How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

The job interview isn't over once you leave the meeting room. There is still one more step to the process, the thank you note.

#1: Salute with your interviewer's name.

Start off the note with "Dear Mr./Mrs." and include your interviewer's name. When you greet with their name, it shows that it is more personalized and you put thought into writing, rather than reusing a generic template. Also, indicate the date you met and position you applied for, to help refresh their memory. Your hiring manager might be conducting multiple interviews.

#2: Express your gratitude.

A thank you note/email would not be one if you do not include "Thank you". Write that you appreciated the time they took out to meet, speak and consider you for the position.

#3: Confirm that you are interested.

Let the hiring manager know that you are still interested in the position. State how you are excited to work for the company, and how you look forward to learning and growing with them. HR professionals like to hear enthusiasm from potential candidates when applying to jobs.

#4: Promote yourself.

Write a little promotional blurb about yourself. Briefly discuss your strengths and skills, and how they would be valuable to the team. You may also want to talk about your previous experience in the hospitality industry. Basically, provide further support on why you are qualified and the best candidate for the position. 

#5: Remember to follow up.

Sum up by writing thank you once more, and suggesting to keep in contact. Mention how you can be reached again via email or phone, if your hiring manager has any further questions. If you do not hear back from him/her in about a week or so, send a friendly a reminder email.

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How to Ace Your Video Job Interview

Many companies, like ones on Harri, are embracing modern hiring methods. Video interviews are quickly becoming common practice.

Here are some tips on how to ace your next video interview:

#1: Do a technology test run.

You do not want to miss out on the job interview due to technical difficulties. Double check to see that all your technology, including your video/webcam software, microphone and speakers, are running properly. 

#2: Practice in front of your screen.

In addition to making sure your equipment is working, conduct a trial video job interview. Ask a friend to pretend and play the role of the hiring manager. Rehearsing, even for a little bit, can help calm your nerves. Maybe consider practicing and answering the most common restaurant job interview questions during the mock interview.

#3: Be distraction free.

It is essential that you select a place where you will not be disturbed.

• Interview in a quiet, well-lit space, so that your interviewer can hear and see you clearly.
• Good lighting is also appreciated. Sit in front of a light source, rather than behind it, because it will create shadows.
• Turn off of silence your phone during the interview.

#4: Dress as if you would in a face-to-face interview.

Even though you are not sitting in on an in-person interview, you still have to be in presentable attire. Wear a button-down or blouse, and pants. It is important to dress in a complete outfit because it will help you feel and project professionalism when you speak with your potential employer.

#5: Send a thank-you note and follow up.

As you would in any other interview, remember to thank the person you interviewed with for their time. After, send them an email, so that you can easily contact them in a week or two about updates in your job status.

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High Projections for Restaurant Job Growth in 2016

Restaurant job growth is projected to outpace the overall economy in 2016, and the industry will add more than 300,000 jobs for the sixth consecutive calendar year, according to the NRA’s Chief Economist Bruce Grindy. His Economist’s Notebookcommentary and analysis appears regularly on Restaurant.org and Restaurant TrendMapper.

The restaurant industry continues to be one of the strongest job creators in the economy, with industry job growth outpacing the overall economy for the 16th consecutive year in 2015. Eating and drinking places, the primary component of the restaurant industry accounting for three-fourths of the total restaurant and foodservice workforce, added jobs at a 3.2 percent rate in 2015. This was more than a full percentage point above the 2.1 percent gain in total U.S. employment.

The industry’s 2015 gain marked the fourth consecutive year with job growth of at least 3 percent, the longest streak since the mid-1980s. With job growth outstripping the overall economy in each of the last 16 years, the eating-and-drinking-place sector saw its employment level jump by 38 percent. In contrast, the total number of jobs in the economy increased by only 10 percent during the same period.

Within the industry, job growth remained broad-based in 2015, with most of the major segments posting solid gains. The snack-and-nonalcoholic-beverage-bar segment – which includes concepts like coffee, doughnut and ice cream shops – led the way with a robust 6.5 percent employment gain in 2015, the fourth consecutive year with growth above 5 percent.

The quickservice segment added jobs at a 3.4 percent rate in 2015, while the tableservice segment expanded payrolls at a 3.3 percent pace.

Looking ahead, the NRA expects eating and drinking places to add jobs at a 3.0 percent rate in 2016, which will represent the fifth consecutive year in which the restaurant industry registered job growth of at least 3 percent. In comparison, the overall economy hasn’t posted job growth of 3 percent since 1994.

The projected 2016 increase will also represent the sixth consecutive calendar year in which restaurants added more than 300,000 jobs.

For the national labor market, 2015 was the strongest year yet in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The national economy added a net 2.9 million jobs on an annual basis in 2015, and the 2.1 percent employment increase was the strongest gain in 15 years.

Although the economy is expected to build on 2015’s positive performance, growth will likely be somewhat slower in 2016. The NRA projects total U.S. employment to increase 1.8 percent in 2016, down slightly from the 2.1 percent gain posted in 2015.

(via National Restaurant Association)

Women and Minority-Owned Restaurants Growing Sharply

Women-owned and minority-owned restaurant businesses grew at rates well above their cohorts in the overall economy in recent years, according to the NRA’s Chief Economist Bruce Grindy. His Economist’s Notebook commentary and analysis appears regularly on Restaurant.org and Restaurant TrendMapper.

In addition to providing employment opportunities for both first-time and experienced workers, the restaurant industry offers a path to entrepreneurship that no other industry can match. In fact, eight in 10 restaurant owners say their first job in the restaurant industry was an entry-level position, according to research by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

With few barriers to entry, the restaurant industry provides ownership opportunities to people of all backgrounds. This was on full display during the challenging economic environment in recent years, when women-owned and minority-owned restaurant businesses grew at rates well above their cohorts in the overall economy.

Between 2007 and 2012 (most recent data available), the number of women-owned restaurant businesses jumped 40 percent, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. During the same 5-year period, the number of women-owned businesses in the overall economy rose 27 percent.

As a result of these strong gains, 33 percent of restaurant businesses are majority-owned by women – up from 26 percent in 2007. Another 15 percent of restaurant businesses are equally-owned by women and men.

Minority-owned restaurant businesses also rose sharply in recent years. The number of Hispanic-owned restaurant businesses soared 51 percent between 2007 and 2012, while black- or African-American-owned restaurants jumped 49 percent. Both were above their corresponding growth rates in the overall economy.

The number of Asian-owned restaurant businesses increased 18 percent between 2007 and 2012, which was slightly below the 24 percent increase in the overall economy.

As a result of the steady growth in recent years, fully four in 10 restaurant businesses are majority-owned by minorities. In the overall economy, 29 percent of businesses are owned by minorities.

(via National Restaurant Association)

How to Attract Great Candidates

"How do I attract and hire the best people?" is a very common question among hospitality HR professionals.

Finding the perfect talent can be challenging and may take some time. Here are some ways you can attract the best of the best:

#1: Recruit based on attitude, instead of skills.

When hiring, look for candidates that have a good personality, rather than exceptional skill. It's actually harder to teach a person how to be personable than to teach someone technical skills. Consider hiring a person that is willing to start at a lower position, who you could then train him/her for a greater role within the company. That way, he/she can see that there is opportunity to grow career-wise and see their work being valued in the business.

#2: Find candidates by networking.

Don't limit yourself to just those who applied to your job post. Search elsewhere and through other means, like using our Search and Connect feature. You're bound to find other great candidates that meet your requirements within our vast network of 180,000+ users. Add members to your Talent Pool and invite them to submit their applications.

#3: Promote from within the company.

During the recruitment process, inform candidates that your business looks to promote entry-level staffers to higher positions. That way, job seekers know that their efforts put in the company will be rewarded. In addition, this strategy will keep employees motivated to work harder.

#4: Company culture is essential.

Attract candidates with the amazing company culture that you've built. Express that your company is a great workplace, and provide supportive words like how everybody is a team player and the business appreciates and listens to the feedback from staff.

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