As we are aware the hospitality industry has lost a huge amount of talent over the last few years due many factors including Brexit and Covid. While it is vital to bring in new talent into entry level positions it is also increasingly needed to bring in talent with transferable skills from outside of the industry to fill more senior roles.
Working for Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment has given me exposure to the travel industry as well as Hospitality and how these industries often cross over candidates. However, there are many roles which can draw candidates from any industry with the right transferable skills and an open mind. Attracting talent from other sectors to the hospitality industry can be challenging but is certainly possible with the right strategies. Here are some ways the hospitality industry can attract talent from other sectors:
- Clearly Define Career Paths: Develop clear and attractive career paths within the industry. Many professionals from other sectors may be hesitant to switch if they don’t see a promising career trajectory. Highlight opportunities for growth, advancement, and specialisation.
- Offer Training and Development: Invest in training and development programs that help newcomers acquire the necessary skills quickly. Offer certifications or educational assistance to make it easier for individuals to transition.
- Competitive Compensation Packages: Ensure that your compensation packages are competitive. Research and benchmark salaries and benefits to make sure they are attractive enough to draw talent from other industries.
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferability of skills from other sectors. Many skills like customer service, project management, and problem-solving are valuable in hospitality. Show how these skills can be applied in a hospitality career.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Create a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that welcomes talent from all backgrounds. Highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your recruitment efforts.
- Networking and Partnerships: Collaborate with educational institutions, industry associations, and job placement agencies to tap into potential talent pools. Attend career fairs and industry events to connect with professionals from other sectors.
- Showcase Unique Benefits: Highlight the unique benefits of working in the hospitality industry, such as the opportunity to travel, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and work in dynamic environments.
- Highlight Sustainability Initiatives: If your hospitality business has sustainability initiatives, promote them. Many professionals are attracted to organizations with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
- Positive Company Culture: Build a positive company culture that values employees, recognizes their contributions, and fosters a sense of belonging. Happy employees are more likely to refer others to join your organization. Real-life success stories are a great way to showcase this.
- Offer Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Provide internships and entry-level positions that allow individuals from other sectors to gain exposure to the hospitality industry and its career opportunities.
Remember that attracting talent from other sectors may require a cultural shift within your organisation and a commitment to onboarding and training. Be prepared to support newcomers as they adapt to the unique challenges and demands of the hospitality industry.
