Finding Great Employees

• Ask around when you're looking for new employees. Ask your friends and trusted employees for suggestions. They may know someone looking for a job.
• Be prepared. Know and clearly describe the position you want to fill before you put the word out or start advertising.  For example, if you want a bartender for the afternoon shift, save time by putting that in the ad.
• Involve your current employees.  Have your bar and food managers, or other trusted employees help you review applications.  Ask the employees who will work with the new hire what type of skills, experience, and personality the position requires.
• Put together a list of interview questions in advance, but also be prepared to follow the flow of conversation if the interviewee brings up a topic you'd like to know more about.
• During the interview, find out if they have had any training in responsible serving^®, customer service, or other skills related to the position.  For example, are they a certified bartender, and if so, what type of certification do they have?  Applicants with additional education have shown initiative and that they are serious about the position.
• Introduce promising interviewees to the staff and give them a tour of the establishment. This can help give you an idea of how they feel about the place and how they would fit in.
• Remember, skills can be increased through training but a person's character and personality usually don't change. Ask yourself, "Would I want to work with or be supervised by this person?" and, "Does this person's attitude fit our establishment?"
• Always check references. If a phone number or email address doesn't work, ask for an additional reference. You don't want to hire someone who can't find a few people to recommend them.