4 Ways Hotels Can Attract Boomerang Hires

If you scroll through LinkedIn today, you’ll see story after story of professionals happily returning to old employers after years of working for competitors. These boomerang hires are more than a feel-good story, they represent a largely untapped talent pool for hotel companies. Ex-employees already know the company culture, and understand the market, and the experience they gained while away allows them to hit the ground running. Here is how to encourage a steady flow of quality ex-hotel employees back to your ranks:

Don’t Skip the Exit Survey

You might think it’s pointless to do an exit survey. After all, they’ve had their entire tenure at the company to bring up any problems they’ve had. It’s not that they were hiding anything necessarily, but hindsight is 20/20. Make sure all outgoing employees receive an exit survey. Not only does this give you insights into how to improve your company culture today, but it will help you understand what it takes to bring that person back.

Don’t Burn Bridges

While you don’t need a going away party, make sure their last day isn’t chaotic. Have everything organized and ready to deactivate. Be sure supervisors are there to give a cordial farewell. Even go as far as offering to provide references if needed. Whatever it takes to make sure they don’t leave with a bad taste in their mouth. It can be hard to do when their departure leaves you understaffed, but you need to do whatever it takes so they don’t leave with a bad taste in their mouth.

Keep in Touch

Always follow through on the promise to stay in touch. Through LinkedIn, Facebook, and texting, keeping tabs on their personal and professional life is a breeze. Congratulate them on their successes and offer support when they need it. If you already have an active relationship with them, they will be more inclined to rejoin the company.

Rehire Tactfully

Be sure to perform your due diligence and consult your existing team. Hindsight is 20/20, and employees may be more willing to open up about any previous misbehavior that they were uncomfortable discussing before. Before approaching an ex-employee, identify their previous peers and get their take on what kind of coworker they were.

Get Help from Experienced Recruiters

Tough hiring markets mean employers must approach recruiting with open minds and new strategies. If you are looking for some new strategies for hiring, our hotel recruiters can help. Contact us to learn more.