Acquiring Correct Leaders for
Your Business
Steve Gibson and Joe Kelly
National Restaurant Association
2015 Industry Forecast
 Restaurant sales will continue to grow for the sixth
consecutive year, reaching a record high $709 billion.
 The growth of the industry is causing intense
competition for employees.
 Behind rising food cost, recruiting and retention is
seen as the second largest challenge to restaurant
operators going forward.
Barriers to Finding the Right Leader
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We have returned to an “Employee’s Market”
Everyone wants the same person
Mirror hiring mindset
Narrow definition of ideal candidate
Inaccurate perception of the value of the experience
desired
 Lack of a compelling employment offering
How to Acquire Correct Leaders
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Know what you want
Actively source – don’t “Post & Pray”
Fish in many ponds
Rigorous Interview Process
Find a true win-win with your employment offer
Sourcing Candidates
 Advertise in appropriate
channels
 Use social media like
LinkedIn, Snagajob,
Facebook, and Twitter
 Tap your network
 Bring in experts
 Leave no stone unturned!
Rigorous Interview Process
 Select candidates to call
 Phone screen, 1st In-Person interview, 2nd In-Person
interview, Role-Play interview
 Realistic job preview
(shift shadow / stage / day-in-the life)
 Reference checks
 Background check
 Accumulate your evidence and make a decision!
Closing the Deal
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Ensure a compelling employment offer
Written offer letter
Ask the candidate to give you an answer in 24 hours
Onboarding is critical! Orient your new hire yourself
Celebrate!