Swipe Right for Your Dream Job: Exploring the Tinder for Employment. With Sam McNamara, founder of Get Ahead.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of recruitment in the hospitality industry. Our guest, Sam McNamara, founder of Get Ahead, describes his company as the "Tinder for employment" - a swipe app that connects job seekers and companies seamlessly.
Key Takeaways: The power in the recruitment process has shifted from employers to employees, making it more challenging for businesses to attract and retain staff. Get Ahead's swipe app allows employers to quickly match with potential candidates and conduct video interviews, saving time and improving the hiring process. Personality and attitude are becoming more important than experience in the hiring process, as businesses can train employees in the necessary skills. Referrals from existing staff can be a valuable source of new talent and can contribute to a positive company culture. Building a strong online presence through social media can help attract both customers and potential employees. The Changing Landscape of RecruitmentThe hospitality industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most notable shifts has been the transfer of power from employers to employees. As Sam points out, the job market has become more competitive, with a smaller pool of candidates available for hospitality positions. This has forced businesses to rethink their recruitment strategies and find new ways to attract and retain talent.
The Rise of Fast RecruitmentTraditional recruitment methods, such as posting job ads on platforms like Seek, have become less effective in the current job market. Employers are faced with challenges such as no-shows for interviews, high costs of advertising, and difficulty finding candidates with the right skills and personality fit. This is where Get Ahead comes in. The platform offers a fast and efficient hiring process, allowing employers to create a profile, swipe through potential candidates, and match with them for video interviews. By streamlining the recruitment process, Get Ahead aims to reduce hiring time and improve the quality of hires.
The Importance of Personality and Culture FitOne of the key insights from our conversation with Sam is the growing emphasis on personality and culture fit in the recruitment process. Employers are realising that skills can be taught, but personality traits and a positive attitude are essential for success in the hospitality industry. Sam highlights the importance of creating a transparent and engaging profile on Get Ahead, where employers can showcase their brand and culture. By sharing videos and photos, employers can give candidates a glimpse into their business and attract those who align with their values and vision.
The Power of Referrals and ReferencesReferrals and references play a crucial role in the recruitment process. Sam encourages employers to incentivise their existing staff to refer potential candidates. This not only helps in finding suitable candidates but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the workplace. On the other hand, traditional reference checks may not always provide an accurate picture of a candidate's abilities and work ethic. Sam suggests doing your own homework and reaching out to people in the industry who may have worked with the candidate in the past.
Building an Online Presence and BrandIn today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for attracting both customers and potential employees. Sam advises businesses to leverage social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share their brand story and engage with their target audience. By posting regular content that reflects the culture and values of the busine