Overlapping Interviews

In the restaurant industry, interview no-shows are unfortunately all too common, disrupting scheduling for both recruiters and applicants. To combat this challenge, we've adopted a practice that may seem unconventional: allowing up to two applicants to book overlapping interviews for the same time slot.

The rationale is straightforward: industry statistics reveal a 50% show-up rate for interviews with Seasoned (better than industry averages). Allowing overlapping interviews increases the likelihood of a full schedule despite potential no-shows, maintaining hiring efficiency and reducing last-minute disruptions.

Some things you can do to mitigate the negative perception of this practice:

1. Warm Greeting: Begin with a friendly welcome, expressing gratitude for the candidate's interest.
2. Acknowledge Overlapping Interviews: Transparently inform candidates about the scheduling practice, emphasizing fairness and the necessity due to high no-show rates.
3. Check for Urgencies: If both candidates arrive, inquire if either has time constraints. Offer simultaneous interviews if feasible.
4. Comfort: Ensure waiting candidates are comfortable. Offer drinks or appetizers as a gesture of appreciation for their patience.

By implementing these measures, we maintain professionalism, prioritize candidate experience, and focus on identifying the best fit for our team