How to Master the Art of Adding Hospitality to Your Hiring

A 4 min read.

In the ever changing world of the restaurant industry, where exceptional service is paramount, extending the principles of hospitality to your hiring process can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining top talent. 

Much like your restaurant strives to offer a welcoming and unforgettable dining experience, incorporating hospitality into your application process can attract top-tier talent, nurture positive candidate relationships, and expand your customer base. 

If you are frustrated with not attracting top talent to your restaurant, connect with Willow Tree Recruiting.

In this article, we'll take a detailed journey through the step-by-step process of talent attraction – from the inception of a job opening to the point of making a hiring decision or even promoting an individual to the role of a valued guest.

Crafting an Inviting Application Process

Take a moment to review your application process through the eyes of the applicant. Ensure that your application process reflects the warmth and charm of your restaurant. Here's how:

Share Your Story: Provide insights into the restaurant's history, values, and mission. Candidates who resonate with your narrative will feel a stronger connection.

Simplify the Process: Keep the application form concise and tailored to restaurant roles. Collect essential information without making the candidates burn too many calories.

Make the Application Fun: Candidates engage in an interview with you just as much as you're interviewing them. Encourage them to be authentic during the application process—this can serve as a unique marketing advantage, setting you apart from competitors.

Create a Plan for Walk-ins: Extend the same hospitality to your applicants as you would to your guests. Discover their needs, build a connection, and either conduct a brief interview right away or schedule a follow-up. Avoid simply redirecting them to your website.

Warm and Transparent Communication

Effective, timely, and courteous communication is crucial for applicants in the hospitality industry, much like it is for our guests. Extend these values to your hiring process:

Swift Acknowledgment: Respond with a prompt automated acknowledgment or sprinkle some personal charm on it. Extend the same level of care to applicants as you would to an email from a guest. Let candidates know what to expect if they are chosen for the next step or not.

Be Transparent: Outline the hiring process stages clearly. This transparency reduces uncertainty and anxiety for candidates. Put yourself in the candidate's shoes.

Personal Touch: Address candidates by their name in your communications just as you would a guest when they check in for a reservation. Use conversational language that reflects your restaurant's friendliness.

Thoughtful Interviewing Experience

Interviews in the restaurant industry should emulate the warm hospitality you provide to your guests. Follow these best practices:

Warm Welcome: Greet candidates warmly and introduce them to your team, just as you would greet guests at your restaurant. Offer them a beverage or a small treat upon arrival. 

Tour the Restaurant or Kitchen: This showcases your restaurant's commitment to transparency and invites them to be part of the team.

Interview with Managers and Peers: When a standout candidate emerges, arrange for them to meet the team responsible for their management and training. This not only fosters early connections but also enhances your team's interviewing skills in the process.

Communicate Next Steps: Nobody enjoys being left in the dark. Ensure you communicate with candidates about when they can anticipate hearing back about the position. If necessary, don't hesitate to provide an immediate response. It's about making efficient use of both your and their time.

Closing the Journey Graciously

The end of the hiring process should leave candidates with a positive impression, regardless of the outcome:

Respond to the No’s: Here's your opportunity to transform an applicant into a future guest. Express gratitude for their interest in becoming part of your team, inform them of the decision not to proceed with their hiring, yet extend an invitation to visit your restaurant as a guest in the future.

Keep the Door Open: If you believe a candidate might be a better fit for a different role within the company, share your perspective and outline the pathway for pursuing that position. By doing so, you're setting them on a path toward success in their future endeavors.

By integrating hospitality into your restaurant's hiring journey, you create a distinct advantage in attracting talent.

Just as guests leave your establishment with delightful memories, potential employees will remember the warmth, transparency, and respect they experienced during your hiring process and they will tell others about their experience.

A remarkable application experience not only brings in skilled professionals but also contributes to building a reputable employer brand within the competitive restaurant industry.

Christin

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• On September 8th, 2023, I will be hosting a Hospitality Leadership Summit in Denver. Click here for more details HSL.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Embracing Change: How to Keep the Hospitality Industry Strong in Shifting Times

A 3 min read.

Please share this blog with 1 person in your network who is passionate about hospitality.

So, I've been diving into what's cooking for the future of the food industry and I don’t like it.

Future trends of the industry include; the utilization of robots to prepare guacamole, multi-story parking structures accommodating drive-through lanes, the adoption of self-order kiosks for placing orders, and the use of conveyor belts to deliver food directly to customers.

Here in Tucson, I'm seeing new to-go-only fast food joints and coffee spots popping up. I can't quite figure out if I'm suffering from FOMO or just missing out on the whole customer service vibe.

It's evident that our society is shifting towards prioritizing convenience over experiential aspects, and this evolution is raising concerns for the future of the hospitality sector. These thoughts ignited my desire to begin researching our upcoming hospitality experience in an unfamiliar town.

Tyler and I decided to spice things up for our 16th wedding anniversary by heading over to Flagstaff last weekend. It was our first time in the city, and, naturally, our plans revolved around hitting up the absolute gems on the local restaurant scene. You know, the ones flaunting mouthwatering menus, raving reviews, and even nods from the James Beard Foundation.

Our vacation equation is pretty simple: just as much passion for exploring new menu items as we have for teeing off on uncharted golf courses or blazing trails in untamed wilderness.

For us, dining isn't just about satisfying our taste buds; it's woven into the fabric of our travel experience. It's where we bump into interesting characters, engage in spirited conversations about an industry that has our hearts, and unexpectedly cross paths with folks who seem like long-lost friends of friends.

It's like an interactive classroom where we learn about the local harvest, listen to tales of culinary concoctions inspired by chefs' ancestral roots, and get a sneak peek into their creative process. More than that, these eateries are our windows into vibrant cultures that burst to life every evening through music, inviting ambiences, thoughtful decor, tantalizing flavors, and top-notch service.

Our escapades around Flagstaff gifted us with a series of delightful moments. We indulged in carefully crafted mocktails tailored to our taste preferences (I lean towards a negroni, while Tyler's a paloma enthusiast), sinking into plush chairs with pink velvet upholstery and basking under the glow of gold light fixtures at a charming restaurant. We treated ourselves to scrumptious homemade toasted milk gelato and were pleasantly surprised by a handwritten note celebrating our anniversary.

The real magic, however, was in the finer nuances. We reveled in observing the staff meticulously arranging our plates, skillfully mixing our mocktail elixirs, and setting the stage for the next courses with precision. Amidst the bustling dance of the dining room, they remained ever-attentive, not only tending to our needs but also engaging in conversations about must-try restaurants and trails begging to be explored. It was like watching a symphony unfold, where every note and movement harmonized to create an unforgettable experience.

I get it, the operation of full-service restaurants is a challenging and costly endeavor. It demands a dedicated team and extensive training to seamlessly orchestrate all the intricate elements required for a flawless dining experience. Nonetheless, there's an undeniable beauty in taking a moment to slow down, savor multiple courses, and relish them in an artfully curated environment.

In these times, full-service restaurants are in need of our unwavering support more than ever.

Our efforts are crucial in ensuring that these establishments can:

• Cultivate a robust profit margin, guaranteeing that operators can earn a sustainable income and lead fulfilling lives.

• Foster an ambiance and vitality within the dining space that entices guests to return time and again.

• Nurture business expansion, enabling them to retain their valuable team members and pave the way for professional growth opportunities.

• Extend employee benefits that enable restaurants to compete effectively with other industries.

• By championing foot traffic, we play a pivotal role in fortifying the vitality of these restaurants and preserving the enriching experiences they provide.

Here are ways you can support local restaurants:

• Choose local dining or takeout over fast food to back community eateries.

• Spread the word about your dining escapades on social platforms to rally support.

• Pen down a review when you're thrilled with your experience, shaping future patronage.

• Snag gift cards as presents to pave the way for future enjoyment.

Restaurants aren't merely places to dine; they're havens of creativity, engagement, and human connection. They accompany us in commemorating life's most cherished milestones and crafting indelible memories. For those of us who treasure the art of hospitality, it's our duty to safeguard and champion its essence.

Christin

The best leaders in the world beat burnout and here’s how they transform from surviving to thriving.

A 2 min read.

In honor of August being National Mental Wellness month, I wanted to touch on a topic that I’ve heard almost daily since the pandemic started, burnout. 

Burnout is something that is not a danger just to the hospitality industry but to many industries and it’s calling us to action to change the way we think about workload.

(For those of you that follow me, you know I post content daily on Linkedin how hospitality leaders can be more mentally fit so operators can retain their managers and scale their business).

Forbes recently published an interesting article stating that the World Health Organization has officially classified burnout as a medical diagnosis. 

Their diagnosis is “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” 

The  four symptoms for diagnosing burnout include:

1. Feelings of energy depletion, exhaustion and fatigue

2. Increased mental distance from your job

3. Feelings of negativism or cynicism related to your job

4. Reduced professional efficacy

(If you’d like me to send you the full article, DM me)

Coming across these four symptoms today was eye-opening for me. A year ago, I experienced all of them, but I couldn't bring myself to admit that I was facing burnout. Somehow, I associated acknowledging it with weakness. 

Despite being in control of my burnout, I wasn't ready to confront it or learn how to manage it effectively. Instead, I sought solace in alcohol, using it as a way to numb the stress and difficult emotions. 

If you think you are experiencing burnout and want to partner together on strategies to overcome it, let’s connect via email here.

Gradually, this habit took over, and I found myself reaching for a drink without any valid reason. That's when things spiraled out of control.

I neglected my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Stress management and self-care went out the window, and I didn't provide my body with the right nourishment and rest it needed. 

As a result, my energy levels plummeted, and I struggled with negative self-talk. 

However, after hitting a low point, I finally reached out for professional help, which, I believe, saved my life. Recognizing the importance of seeking support was a turning point in my journey towards healing and recovery.

Let me show you how to begin the process to living a more fulfilled life.

It required considerable time and effort on my part to grasp the art of recognizing negative thoughts. Learning to say no and establish boundaries was crucial. 

Adopting habits such as exercise, meditation, and healthy eating became essential for nourishing my body and mind. 

Perhaps the most challenging lesson was discovering how to prioritize self-care, as my life had been primarily devoted to serving others. While I excelled at giving, I struggled with receiving.

Throughout the past year, I've come to realize that burnout can indeed be managed, but it demands a profound comprehension of one's boundaries, stress management, and mental well-being. 

These skills are not innate to humans; rather, they need to be taught and cultivated intentionally. 

Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking action promptly are essential for overall well-being. 

By shifting your mindset, setting healthy boundaries, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and prioritizing self-investment, you can effectively treat and overcome burnout. 

Let’s collaborate now if you are ready to shift your mindset.

Remember, the power to change your mindset is also the power to change the world, paving the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

Take your first step in living a more fulfilled life by emailing me here

Christin

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are several additional ways I provide daily support to hospitality leaders.

• If you are a restaurant owner looking for a strategic partner to scale your business, retain and develop your managers, let's connect. DM me, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

• If you are a hospitality leader looking to level up and position yourself for career advancement without sacrificing work-life balance, let’s start a conversation. Email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

• Each week, I provide hospitality leaders with valuable tools and resources to shift from surviving to thriving by embracing mental fitness. Subscribe to my newsletter below to receive these helpful tips directly in your inbox.

Christin

How to Know if Coaching is Right for You

I receive numerous inquiries from people who are curious about my coaching process and the potential impact it could have on their life. Today, I'm excited to invite you into my unique approach to coaching, answer some commonly asked questions and give you insight into the steps you would take to start working with me. 

How Coaching Comes to Life

First, when I connect with someone in person or over the phone, I look for ways I can serve them. I am genuinely curious about people's challenges and what is standing in their way of living a fulfilled life. When I recognize a moment where I can serve someone powerfully, I ask if I can help. If someone is open to that, I gift them a coaching session to work through whatever challenges they'd like to discuss and see if coaching is right for them.

Second, if someone reaches out to me and is interested in coaching, whether I know them or not, we schedule a time to chat over the phone, in person, or on a video call to further discuss their challenges and delve deeper into why they are seeking coaching. If I feel like their challenges are something I can guide them through, I also offer them a coaching session as a gift, allowing them to experience coaching firsthand and determine if it's suitable for them. If I am not certain I am the right coach for someone, I will suggest another coach who specializes in helping them achieve their goals.

Email me if you want to schedule a coaching session

Once the coaching session has ended and someone is interested in learning more about how we could work together, I present them with my package options, which are designed to fit everyone's budget and schedule.

What to Expect

My approach to coaching blends a combination of the tools and resources I've learned through the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), my experience in coaching, leading, and developing teams over the years, and my core values. I offer a tough love approach to my clients; being direct and firm when needed and supportive when they require me to hold space for their processing. At times, I take on roles such as a strategic partner, cheerleader, mentor, consultant, and listener. I will present challenges, encourage you to make commitments, and hold you accountable when necessary, pushing you beyond your comfort zone.

Scroll to the bottom of this blog to subscribe to my weekly content

Coaching vs. Therapy

Lastly, I’d like to address the most common question I get which is what’s the difference between coaching and therapy. Coaching is future-oriented, goal-focused, and aimed at enhancing performance and success, while therapy is past-oriented, focused on emotional healing, and designed to address mental health challenges. Both coaching and therapy can be valuable, depending on your needs and goals. I personally have a coach to help me identify my blind spots with myself, my coaching practice and my business so I can ensure I am being the best version of myself, especially when I am coaching. I have also worked with a therapist in the past to help me with past issues with sobriety, family and marriage. 

Working with a coach is one of the most effective leadership development plans I've encountered because it's customized to the client. In each session, the agenda is set by the client, focusing on real-time issues that hinder success and happiness. Coaching provides sustainable ways to improve mental health, enhance confidence, develop leadership skills, make more strategic decisions, and reduce stress and anxiety, among many other benefits.

Through coaching, I have experienced transformative growth, becoming a better communicator with my husband, designing and living the lifestyle I desire, nurturing self-love, and prioritizing my health. Moreover, it has led me to become more compassionate toward myself and others, fostering a positive and fulfilling outlook on life.

Coaching isn’t for everyone but if you are curious, let me gift you a session to see if now is the right time.

Email me to schedule your coaching session

Christin