By: Jacob Maslow

In the hospitality industry, seasonal fluctuations in demand often occur, and seasonal hiring is the ideal option to deal with them. Seasonal hiring is essential for any place to maintain the busy summer tourist season, the winter holiday rush, or the increase in special events. However, seasonal hiring requires quality workers, and specific strategies might help recruit them. 

Plan and Forecast Early 

Hospitality business owners often wait for the last-minute seasonal hiring, but you shouldn’t. Last-minute seasonal hiring creates an overwhelming experience, so it’s better to plan the hiring by anticipating when you will need extra workers. You can look into the last season’s requirements and rush so that you can improve the seasonal hiring. Assess the upcoming demands with department managers to create a recruitment timeline.

Optimise Job Descriptions

A job description should be written to attract great talent. Plan early on how to attract talented people and what to offer them so they choose the on-demand hospitality staffing platform. Make the job description more engaging by including key aspects that make the role appealing, such as workplace culture or benefits. Ensure the job expectations and duration are clearly stated to prevent misunderstandings. Use inclusive language that resonates with a diverse range of candidates, and clearly outline the required skills.

Utilise Multiple Recruitment Channels

Now that many online job platforms exist, your hiring game is up, and ads are posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other online job portals. See, there is no harm in reaching the audience through traditional ways, but now that the world relies more on tech, you should also look out for seasonal hiring through online platforms and social media. 

Using social media can be great because people often don’t follow traditional job sites to find a job, but scrolling on social media has become common. Then, you can connect with schools and colleges where students are looking for short-term work opportunities, and seasonal hiring would be ideal for them. Partnering with local businesses and organizations may also be fruitful, as they sometimes try to find ways to make extra money during the seasonal rush.

Simplify the Hiring Process

Seasonal hiring is typically short-term, so keeping the application and interview process simple can help maintain applicant interest. Consider using group hiring or hiring events to efficiently select multiple candidates, and ensure the online application system is easy to navigate. Incorporating technology, such as automated screening tools, can also help streamline the evaluation process.

Offer Competitive Pay and Perks

Every hospitality business is trying to find seasonal employees, so the competition is high. The perks and fun aspects should also be increased to attract outstanding talents. Hospitality businesses often look to retain employees for future seasons, so offering competitive wages can help attract and encourage workers to return. Bonuses and incentives encourage employees to give their ideal performance and stay committed, and it’s essential for seasonal employees as their jobs are temporary. People often look for flexible work schedules, so if you can make offers accordingly, add non-monetary benefits like meals.

Train and Onboard Efficiently

Before working with seasonal employees, train them for effective performance and increase their confidence. Seasonal employees may quickly learn from training programs if they are correctly planned and have a thorough structure. E-learning videos also increase speed; mentors help new employees adjust and learn quickly. Policies and expectations of the company should be made clear so employees perform efficiently.

Foster a Positive Work Culture

Don’t think that seasonal employees are temporary, so the work culture won’t affect them, because it does impact them. A positive work culture improves morale, reduces turnover, and makes employees feel valued. This positive experience increases the chances of seasonal employees returning for future projects. Team bonding activities and rewards or recognition for their work make them feel confident and create a sense of belonging. 

Final Thoughts

Seasonal hiring is not tough if you plan some hiring strategies. Last-minute planning creates chaos and complicates the situation. So work wise, look into past seasonal hiring experiences, and use technology to simplify the application and hiring process. Creating a team of talented and skilled employees would bring success to your hospitality business.

Published by Anne C.