“It takes a village” is part of the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” and while we’re not talking about rearing children, the mindset behind it still applies when it comes to your recruiting efforts. No longer are the days where you have people pouring through your lobby asking for applications; not only because it’s 2021, but well, its 2021 and we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. Over the past year, you’ve had to think creatively to secure business for your properties and recruiting is proving to be no different. Your operational strategies have evolved and so too must those for recruiting. The good news is you’re not alone – your village (aka your RVPO, fellow GMs and your HR team) is here to support you in your recruiting efforts.
Things You Can Do
UKG Recruiting
The 1st thing you will hear from Tamara or Stephanie is “Do you have an open opportunity posted in UKG Recruiting?” Many times, when we hear GMs are struggling to find candidates, we discover that either the opportunity was posted in 2019 or it has not been posted at all! While it is only one tool in the toolbox, it’s the most basic building block to communicate your need. Need help refreshing an opportunity or posting a new one? Let you HR team know, and we can help.
Social Media
Do you already have Facebook? Instagram? Twitter? LinkedIn? Use them to your advantage! You don’t have to pay anything to post your jobs on your profile – think of it as a digital version of employee referrals! Your friends see the post, then they share with their friends, who share with their friends, etc. Facebook has different groups you can join to get more exposure; search for jobs in your city & simply send them a friend request from your profile. Responses typically take less than a day.
Example Facebook Groups
Hospitality Online
As many of you know, we’re testing Hospitality Online’s hourly recruiting functionality with several properties and so far we’ve received great feedback! The goal is to be able to use Hospitality Online for all our hourly recruiting needs, but we need to be able to demonstrate it’s value so if you’re a test property, please continue to share your feedback with your RVPO and HR team!
Community Resources
Are you a part of any social groups such as bowling leagues, civic / church groups, condo associations, 4H, scouting groups, etc? See if you’re able to post your openings on their website / app / etc. Any apartment complexes near your property? Talk to their managers and ask to be included in their welcome packets for new residents! Nearby colleges? Reach out to their Career Center – many times employers can post jobs for free on their job boards. Is there a local foodbank in your area? See if they’ll let you post a flyer! And just like you might do in your Sales Efforts by visiting local businesses… when is the last time you introduced yourself to your local Unemployment Office? They are helping people find work… maybe dropping off information about your property will help send those who are unemployed your way.
Previous Employees
Do you have any previous employees you’d love to have return? Reach out and see if they’re interested in coming back, even if it’s on a PT basis. Or seeing as they already know the culture of your property, ask them if they know anyone that would be a good fit?
**NOTE** When you have a rehire – please notify Payroll (rripayroll@rriwest.com) and HR (tamara.ross@rriwest.com or stephanie.doherty@rriwest.com). There are corrections that have to be made to a rehired employee’s record in UKG Pro.
Build Relationships with Other Businesses
Could you partner with a local restaurant to offer discounts to our employees and vice versa? Contact local grocery stores, retail establishments – those who do mass recruiting - they may have an abundance of applications that they’re willing to share.
Other RRI West Managed locations
Is there another RRI West Managed Red Roof near you? Reach out to the GM and see if they have employees that want to pick up extra hours at your property or came across some great applicants that are a better fit at your location.
Things HR Can Support With
Social Media
If you don’t have any of the previously mentioned social media platforms or you don’t want to use your personal profile for work, we can help you create one just for recruiting purposes. Contact HR (tamara.ross@rriwest.com or stephanie.doherty@rriwest.com or david.gossard@rriwest.com for more info.
Reinstating Employee Referrals
Due to the economic impact the global pandemic had on our business; employee referral bonuses were put on hold in Q2 2020. Your HR team is diligently working on trying to get the program reinstated as we know employee referrals can be an effective recruiting tool.
Flyers, but with a twist
If you’ve been able to venture out to restaurants, you may have noticed many of them provide electronic menus instead of physical ones. Using your smart device, you scan the QR code and it takes you directly to their menu. Thanks to our resident ‘tech’ guru David Gossard, we are now able to create a QR code that applicants can scan and be routed to www.redroofjobs.com, your email or via text to your cell! Click here for an example of one recently created for the Red Roof – Elkhart location. Let your HR team know, and we can help.
Rest assured - this is not a RRI West problem – we are up against grocery stores, retail establishments, etc, which is why a one-resource path won’t work. But the most important tool in your toolbox is patience. Recruiting takes time and effort; both of which we know are on overload these days. Your “Village” (RVPO and HR team) are here to support you and strategize to get your team up and running for the much-anticipated summer travel season!
