In the fast-paced world of Hospitality, finding the right talent to fill your job vacancies is crucial for delivering exceptional guest and customer experiences.
In this article, we provide a snapshot of the Hospitality industry in Ireland. We take a deep dive into the data from thousands of hospitality jobs posted by leading employers in the sector on Jobs.ie throughout 2023. You’ll find insights to inform and shape your recruitment strategies with information on the most in-demand jobs, application activity, and hiring advice.
Industry Insights
In the current recruitment environment, employers with knowledge of the most sought-after roles can create achievable hiring timelines and develop competitive employment offerings to attract and retain top talent.
Available job opportunities continue to normalise following a post-Covid surge in hiring demand. Currently, the number of people in employment remains exceptionally high in Ireland, and unemployment is predicted to remain low, under 5%, over the next twelve months. Overall, the Job Vacancy Rate has eased back to 1%, reflecting a return to a more stable labour market.
For the Hospitality sector, there has been an increase in candidate activity over the past 12 months, with Jobs.ie recording a rise in applications for Hospitality roles throughout 2023, providing businesses with a talent pipeline for potential employees.
Talent Attraction & Recruitment Considerations
The success of any organisation is dependent on the quality of talent it attracts and recruits. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the strategies and tactics employed when trying to attract and recruit top talent.
Here are six considerations for recruiters in the Hospitality industry:
Candidate Experience: A successful hiring process in the Hospitality industry requires a positive experience for candidates, from the initial job posting until the final job offer. Businesses, regardless of their size should have a streamlined recruitment process that offers flexible role requirements, clear job descriptions, prompt communication, fair hiring practices, candidate feedback, and an accurate representation of the company culture.
Employer Brand: Effective employer branding is about defining and effectively communicating the qualities that will make your company the first choice for the talent you want to attract. Showcase your work culture, employment offerings, and training opportunities, and shine a light on your staff and their achievements.
Training and Development: By investing in training and development opportunities, hospitality organisations not only attract potential jobseekers but also cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce capable of delivering exceptional guest and customer experiences while adapting to industry trends and challenges.
Competitive Benefits: There is a renewed focus on offering attractive benefits for Hospitality employers. In a cost-of-living crisis, free meals, discounted breaks, and subsidised transport can all make a real difference to the bottom line for many jobseekers considering a role with your company.
Employee Retention: Low employee retention rates can create hiring challenges for Hospitality employers. When employees have a positive experience at work, they tend to speak highly of the business, which can attract more talent. Understanding employees’ experience starts with having supportive management teams who lead transparently and listen actively to feedback. This understanding can help employers build a positive sentiment into their recruitment plans and employment offerings.
Talent Pools: Creating and sustaining a pipeline of talent relies on successfully engaging with the younger generation. With roles such as waiting staff often performed by young people taking their first steps into the working world, Hospitality employers have a fantastic opportunity to positively influence young people by giving them more than just a job. Through meaningful mentorship, training, and opportunities for growth, businesses can empower the next generation to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
In today’s competitive job market, recruiters need to take proactive steps to attract and retain top professionals. Experienced recruiters stand out because they know how to adapt, innovate, and refine their recruitment strategies. This helps them to find skilled, professional employees who will help drive continued growth and development for your company.
