TRUMBULL CONN. —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
Chris Russell, creator of
The concept created a buzz at the “Meeting of the Minds” recruiting conference for chain operators held recently in Dallas. Companies such as Greenwood Village, Colo.-based Red Robin Gourmet Burgers have expressed interest in the program, according to podcast purveyors. A spokeswoman for Red Robin confirmed that the full-service restaurant is investigating the use of podcasts for recruitment but declined to comment further. —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
The strategy makes sense given the technical sophistication of young people in their teens, otherwise known as Generation Y, industry observers said. —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
“Any idea that leverages technology, particularly one that comes so naturally to Gen Y, is an outstanding idea,” said Eric Chester, a Denver-area consultant who specializes in generational issues and who is author of the book “Getting Them to Give a Damn.” —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
“I think it’s a great suggestion for a hiring manager,” Chester said. “Put a podcast together. But you’re only as good as the podcast. If you come across as a stuffy guy in a suit saying come work for our company because we make the best pizza from fresh ingredients and we have a lot fun—if it’s a stale message—you may do more harm than good. It would have to be cool, clever and fun. Give it an air of quirkiness.” —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
Employers definitely don’t want to produce anything that comes across as square or too conservative or cheap, agreed Clive Solomon, president and founder of the Association of Hospitality Recruiting Executives. —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
“I love technology, and we need to embrace it more as an industry,” said Solomon, who is also vice president of training and human resources for Stuart, Fla.-based Hurricane Grill and Wings. However, he added, “I’m not sure yet if people are as inspired listening to a job pitch.” —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
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“I tell them not to read or have a script,” Russell said. “They can have something prepared but speak naturally. Make it more of a conversation. It’s more credible that way.” —In the never-ending search for talent, some restaurant companies are considering podcasting as a way to attract young employees.
