It’s not hard to write restaurant job advertisements that are a magnet for applicants; most ads are so badly written that yours will stand out if you write it with a marketing approach. With the current staff shortages, the old recruitment methods don’t attract the interest they once did – a fresh approach is essential.
What makes your advertisement stand out and get people to respond?
Think like a marketer: the key is to talk about what applicants want, not just what you want. This is basic marketing 101, but most operators ignore it. It’s also called using Radio WII-FM – What’s In It For Me, and we all listen to that music!
When writing your advertisement, take the point of view of a job seeker. When they see ads that demand ‘sincere, hard-working, keen, energetic, team player, creative, honest, good personality, bubbly, enthusiastic, great English skills’ they often switch off. It sounds like a noisy party. or a place only for the in-crowd… or just a lot of hard work. It can also sound a bit desperate. And be warned – talk of ‘profit bonus’ is a red flag for many chefs (because it never happens), as is ‘opportunity to do your own thing’ – code for ‘we are disorganised and need help’.
Write your benefits first, then experience and qualifications needed second, then contact details.
How many of these benefits can you include in your restaurant or cafe advertisement?
Pay and conditions:
Good pay – above award
Sign-on bonus after x months
Annual leave or vacation time
Weekly pay into your bank account
Full leave entitlement and superannuation
Uniform provided
Flexible hours, no split-shifts
2 weekends off per month
Work conditions, reputation and culture:
‘Our culture’… describe it in terms that aren’t hyped up
Happy, friendly team
Staff safety is a top priority
Opportunity for a positive ‘lifestyle change’
Well organised workplace with good systems
Great food, using regional produce
Link to Google and Facebook reviews
Other benefits:
Assistance with immigration and obtaining permanent residence
Location – so people don’t waste your time calling if it’s too far
Affordable local accommodation – we will help you find it
Help with moving costs
Parking facilities
Close to transport
Day work, Monday to Friday
Modern kitchen, well maintained
Prestige equipment (if you use it) eg Rational Combi Oven, Josper Oven, Synergy Grill
Plenty of work, immediate start
Staff meals and discounts
Development opportunities – ready to sponsor your training courses
Business in a rural area: there are extra benefits you can offer in your restaurant job advertisement, and challenges to address e.g. talk about good schools, good shopping at city prices, ‘only 3 hours from Melbourne’, friendly town, plenty of sporting facilities etc. Play up the positives but be honest – check the local council website, which often has good descriptions written from a marketing angle.
No discrimination: It’s important to check that you don’t discourage overseas workers, or applicants of a particular gender by the language you use.
UPDATE: offering a 4-day week or 9-day fortnight is increasingly popular and very well received by chefs – they want to hear about ‘work-life’ balance and not as just a theory. How can you add this to the benefit mix? It may need you to rethink the whole roster pattern, but could lead to very positive results. Also check this interview with a chef recruiter on what’s working in the current market.
Write in a positive way about the experience and qualifications needed:
This is a busy, high-volume cafe with good equipment and systems – we need someone who can handle a fast pace and work with a small team.
We need someone who has experience in a busy pizzeria, handling all stages of preparation and baking. We have good systems and equipment.
We need a qualified chef with solid experience in French and European cuisine, to work with our experienced team.
We need a head chef with at least 5 years experience, who can lead a team of 4 cooks and an apprentice. We have good systems for ordering, menu costing and daily production, designed to make your job efficient and easy.
Examples of rewritten restaurant and cafe job advertisements:
BEFORE: Cook for cafe in Riverside Must have 3yrs+ experience, be hard working & speak good English. 7am – 5pm Sat & Sun. Ph. 12345 678
AFTER: Cook for Riverside’s best cafe Modern kitchen, good systems, happy team, train and free parking nearby. You will be paid on time every week with superannuation. 3yrs+ experience needed, working in a busy cafe – immediate start. Call Peter on Ph. 345 6789. Hours: 7am – 5pm Sat & Sun.
__________________________
BEFORE: Restaurant chef with great attitude needed 30 hrs pw – Email CV to busyben@ABC Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
AFTER: Experienced Chef or Cook for Cafe ABC in Hillside. Days only, close to train, great kitchen setup, flexible roster, strong and happy team. Fresh food with a great reputation. You will be paid on time every week with proper leave and superannuation. If you are seeking sponsorship, we are happy to discuss this. Email CV to busyben@ABC or phone 4141456 – all applications will be answered.
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It’s not hard to write restaurant job advertisements that are a magnet for applicants; most ads are so badly written that yours will stand out if you write it with a marketing approach. With the current staff shortages, the old recruitment methods don’t attract the interest they once did – a fresh approach is essential.
What makes your advertisement stand out and get people to respond?
Think like a marketer: the key is to talk about what applicants want, not just what you want. This is basic marketing 101, but most operators ignore it. It’s also called using Radio WII-FM – What’s In It For Me, and we all listen to that music!
When writing your advertisement, take the point of view of a job seeker. When they see ads that demand ‘sincere, hard-working, keen, energetic, team player, creative, honest, good personality, bubbly, enthusiastic, great English skills’ they often switch off. It sounds like a noisy party. or a place only for the in-crowd… or just a lot of hard work. It can also sound a bit desperate. And be warned – talk of ‘profit bonus’ is a red flag for many chefs (because it never happens), as is ‘opportunity to do your own thing’ – code for ‘we are disorganised and need help’.
Write your benefits first, then experience and qualifications needed second, then contact details.
How many of these benefits can you include in your restaurant or cafe advertisement?
Pay and conditions:
Work conditions, reputation and culture:
Other benefits:
Business in a rural area: there are extra benefits you can offer in your restaurant job advertisement, and challenges to address e.g. talk about good schools, good shopping at city prices, ‘only 3 hours from Melbourne’, friendly town, plenty of sporting facilities etc. Play up the positives but be honest – check the local council website, which often has good descriptions written from a marketing angle.
No discrimination: It’s important to check that you don’t discourage overseas workers, or applicants of a particular gender by the language you use.
UPDATE: offering a 4-day week or 9-day fortnight is increasingly popular and very well received by chefs – they want to hear about ‘work-life’ balance and not as just a theory. How can you add this to the benefit mix? It may need you to rethink the whole roster pattern, but could lead to very positive results. Also check this interview with a chef recruiter on what’s working in the current market.
Write in a positive way about the experience and qualifications needed:
Examples of rewritten restaurant and cafe job advertisements:
BEFORE: Cook for cafe in Riverside
Must have 3yrs+ experience, be hard working & speak good English.
7am – 5pm Sat & Sun. Ph. 12345 678
AFTER: Cook for Riverside’s best cafe
Modern kitchen, good systems, happy team, train and free parking nearby. You will be paid on time every week with superannuation. 3yrs+ experience needed, working in a busy cafe – immediate start.
Call Peter on Ph. 345 6789. Hours: 7am – 5pm Sat & Sun.
__________________________
BEFORE: Restaurant chef with great attitude needed
30 hrs pw – Email CV to busyben@ABC
Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
AFTER: Experienced Chef or Cook for Cafe ABC in Hillside.
Days only, close to train, great kitchen setup, flexible roster, strong and happy team. Fresh food with a great reputation. You will be paid on time every week with proper leave and superannuation. If you are seeking sponsorship, we are happy to discuss this.
Email CV to busyben@ABC or phone 4141456 – all applications will be answered.
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