Hireology+AHLA: Understanding Hotel Food and Beverage Job Seeker Priorities

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the hotel food and beverage industry Core Insights - The hotel food and beverage job market is facing challenges in hiring qualified employees, with 91% of respondents indicating that hiring is somewhat or extremely challenging [3] - Job seekers prioritize salary, schedule flexibility, and career growth opportunities when considering job offers [8][9] - The report emphasizes the importance of understanding job seeker preferences to attract and retain talent in the hotel food and beverage sector [5] Summary by Sections Job Seeker Priorities - Salary is the most important factor for job seekers (40%), followed by schedule flexibility (14%) and career growth opportunities (13%) [8] - When presented with multiple job offers meeting salary expectations, job seekers are motivated by benefits such as fulfilling work, good culture, and easy commutes [9][10] - Hotel restaurants are preferred work environments for 28% of job seekers, with younger generations showing a higher preference for hotel restaurants [11] Factors Influencing Job Applications - Key reasons for not applying to hotel food and beverage jobs include lower salaries (45%), limited career growth (30%), and less flexible hours (28%) [13][16][17] - Inclusivity towards bilingual workers can enhance job applications, with 32% of respondents more likely to apply if a supervisor is bilingual [13] Hiring Process Efficiency - Speed in the hiring process is crucial, with 64% of job seekers abandoning applications that take too long [33] - A significant majority (88%) prefer to be interviewed within a week of applying, with younger generations desiring even quicker responses [35][36] Mobile Communication and Applications - 63% of job seekers primarily use smartphones for job searches, and 85% are open to communicating via text to expedite the hiring process [47][51] - Mobile-friendly job applications are essential, as 58% of job seekers have abandoned applications due to complexity on mobile devices [49] Job Search Channels - Job boards are the primary source for job seekers, with 30% applying to 16 or more jobs [62][63] - Company websites are crucial for understanding employer culture, with 40% of job seekers relying on them for information [69] Employee Referrals - A strong majority (84%) of job seekers are more likely to apply if a trusted friend recommends the company, highlighting the effectiveness of employee referral programs [83][87] Job Seeker Loyalty - Many hotel food and beverage workers express loyalty, with 36% expecting to stay with their next employer for over eight years [93] - Key factors influencing job changes include salary, career growth, and work-life balance [96][100] Recommendations for Operators - Operators are advised to enhance employee benefits, simplify hiring processes, and leverage technology for scheduling and communication to attract and retain talent [19][39][57][104]