuine hospitality may soon find themselves facing a burst bubble.

This Thanksgiving, let’s remind ourselves that service is not just a transaction but an interaction, an exchange of goodwill and appreciation. When hiring for the holiday season, let’s look for those who embody this spirit, individuals who understand that the heart of hospitality beats not in the cash register but in the moments of connection they create with each guest.

As we set our tables and open our doors, let’s infuse our establishments with the warmth and inclusivity that Thanksgiving stands for. Let’s celebrate diversity in our staff and our clientele, creating an atmosphere where everyone, from every walk of life, feels welcomed and cherished.

In the end, the goal is simple yet profound: to give our guests not just a meal but a memory, not just service but a story, not just hospitality but a piece of our hearts. With that in mind, let’s raise a glass to those who understand and embody this ethos, for they are the ones who keep the spirit of the holiday alive in the restaurant industry.

As we all prepare for the busy season ahead, let’s carry with us the reminder that the best ingredient in the recipe for successful hospitality is always love – love for the food, love for the service, and, most importantly, love for the people we serve. Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with heartfelt service and joyous gatherings, both in our homes and in our restaurants.

Charting the Course: Balancing Humanity and Technology in the Restaurant Industry

Posted on by zippybeck

As we set our sights on the upcoming Restaurant Finance and Development Conference, a palpable sense of anticipation courses through the veins of the restaurant industry’s leaders. The air is thick with the aroma of change, a blend of uncertainty and opportunity, as CFOs and executives ponder the complex recipe for success in the coming year. The festive season looms, bringing with it reflections on labor costs, the puzzle of labor shortages, the allure of automation, and the relentless quest for robust earnings.

The Dawn of Automation and AI: An Inevitable Tide

Automation and AI are no longer mere specks on the horizon; they are the winds propelling the industry forward. From the humble beginnings of self-service kiosks to the futuristic visions of robotic chefs, technology has been entwining itself into the restaurant narrative with increasing tenacity. The future whispers promises of an unprecedented fusion of technology in daily operations, sparking both excitement and trepidation.

Humanity vs. Technology: The Delicate Dance

At the heart of this technological revolution lies a delicate dance between humanity and technology. The efficiency and cost savings of automation pirouette alluringly, tempting decision-makers with visions of streamlined operations and enhanced profitability. Yet, amidst this dance, we must not lose sight of the warmth and adaptability that define the soul of hospitality—the irreplaceable human touch.

People vs. Cost Savings: Navigating the Dichotomy

As the festive season casts its glow, the contrast between the joyous cheer of human interaction and the sterile precision of machines becomes starkly evident. Industry leaders find themselves navigating a dichotomy that is as challenging as it is crucial—the balance between people and cost savings. It is a strategic calculus that demands foresight, empathy, and a keen understanding of the industry’s heartbeat.

Your Compass Through the Tides of Change

In these transformative times, a trusted advisor is not just a luxury but a necessity. ZippyApp stands as a lighthouse amidst the stormy seas of change, offering guidance, expertise, and a steady hand. As the industry charts its course through the confluence of humanity and technology, ZippyApp emerges as an indispensable ally, helping businesses to navigate towards a future where technology enhances rather than eclipses the human spirit.

Embracing the Future with ZippyApp

As we look towards a horizon shimmering with technological advancements, the role of a trusted advisor becomes more crucial than ever. ZippyApp extends an invitation to join hands in embracing the future—a future where technology and humanity converge in harmony, ensuring that the restaurant industry continues to thrive as a beacon of warmth and hospitality in an increasingly automated world. Let’s chart this course together, steering towards a future that’s not only efficient but also rich with the human connection that lies at the heart of hospitality.

Embark on the Journey with ZippyApp

http://www.zippyapp.com

Crafting Inclusive Job Postings: Building a Future with Everyone in Mind

Posted on by zippybeck

This morning I came across this gem of a thought: “A team’s true strength lies in each member, and the power of each member is the collective team.” Isn’t it striking how such age-old wisdom still rings true, especially in our vibrant, interconnected world today? It got me thinking about the beauty of diversity and inclusion, especially in the job market.

Picture this: We’re drafting a job ad, one that feels less like a formal announcement and more like a coffee chat invitation. We all have those favorite spots in town – that cozy café or the lively store where stories, laughter, and memories intertwine. It’s the people there, from all walks of life, that give it soul. So, in that spirit, shouldn’t our job invites mirror that warmth and inclusivity?

But here’s a twist. While we want to get the essentials right, why not add a touch of humanity? A dash of humor, a sprinkle of real stories, or maybe a fun fact. Because at the end of the day, it’s our shared human experiences that connect us.

Speaking of connection, have you ever read a job ad and felt an instant click? Or perhaps, the opposite – an ad that made you think, “Hmm, not for me”? Words have power, and we’re on a mission to use them wisely, ensuring everyone feels that open-door vibe.

Now, onto growth and opportunity. Imagine reading an ad that doesn’t just list out tasks but paints a picture of a journey, an adventure. Something that ignites passion rather than just ticking off another job requirement. What are your thoughts on that?

And while we’re discussing work, let’s touch on balance and understanding. The world is a stage, and its scenes are ever-changing. How do you feel about workplaces that understand the rhythm of life and adapt?

  • Quick Pop Quiz 📌: When you’re eyeing a job ad, what’s the first thing that draws you in? A) The pay package, B) The role itself, C) The team vibe, or D) Future growth paths? Super curious to know!

Diversity isn’t just about numbers or quotas. It’s the symphony of voices, backgrounds, and experiences that make a workplace vibrant. If you’ve ever crafted or stumbled upon a job ad that beautifully captures this spirit, do share!

Feedback? Absolutely essential! It’s the compass that guides our journey. So, spill the beans – your insights, stories, or even a light-hearted joke. Let’s make this chat a melting pot of ideas.

The reality is for nearly every working adult is our jobs are more than a 9-to-5 routine. They are a tapestry of tales, dreams, and shared experiences. So, chime in, share, comment, and let’s make this dialogue a memorable one. Cheers to inclusivity and genuine connections!

#CraftingConnections #InclusiveHiringJourney


#InclusiveHiring #JobAdsReimagined

Putting a Bow on 2023: Finish Strong with These Fresh, Fiery Hiring Trends 🔥

Posted on by zippybeck

Hey there, Restauranteurs and Hospitality Peeps,

Ever tried hiring staff for your restaurant during the holiday rush? It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack while wearing sunglasses at night. Confusing, right? But 2023 isn’t your average year, and I’ve got the inside scoop to make you the hiring MVP! 🏆

1. The Rise of the Virtual Interview:
Let’s be real. The COVID-19 era turned our world upside down, like that time I tried to make a smoothie without the blender lid on. (Don’t ask!) But amidst all that chaos, virtual interviews emerged as the superhero we didn’t know we needed. Not only do they save time and reduce the awkward pre-interview small talk, but they also let you interview in your favorite pajamas. Win-win!

Why they’re still hot in 2023:

  • Time Savings: Say goodbye to logistical nightmares and hello to a streamlined process.
  • Faster Hiring: Speed is the name of the game. No more waiting for candidates to commute or find your hidden office behind the potted plant.
  • Safety First: We’re all hopeful about the future, but safety remains a priority. And hey, virtual interviews mean zero chances of someone spilling coffee on your desk.

2. It’s Not You; It’s Me… Actually, It’s All About the Candidates:
2023 is all about flipping the script! Candidates are re-evaluating what they want, and if you’re not showing off your restaurant’s charm, you’re missing out. Make your restaurant the cool kid everyone wants to hang out with!

Tips to lure the best:

  • Flexibility: Maybe it’s a choice of hours or just understanding life happens. Flexibility is the new 401k.
  • Compelling Job Descriptions: Be the storyteller. Create a narrative that makes candidates think, “I HAVE to work here!”
  • Brand Personality: Your restaurant isn’t just another brick in the wall. Share the fun, quirks, and what makes you unique. Got a chef who sings opera while cooking? That’s pure gold!

3. The Digital Boom – No, It’s Not a New Dance Move:
Digital recruitment is like that catchy song you can’t get out of your head. It’s everywhere! And if you’re not on this train, you’re waiting at the wrong station.

Digital tricks up the 2023 sleeve:

  • Your Website is Your Stage: Jazz it up, make it pop, and let it sing your brand’s story.
  • Job Boards & Search Engines: Think of them as your digital matchmakers. Swipe right to the best candidates.
  • Social Media: Be where the party’s at! Instagram, Twitter, TikTok – if it’s buzzing, you should be there.

So, what’s the big wrap-up (besides that leftover burrito from lunch)?

Hiring in 2023 is like making a killer cocktail. 🍹 Mix a dash of flexibility, a splash of personality, and top it off with some digital zest. And speaking of zest, if you’re looking for the ultimate tool to add some sparkle to your hiring game, ZippyApp ATS is the secret ingredient.

Ready to end 2023 with a bang and set the stage for an epic 2024? Dive into the world of ZippyApp ATS and onboard like a pro. Let’s chat, brainstorm, and crush those hiring goals together!

Cheers to putting that bow on 2023 and finishing stronger than a double shot of espresso! ☕🎉

Hit me up, let’s talk ZippyApp ATS magic! 🚀🌟

The Golden Arches and Beyond: An Interesting Dive into Fast Food Facts

Posted on by zippybeck

If Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos walked into a fast-food joint, they might just order up some spicy nuggets of wisdom for us all. But since I can’t channel them, let’s don our own hairnets of curiosity and dive into the sizzling world of fast food, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a side of fries.

Ah, the fast food industry! The beacon of a speedy meal, the realm where 3.8 million hard-working souls turn potatoes into golden fries. Now, I’m not saying fast food has the economic gravity of Apple, Microsoft, or Amazon, but with a crispy $200 billion revenue in 2021, it’s hardly small potatoes either. 🍟

Now, picture young Timmy, the 16-year-old flipping patties. He’s part of the bustling 30.7% of teenage employees, eagerly saving up for his first car (or a new video game console). On the other side, we have Martha, the single parent, trying to juggle work and family, making up the 20% of single-parent employees. Don’t forget wise old Dave, part of the 40% of workers above 25, sharing stories of “how fries were made back in his day.”

Joking aside, it’s concerning that while they serve up meals on the double, their earnings barely make up a meal at a fancy restaurant: an average of $10.92 per hour. If you’re thinking of ordering a dash of benefits with that job, think again. A mere 26% get that luxury.

If these numbers had a face, they might just resemble a harried waitress named Wendy, balancing trays and managing not to get burned. Oh, speaking of burns, 71% have reported on-the-job injuries. It makes you wonder if the lack of unions (with less than 2% being unionized) is why there aren’t more safety nets, or at least protective mittens.

And, in the midst of all the fryers and grills, there’s an undeniable feminine touch. Approximately 63% of these employees are women. Add in a dash of international flavor with 14% of the workforce being foreign-born. Talk about a global special!

Let’s make a pit stop at the famous golden arches. In 2021, McDonald’s alone was responsible for employing a whopping 205,000 people worldwide. If they ever decided to form a city, it would be “Burgeropolis.”

The landscape of this industry has changed dramatically. From 200,000 establishments in the late ’90s to a hearty 300,000 by 2020. Yet, there’s a looming cloud (and it’s not just the scent of grilling patties): Automation might snatch 4.3 million jobs by 2030. If ever there was a time for a visionary innovator in the fast-food sector, it’s now.

But, as daunting as it sounds, we Americans and our insatiable love for fast food aren’t fading. 37% of us happily munch on it daily, proving that its taste, or maybe just the convenience, is here to stay.

Whether you’re a burger-flipping teenager, a multitasking parent, or just someone enjoying their drive-thru coffee, the fast-food universe is vast and filled with stories (and calories). The next time you’re savoring that burger, remember there’s a world behind the counter, bustling, frying, and trying.

Sources:

A bunch of really smart sites that study everything from fries to finance. Check them out if you’re hungry for more details!

3 Pillars of Successful Restaurant Staffing

Posted on by zippyapp

Recruiting is as much a marketing practice as strategies you use to bring in customers. Just as you promote your brand and emphasize the delights of dining at your establishment, you need to delight candidates in order for them to become a part of your team.

You are utilizing latest technology to engage your patrons before, during, and after their dining experience. You are utilizing mobile technology because you have recognized that it is the device of choice for a significant majority of them. You’ve invested in managing your brand and you use every resource to engage your patrons.

Studies have also shown that many brands’ patrons actually make the best employees.

Well, let’s consider a few thoughts:

  • Are your recruiting efforts keeping up with today’s best practices – including mobile?
  • Are you still using reactive ad postings, praying to get applicants?
  • Are you measuring the effectiveness of your job postings by monitoring the click-to-apply ratio? Is it in low single digits?
  • Are you using the complex HRIS systems designed for the corporate world, which usually require dedicated recruiting staff?
  • Is your recruitment compliance process heavy, putting applicants through a long arduous process just to submit an application?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to reconsider your recruitment strategies.

Staffing your restaurants with qualified staff relies on three major pillars. Weakness in any one adversely impacts your recruitment success.

Job Description

The job description is often the first impression most job seekers get about working at your establishment. Even if they are familiar with your brand, the job description is the first communication, which tells them what it’s like to work at your place.

We recommend taking this first impression opportunity to tell the candidate why it is great to be a part of your organization. Share with them how rewarding it can be, the flexible hours, opportunity to grow, learning about the wonderful culinary world, etc.

I have seen many job descriptions and many feel like what I call “a prison sentence” – several pages long, riddled with all of the harsh conditions of working at a restaurant. It is perfectly fine to have a job description with duties, which discloses the working conditions and the expectation as a part of the hiring process, but not the recruitment.

The job description should cover more of why a person should be a part of your team and how they can grow within your organization.

Get them excited to apply for your jobs.

Job Distribution

Job seekers have varying habits when it comes to searching for a job. They go to various job boards, Google, your own website, employer review sites, etc. to learn about your business and apply for your jobs. A study recently found that jobseekers often visit as many as 15 sites before they apply to a job.

Let’s not forget the location itself. A restaurant’s location is often the best marketing tool, invoking the following thought in the mind of the best passive applicant “… how wonderful it would be to work at this place.” Can a job seeker apply for a job at your location with their mobile device, with just a few clicks?

Is your recruitment marketing consistent across all these channels?

A comprehensive and optimized job distribution network is of the essence in getting your jobs in front of the right applicants. Your job descriptions need to be exciting, ever-present, optimized for search engines, and distributed to as many job boards as possible for the most exposure.

Applicant Engagement

Applicant engagement is the third pillar of successful staffing. It is critical for every organization to fully understand their entire application process. Consider the mindset of a job seeker looking for a near minimum wage job. Consider the fact that we are in a very competitive and tight labor market. Would you expect someone seeking a line cook position or a wait staff position to take 45 minutes to complete an application?

Ease of applicant engagement is directly correlated to the click-to-apply ratio. A recent study by ERE Media demonstrated that if the application process is less than 5 minutes, a click-to-apply ratio of 12.8% can be expected. However, if the application process exceeds 15 minutes, then the click-to-apply ratio drops below 4%. This is a significant decrease; couple that with the fact that it is generally the best applicants who abandon long application processes (because they have options) and you can see why this is important to you. 

Going through the entire application process from the viewpoint of an applicant enables you to observe the bottlenecks and points of friction. Consider the fact that every decision or click is an opportunity for the job seeker to abandon the application process altogether. 

Conclusion

Many organizations react to their recruitment when in crisis.  Implementing a comprehensive recruitment strategy enables you to have a very proactive recruiting process. A system covering the 3 Pillars with 24/7/365 recruitment provides a constant flow of great candidates, which provides options to truly elevate the quality of your team.

The idea of three pillars implies that the three practices must be employed for the success in staffing. It is essential to address all three simultaneously to achieve the best results. We consider each one the pillars a major topic and worthy of its own comprehensive coverage.

Please look for our upcoming blogs covering each one in more depth.

5 Tips to Landing a Seasonal Job

Posted on by zippyapp

Are you looking to earn some extra spending money over the holidays through a seasonal job? You aren’t alone. Retailers are expected to add 755,000 temporary jobs this holiday season, and restaurant owners are preparing for high-volume traffic as shoppers wallets start to loosen for the holidays. This means the race is on to land a seasonal job!

While the “old way” of applying is still around, via paper applications and walk-in interviews, many companies have taken to mobile to streamline their apply and hiring processes (which is where we step in).

If you are looking to land a seasonal job, you’ll need to know what seasonal employers are looking for. Here are some things to add to your ZippyApp application so you can stand out from the pack and land the seasonal job you are looking for!

  1. Be flexible with your schedule.Are you able to work extended holiday hours and weekends? Hourly employers are on the lookout for you! A flexible work schedule is one of the first things a seasonal employer will look for on your application, so be sure to include the days, times, and hours you are available to work. But don’t say you are available certain days and times when you really aren’t – a tactic used by some just to land a job. Your employer will soon find out you are not as available as they initially thought, and could quickly find a replacement that offers a more flexible schedule.
  2. Play up your previous experience. Busy holiday hours means less time for training, so seasonal employers will be on the lookout for experienced workers. But just because you haven’t worked in a retail or restaurant setting before doesn’t mean you will be passed over. Do you have any customer service or customer support experience? Highlight those on your ZippyApp application.
  3. Show off your personality and attitude.Dealing with stressed out shoppers and diners is not something everyone can handle. Utilize our video resume feature to show off your positive attitude and bubbly personality. Then, give examples of how you have been able to turn a negative situation into a positive guest experience.
  4. Highlight your ability to multi-task. Seasonal job descriptions don’t mirror regular ones because oftentimes, seasonal workers have to wear many hats. Seasonal employers want to get the most they can out of each worker rather than have each worker do one set job. Include on your ZippyApp application all of the tasks and duties you have performed in past jobs, and include keywords such as “multi-task” and “fast-paced” to show you can handle busy holiday crowds.
  5. Demonstrate you are a fast learner.Showing you have exceled in past jobs can demonstrate to seasonal employers that you are quick learner. As we mentioned previously, seasonal employers don’t have much time and resources to train you during busy holiday months, so you will need to prove you can hit the ground running in your new role. Some ways to do this? Include that promotion you received after only a few months at your last job, or when you took on other duties that were not a part of your initial job description.