In our recent article, How To Become The Best Resort Manager, we highlighted the importance of regularly recruiting resort talent and selecting the best team to support you.

A recent article by Ann Davis in eHotelier provides some great advice to help you do just that. But, as she points out, securing the best resort talent is much more than “placing a ‘help wanted’ sign” in the window!

Many resorts and hotels are experiencing difficulty recruiting new staff at the moment. And those who are applying for positions are more exacting and demanding than ever. There is a change happening to the workforce culture, which has a significant impact on hiring policies.

Following the correct protocols during your next hiring event will ensure you attract the right candidate who sees a future at the resort. The hiring process is costly, from recruitment adverts to training, so you want new employees who want to stay and not drift away.

Here are some of her top tips to recruit the best resort talent and retain them:

1 Troubleshoot issues

In her article, Davis recommends that you ask yourself if your resort is the type of place you would want to work at too? Of course, you might believe that your resort is the best in your location. However, if filling vacancies is a struggle, you need to look into why.

You can find out what current employees think with an anonymous staff survey or social media listening to identify the issues you can fix.

2 Define expectations

Take the time to identify the role you are recruiting by outlining what is expected of successful candidates. For example, explain their duties and responsibilities and highlight what qualifications you require and any previous experience that would help. And make it clear who they will be reporting to and how they will be reimbursed and incentivised.

3 Make it easy to apply

As Davis explains, it’s an employee’s market at the moment. Staff can be picky, so make sure the application process is straightforward. Anything too complicated, and they might not bother at all.

4 Streamline the interview process

Standardise the interview process as much as possible. Not only does this help it run more smoothly, but you also won’t inadvertently introduce any preconceptions or favouritism. Make sure that you have enough questions to eliminate unsuitable candidates.

5 Background check

Where possible, perform a background check on your candidate shortlist, confirming the employment history, education and experiences detailed in their resumes. Not only does this provide a level of safety for you and your resort. It can also provide peace of mind when it comes to your final hiring decision.

6 Focus on training

Once you have made your choice of candidate, your job isn’t finished. First, you must oversee their onboarding and training experience. This is one of the costliest aspects of recruiting resort talent and the opportunity to make new employees feel welcome and a valued member of the team.

Finding the best talent for your resort can be a demanding process. These guidelines can help you select the right candidate from the pool of applicants and build a happy, well-trained staff.