According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, leisure and hospitality will see the largest growth of any industry over the next several years. As a result, many hotels and resorts are partnering with a hospitality staffing agency to ensure that they have the workers they need.
PeopleReady shares our insights into how we recruit and hire hotel workers so you can create an unforgettable guest experience. This includes:
- Skills and qualities that hotel workers need to succeed
- Tips on how to attract job seekers to your hotel jobs
- The first place to look when you need to hire hotel workers
Skills and qualities that hotel workers need to succeed
Identifying the right candidates for each of the different departments in your hotel or resort can be challenging. Thankfully, there are essential skills and qualities that our team looks for in hotel workers to ensure great service.
Problem-solving skills
In hotels and resorts, unexpected issues can arise, whether it’s a long line at the check-in desk or an issue with guest rooms. Good problem-solving skills can save the day and ensure a positive guest experience.
From concierges to catering servers, it’s important to hire hotel workers who can think on their feet and meet any challenge that comes their way. These employees contribute significantly to guest satisfaction and the overall success of your hotel’s operations.
Flexibility and adaptability
Regardless of their role or experience, hotel workers must juggle multiple tasks at once. Stressed workers are more likely to make mistakes, while calm, level-headed workers can find solutions even when faced with tough situations.
That’s why it’s crucial to find hotel workers who can stay calm under pressure. They should be able to adapt to the changing needs of your guests while also having the ability to multi-task.
Teamwork and communication skills
Hotels rely on several different departments working together to ensure high-quality service. Strong communication among teams can help prevent mistakes and ensure guests have a relaxing visit.
When a team understands each other and collaborates effectively, they’re more productive and focused. This boosts employee satisfaction and increases your team’s commitment to the job.
A friendly, positive attitude in any hospitality setting
Your hotel workers are the face of your hotel, making it important for them to maintain a positive attitude when interacting with guests. Applicants who are friendly and enthusiastic should be your priority.
To encourage guests to return and recommend your hotel, it’s essential to hire hotel workers who are polite and helpful during every guest interaction. This also involves paying attention to the little details so that your guests are always satisfied.
Professional attire and presentation
For your hotel staff, being dressed to impress is crucial. When your workers follow the hotel’s dress code and grooming standards, they are far more likely to make a good first impression and make guests feel valued.
A well-groomed staff also shows guests that your hotel is dedicated to providing great service. Year after year, your hotel will be a top pick for returning travelers who enjoyed the great service of your hotel staff.
Tips on how to attract job seekers to your hotel staff roles
A hotel has many different hiring needs, but there are ways to make hiring hospitality workers easier. Here are some tips to help you attract the right applicants for your open roles.
Clearly define roles in your hotel job postings
A general job posting for “concierge,” “parking attendant” or “housekeeper” will attract many applicants, but they may not be a great fit for your open roles. On the other hand, a more specific job posting helps ensure that the right candidates apply, which can make your staffing process much smoother.
The first step when creating a job posting is to outline the duties and responsibilities for each role within your hotel. Be sure to note the expected work hours along with any standards for performance.
Want more tips on how to create a great job posting? Check out this article!
Accommodate flexible schedules when staffing for your hotel
Creating a schedule for your hotel staffing needs is often challenging because your workers will most likely need to work nontraditional hours. That’s why offering flexible schedule options can make hiring easier.
Self-scheduling or flextime are flexible scheduling options that can accommodate your needs and help you hire hospitality workers who are a good fit for your team. As the Society of Human Resource Management notes, this can encourage good performance and result in fewer employee absences.
Provide training opportunities for your hotel staff
The turnover rate in the hospitality industry is higher than that of most other industries, notes the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the major factors is that hotel workers often feel that they are unable to improve their skills or advance in their career.
By investing in training and development programs, you show your workers that you care about their long-term success. You can also consider cross-training opportunities which set employees up to serve across different areas of your hotel or take on more advanced roles in the future. These efforts help to enhance your team’s skills and performance, all for the benefit of your guests.
Ensure a positive work culture in your hotel
In the fast-paced hotel industry, fostering a positive work environment is crucial. When you reward your team for their efforts, they feel appreciated and more loyal to your company.
What’s the best way to acknowledge your hotel staff? You can consider giving incentives such as free meals, gift cards or stays at your property. This helps build a strong team and keeps employees motivated.
The first place to look when you need to hire hotel workers
The support of a hospitality staffing agency can be a game changer when you need to hire hotel workers. If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Convenient access to job seekers looking for hotel jobs
Staffing agencies will often have strong relationships in your community which can help them connect with local job seekers. Additionally, they can use social media and other channels to recruit and hire hospitality workers for you, making the staffing process that much easier.
Reduced administrative burden related to hotel hiring
Hiring hospitality workers for your hotel requires a wide range of administrative tasks, including compliance, payroll and tax reporting duties. A staffing agency takes the hassle out of hiring by completing these tasks for you, giving you more time to focus on other responsibilities.
Flexible staffing solutions for your hotel
When your hiring needs change, a staffing agency can scale your workforce up or down with part-time or temporary workers. Whether you require weekend workers for a trade conference or part-time workers during peak season, a staffing agency makes it easier to hire hotel workers when and where you need them.
Customized hotel staffing plan for future success
A staffing agency’s team of experts can work with you to create a one-of-a-kind staffing plan that meets your short- and long-term needs. With their consistent support, you’ll have the reliable workers you need at all times.
Hotel staffing solutions at your service with PeopleReady
If you need extra support for your hotel staffing, hospitality staffing or event staffing needs, PeopleReady is your top choice for a staffing partner. With our local presence in hundreds of U.S. markets, we provide hospitality staffing solutions for hotels, resorts and many other hospitality venues.
Our team of staffing experts can provide W-2 workers across a wide range of roles in hotels and resorts including:
- Front of house staffing: Bartenders, concierges, food service workers, hosts and hostesses
- Back of house staffing: Kitchen workers, dishwashers, prep cooks, line cooks
- Facility services staffing: Cleaning crew members, janitors, housekeepers, laundry attendants
- And more!
You also get 24/7 access to our hospitality staffing solutions and can fill hotel jobs at any time with our JobStack app. So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I hire hospitality workers near me?” visit our locations page to get started.
