Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s topic: 2019 unemployment rate and how to find great candidates.
2019 Unemployment Rates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2019 unemployment rate in the U.S. was 3.7% as of June 2019; More specifically, the foodservice and hospitality industries saw a rate of 5.2%. With unemployment being so low, restaurant hiring has become more difficult than ever. Because there are less candidates looking for a job, there are less options to choose from when recruiting or making a hiring decision.
Not only that, but with the candidates who are unemployed, it’s important to ask yourselves, “why are they unable to get a job?” In most cases it’s because they’re seeking a new opportunity, but in some instances it may be because they are an undesirable candidate. But without tapping into this pool, how else do you find great talent?
At LGC, specifically in our direct hire/permanent placement division, we seek out the best of the best, and specifically focus on targeting passive job seekers. (Passive job seekers are classified as people who are currently employed, but open to learning about new opportunities.) This gives us a wider variety of candidates, considering most working-age citizens have a job. Additionally, we know that most employees would make great candidates given their current employment status.
Reaching out to passive candidates can be more of a difficult process, because not everyone will be interested in the opportunity that’s being offered. Extra time and money must be spent carefully recruiting and interviewing candidates. While it’s more work up front, it can lead to finding the perfect addition to your team.
Let LGC take care of the heaving lifting when seeking out passive candidates. Contact our Permanent Placement division to learn more about how we can connect you with great talent amidst the 2019 unemployment rate.