If you’re feeling unhappy with your current hospitality recruiter, it might be time to move on. But how do you know when it’s time to make the switch? Here are five red flags that will let you know it’s time to find a new recruiter.
You’re Not a Priority
If you find that your recruiter is constantly forgetting about you or pushing you to the side, it’s time to move on. You should always feel like a priority to your recruiter. If you don’t, then they’re not doing their job properly. Hospitability Recruiters that don’t touch base at least once per week are not ones that you should be keen on working with. With any working relationship communication is key. Without communication, you are wasting time on something that probably won’t work out.
When hiring a new recruiter ask them setup questions about how often they will be in contact and what their current workload is. This will give you a good idea of how much of a priority you will be to them. Typically, larger firms see you more like a number, while smaller firms like Hospitality Headhunter know your situation intimately and will work very closely with you throughout the process.
You’re Not Getting Any Candidates
If you’ve been working with your recruiter for a while and you’re not getting any potential candidates to fill your position, it might be time to move on. Your recruiter should be actively trying to connect you with the right candidates for your hospitality position. If they’re not, then they’re not doing their job properly. Even in this market, your recruiter should be sending you several candidates every week to review.
When looking for a new hospitality recruitment expert be sure to ask how many applicants you can expect them to send you each week and how narrowed down the pool they send will be. If the number is low, and you want to have more say on who is weeded out, it might not be the right fit for you. If the number is high and you don’t have time to weed through applicants on your own, that recruiter may not be right for you. Hospitality Headhunter prides itself on sending the perfect mix of pre-screened candidates to its clients.
Your Recruiter is Unprofessional
If your recruiter is constantly being unprofessional, it’s time to move on. This includes things like not returning your calls or emails promptly, not dressing properly for meetings, or being late to appointments even if they are virtual. Your recruiter should always be professional and respectful of your time. Time is money, and if your recruiter is not on board with that, it may be time for a change.
When searching for a new recruiter, look for one that has good reviews and that comes highly recommended. Be sure to also meet with them via zoom or in person before making any decisions. This will give you a good idea of their professionalism and whether they’re the right fit for you.
You’re Working with An Incompetent Recruiter
If you’re working with a recruiter that is constantly making mistakes, it’s time to move on. This includes things like sending you the wrong candidates, not following up with candidates, or not keeping you updated on the status of your positions. Your recruiter should always be competent and professional.
Pro Tip: Interview your potential new recruiters like they are the ones you would be hiring to fill your long-term positions. This may come as a surprise, but some recruiters are just not good at interviews. Is this the type of person you want to screen your candidates?
They Are Not Getting the Job Done
If you’re not happy with the job your recruiter is doing, it’s time to move on. Your recruiter should be working hard to fill your position and making sure that you’re happy with the candidates they’re sending your way. If they’re not, then they’re not doing their job properly. The bottom line is if they are not filling the position you have sourced to them promptly it is time for a change.
Pro Tip: It helps to set realistic expectations on what the parameters of the job well done is for you. Does that mean finding a candidate in the quickest time, even if it costs more on a salary? Does that mean finding the most cost-efficient candidates? Be upfront when hiring a new recruiter and neither of you will be surprised should the need for a change arise.
How to Move Forward
Moving on from a hospitality recruiter can be difficult, but if you’re not happy with the one you have, it’s important to do what’s best for you and your business. Be sure to look for red flags and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Hospitality Headhunter is one of the premier hospitality recruiting firms in the country. We work with companies of all sizes to find the very best candidates. Contact us today to learn more about how we can find you some amazing talent!
Kelly Kuhlmann is Founder and Chief Recruiting Partner of Hospitality Headhunter. Kelly has over 30 years in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry at all levels, and has been one of the Largest Restaurant Franchisees in the United States.