It’s Okay to Hire an Inexperienced Worker

When it comes to hiring, experience is usually a top priority. Employers want to know they’re hiring someone who can provide excellent customer service from Day 1. However, there are several reasons why hiring someone inexperienced in the hospitality industry can be a smart move.

One big reason: A recently released survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association says 76% of hospitality leaders still struggle to fill open positions.

The hospitality industry simply hasn’t recovered from the pandemic. Anything travel and hospitality-related suffered, and businesses had to lay off employees they couldn’t afford to pay anymore.

“Hotels need access to more workers to continue creating jobs,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “AHLA is lobbying Congress and the administration for a variety of solutions to grow the workforce.”

Congress works slowly. If being in desperate need of employees doesn’t make it sound worth training a new employee, here are a few other reasons…

New perspectives

Hiring someone inexperienced in the hospitality industry can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the business. Someone who has worked in the industry for many years might be set in their ways and less likely to suggest new approaches or solutions to problems. A fresh pair of eyes can bring creative problem-solving.

Loyalty

Hiring someone with little or no experience in the hospitality industry can result in a more loyal and dedicated employee. When someone can learn and grow within a company, they’re more likely to stay with it long-term. They are grateful for the opportunity and are often more committed to the business as a result. This can help reduce staff turnover and the costs of recruitment and training.

An open mind

Inexperienced employees are often more eager to learn and more receptive to feedback.

This can help them develop new skills quickly and effectively. A well-trained, eager employee can become an asset, and their lack of industry experience can be a benefit.

Diversity

Businesses can sometimes suffer from a lack of diversity in terms of age, race, and gender. Hiring employees from outside the industry can help to address this issue. A diverse workforce can improve creativity, problem-solving, customer service, and a more inclusive workplace culture.

Cost-saving

Experienced employees come with higher salaries and benefits, and they may not always be willing to take on entry-level roles that are necessary for new hires. Inexperienced employees might be more willing to take on entry-level roles, saving the business money in the long run. Investing in training for inexperienced employees can help develop them into skilled workers who can provide excellent customer service and contribute to the business’s success.