Putting the Right Team Together
5 Elements of
Hiring for Luxury
By Maggie Reyes
Most luxury properties have very
mature recruiting processes, this
means we have our guidelines,
checklists, assessments and
protocols in place. However,
where people are concerned,
there is always more we can know,
understanding we can gain and
insights that can help us implement
those guides and procedures to
achieve an even higher degree of
success in hiring.
Today I want to share 5 elements I
have found critical to my success as
a Recruiter for luxury hospitality.
1. Use the Minimum Criteria
as a Starting Point. We have
all seen the job descriptions
with 14 job qualifications and
a list of aptitudes, attitudes
and experiences a candidate
48 ILHA
must possess to be considered.
Minimum criteria is important of
course, however, when recruiting
for luxury it is only the beginning.
What does the person absolutely
need to know, do and be to
succeed?
Where minimum criteria is all
that may be needed at a fast
food chain or large retail store,
that is really the beginning of the
conversation when we are hiring
in a luxury setting.
Oftentimes, we need someone
proficient in their area of
expertise, who can also bring just
the right complementary skill to
their team. The next time you
have a position open, whip out
this question - What does the
person absolutely need to know,
do and be to succeed?
2. Hire for the Team You Have
Today. Another key element of
putting the right team together
is keeping in mind the team you
have today.
One of the most fascinating
projects I worked on was for a
Concierge team that handled
private travel arrangements,
personalized tours and also
designed exclusive events.
Although there was one job
description for the Concierge
role, sometimes they needed a
meeting planner, other times
they needed a traditional hotel
concierge and depending on who
was leaving the team, sometimes
they needed a seasoned traveler