In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, where resumes are being replaced by LinkedIn profiles and hiring portals are being superseded by niche hiring apps, determining genuine ability from online profiles has become a challenge and an art form. There are certain traits in hospitality—personality, passion, experience, among other less tangible yet still very real qualities—that will matter just as much as skills on paper. So in hospitality, the first step to making the right hire is reading between the lines.

Whether you're a hotelier, restaurant owner, or recruiter in hospitality, learning to identify real talent in cyberspace is important. Platforms like Foodism Connect are re-engineering the hiring connection between culinary talent and employers in a more seamless and hospitality-oriented fashion.

Let's decode how to gauge true ability and prevent online deceptions with effective hiring practices.

The Importance of Digital Profiles for Hiring in Hospitality

In today's digital world, a digital profile is a resume. Digital profiles are inherently more dynamic, visual, and sophisticated than traditional CVs; a compelling digital profile can help assess the candidate's work ethic, personality, skill level, and cultural fit.

On Foodism Connect, for example, seekers can create a profile that includes all kinds of great information, including information on:

• Experience in kitchen or front-of-house positions
• Cuisines in which they possess expertise
• Videos or pictures of a plate-up or prep process
• Accolades or certifications
• Availability for interviews or trials

This will allow employers to assess the candidate beyond words, through an assemblage of visual and verifiable sources of personality-driven content that speaks to who the individual is.

1. Look Beyond Skills—Focus on Relevance and Passion 

Many digital profiles include generic hospitality skills like “multi-tasking,” “customer service,” or “fast learner.”  But true talent in the hospitality sector is determined by how their experiences relate to your unique requirements. 

For example: 

If you are looking to hire chefs for your modern bistro, a chef skilled in European plating with a social media presence has a better chance of producing your desired outcomes when compared to someone focused on large catered functions. If you're hiring for a boutique resort, target those candidates with profiles that speak to guest-centric values and creative experiences. 

Foodism Connect has filters for these niches - regionally-inspired cuisine, plating skills, dietary cooking skills, etc. - that will help the employer to identify their talent pool more intelligently.

1. Look for Consistency in Career Path

A solid career path is one of the clearest third-party signals. Is the career path of the chef or service professional a logical progression over the years? Is there tell-tale evidence of gradual growth in their career, or is it a haphazard series of roles that seem disconnected? 

Some things to look for:

• Inconsistent job changes and movement without a clear explanation for the movement. 
• Inconsistent gaps in employment without proper accounting.
• Time between roles that has a sudden title change, without evidence of any increase in responsibilities. 

As you see on platforms like LinkedIn or Foodism Connect, it encourages professionals to catalogue their job history with timeframes/dates. Where a recruiter can look at the different roles they held, see recommendations, or even make traditional pattern checks (i.e. seasonal, freelance consulting).

3. Look for Authentic Imagery and Content

The food and hospitality industry is all about visual storytelling. Images and videos can tell much more than a résumé when it comes to plating styles, service space and service presence.

An authentic profile should have:

• Actual shots of kitchen action or service film
• Behind-the-scenes stories
• Certifications with watermarks or institute tags
• Social media links that have similar food-related content

Be alert to stock images and edited content. Real talent will likely be keen on showing real work, regardless of whether from a small kitchen or a cool location.

Product attributes will often lend themselves to storied products. On Foodism Connect, verified profiles will often upload work portfolios, live cooking videos, or even 'day in the life' stories to create an authenticated profile that appears credible.

4. Engagement with the Industry

Engagement in the industry is another clear indicator of authenticity. Does the candidate follow chefs? Does the candidate comment on food trends? Does the candidate write about their progression through their hospitality journey?

It could be a sous chef writing about their experience using millet in cooking. It can also be a front office manager with tips for guest satisfaction. Industry engagement shows passion.

Use Foodism Connect to look at the public posts and stories of candidates. This allows recruiters to see how involved, influential, and engaged the candidates are with hospitality, and not just as a job, but as a lifestyle.

6. Clarity and Language in Profile Bio

You don’t need Shakespeare - but rather a clear, confident, and authentic voice. Look for:

• Clear description of the roles and responsibilities
• Evidence of industry-specific language (mise-en-place, à la carte, OTA integration, etc.)
• Personal touches that describe what drives them, their food philosophy or service goals

Indeed written digital profile bio demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and an understanding of one's place in hospitality. At Foodism Connect, candidates are encouraged to write detailed “About Me” sections that go beyond roles and responsibilities into career aspirations, signature dishes or guest experience.

Start Hiring Smarter with Foodism Connect

The hospitality industry depends on human interaction, and your team is your brand. In this new digital hiring landscape, learning how to effectively find authentic talent through digital profiles is your competitive advantage.

Whether you are a standalone cafe needing a flexible commis chef or a resort chain needing experienced housekeeping staff, Foodism Connect can provide industry-specific tools to help you search for and feel confident in the hiring process.

Sign up today on Foodism Connect and make your next hire your best hire!