Compare value: expense versus time saved in restaurant staffing

The use of restaurant recruiters should begin and end with two simple questions. First, can you afford the cost to get the very best? And second, is it the best you're getting? Just because a candidate comes to you from a restaurant recruiter doesn't mean the candidate is the best fit for you. Restaurant recruiting firms find candidates the same way you would. They post ads on career websites, solicit resumes, and interview potential candidates. There's no secret search tool possessed by restaurant recruiters. They're attraction is that they do something you might not have the time to do.

I recommend: There are convincing arguments for and against using restaurant employment agencies. Great Managers recruiting offers a persuasive list of their usefulness. If you're conducting a national search for a chef, Chef's World offers quality service.

Find the right restaurant employment recruiting services

If you decide that paying up to 5-10% of a new manager's salary to restaurant employment recruiting services, then the next step is determining which recruiter is right for you. There are numerous national search firms that can pull candidates from across the country. For a more personal touch, each state has smaller, local restaurant staffing agencies who might be better at meeting your specific needs.

I recommend: Hospitality HR offers a state-by-state listing of local restaurant recruiters. And Gecko Hospitality is a well respected, national firm with a proven track record.

Keep other restaurant staffing options open

Once you sign on with a restaurant recruiter, keep your options open. Just because you have an agency conducting a search for an open position doesn't mean you can't look around on your own. If you can hire an equally qualified candidate without paying a commission, you're that much ahead of the game.

I recommend: Depending on where you live, posting job listing on Craigslist is either free or fairly inexpensive. It is the new "go-to" for job seekers young and old. Hotel Restaurant Jobs is a hospitality specific place to list your opportunities.