Finding a great employer isn’t tricky. You just have to know what to look for. Here are some clues to tune into when applying to, interviewing for, and accepting your next hospitality job.
Hospitality jobs are challenging, so working at a restaurant with a management team that’s supportive and considerate of its employees is imperative. You should never have to feel unappreciated at your place of work. Unfortunately, this is why many people move on from jobs so quickly. But, there are fantastic hospitality companies out there dying for great talent to join their team. You just have to know what to look for. There are a few things to pay attention to when applying and interviewing for a hospitality job — and as a jobs marketplace, we know the secrets — and are about to unleash them on you.
Check for detailed job descriptions.
First, if you’re going into your job hunt without any peer referrals or recommendations, you need to pay close attention to job ads and descriptions. The job description is your first impression of a potential employer, and man, is there a lot that can be determined by just reading a few short paragraphs.
Pay attention to the details included. Did the job description list pay rate, role requirements, company culture, benefits, and why their business would make it a great place to work? The more time an employer puts into their job ad, the more considerate they are of attracting and keeping the right employees. So, clue number one — detailed descriptions are excellent.
*Quick Poached Fact: we now require all job posts to list pay rates. You will never see jobs without one because transparency is non-negotiable.
Analyze word choice and formatting.
Word choice and format of a job post can be very telling. They work together in creating the vibe of the job description. After reading a post, how did it make you feel? Were you encouraged to apply, and did you feel welcome and excited? That’s a good sign. If you felt you were just scolded by your grandma, who has unrealistically high expectations and likely wasn’t hugged as a kid, I recommend moving to the next post.
The format of a job description is a significant clue, often overlooked. Some employers focus only on what they’re looking for, putting their requirements and deal-breakers at the top of the ad. This can indicate that the employer cares more about their needs than their employees. But, if the job description leads with their company background, and what they have to offer, then it’s probably a good job to apply to.
Watch the interview process.
It’s normal to get nervous about upcoming interviews, but don’t let that get in the way of noticing some serious red flags. Pay attention to how prepared the person interviewing you is. Do they have your resume on hand and reference your experience in their questions? If so, it shows they cared enough to prepare for your interview specifically — hinting that this person may not just view you as a body to fill in their open schedule, but a genuine person they’re interested in knowing will make a good fit for their team.
Ask yourself, how engaged were they during the interview? Did they take notes, let you ask questions, and give you authentic responses? These are critical aspects of an interview. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. So if the potential employer is displaying consideration of your time, that is a great indication they could be a good employer to work for.
Take time to review the process.
After you reviewed a job ad, applied for the job, and hopefully interviewed — take time to sit down and review the whole process. Does the company seem like a good fit for what you are looking for? Does the pay structure match your expectations, and do they offer any benefits that would be a deal-breaker for you?
Sometimes you can like a company, but there is a non-negotiable that would get in the way of your overall fit and satisfaction with a place. A large part of finding your perfect hospitality job is knowing what you’re looking for.
Depending on the circumstance, finances get in the way of being too picky when accepting a job. But, taking the time you need to find a good fit can pay off in the long run. If you jump into something that you don’t feel right about, you’ll like to be looking for another job shortly. With the safety net of our newest feature, Poached Shifts, you can fill in to make ends meet and truly take the time you need to land your perfect hospitality job.
