7 tips for government agencies trying to recruit students, grads for early career hospitality jobs

In the competitive world of hospitality, attracting fresh talent is key to innovation and growth. We’ve gathered seven pieces of advice from top industry professionals, including a Chief Human Resources Officer and a Bookings Director, to guide large governmental agencies. From promoting career growth and development to leveraging a strong online recruitment presence, these insights offer a roadmap to government agencies who want to draw in college students, recent graduates, and others early in their careers.

• Promote Career Growth and Development
• Highlight Structured Work Schedules
• Showcase Travel and Cultural Experiences
• Emphasize Benefits and Work-Life Harmony
• Illustrate Impactful Service Opportunities
• Spotlight Creativity and Innovation
• Leverage a Strong Online Recruitment Presence

Promote Career Growth and Development

To attract college students and recent graduates for jobs in hospitality, a large governmental agency should emphasize career growth opportunities and provide a clear pathway for professional development. Highlighting the potential for rapid advancement, diverse roles, and skill-building experiences within the hospitality sector can make these positions more appealing to young job seekers.

For example, implementing internship and mentorship programs that offer hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry professionals can be highly effective. These programs not only provide valuable work experience but also help students and graduates build networks and gain insights into career trajectories within hospitality.

Additionally, promoting the stability and benefits associated with government employment, such as job security, comprehensive health benefits, and pension plans, can be a strong attractor. Tailoring recruitment campaigns to showcase success stories of young professionals who have advanced in their careers through governmental hospitality roles can further inspire and attract potential candidates.

Steven Mostyn, Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org

Highlight Structured Work Schedules

In the private sector, hospitality jobs often come with long, unpredictable hours that can significantly disrupt personal lives. Yes, it’s a fantastic industry to learn and grow in, but the constant nights and weekends on call can be exhausting. Government positions, on the other hand, typically offer structured schedules with set working hours, providing a much better work-life balance. This is a major advantage that you should highlight prominently when reaching out to potential candidates.

When young professionals understand that they can pursue a fulfilling career in hospitality without sacrificing their personal time and well-being, they will be much more inclined to consider government roles over private sector opportunities. This is especially important when speaking to a generation that just won’t put a price on work-life balance. They don’t care about being paid overtime, especially if it impacts their personal lives and health. Make this a central theme in your marketing materials, job listings, and even word-of-mouth campaigns.

Jess Rodley, Bookings Director, Andorra Escapes

Showcase Travel and Cultural Experiences

To attract college students and recent graduates for jobs in hospitality, I would advise a large governmental agency to emphasize the travel opportunities associated with these roles.

Highlight how positions in hospitality can offer the chance to work in diverse locations, including international postings or travel to various regions for conferences and events. This can appeal to young professionals who are eager to explore new places and cultures while building their careers.

Use promotional materials, social media campaigns, and recruitment events to showcase stories of employees who have had enriching travel experiences as part of their jobs. By presenting the role as not just a job but an adventure, the agency can attract candidates who are passionate about travel and new experiences.

Pierce Hogan, Owner, Varied Lands

Emphasize Benefits and Work-Life Harmony

In my opinion, a solid benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance can be quite appealing to freshmen. Outline your agency’s complete benefits package, which includes health insurance, retirement programs, and paid time off. Highlight any special benefits, such as student-debt repayment aid, flexible working hours, or remote job opportunities. Work-life balance is an important issue for many young professionals; therefore, emphasizing your agency’s commitment to it might distinguish you from other employers. Giving examples of how current employees strike this balance can help make the offer more tangible and compelling.

Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros

Illustrate Impactful Service Opportunities

Highlight the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences for others. Show how roles in your agency contribute to community building and customer satisfaction. Real-life examples of impactful service can resonate with young job seekers, appealing to their desire to do meaningful work.

Mary Sullivan, Owner, Company That Buys Houses

Spotlight Creativity and Innovation

One valuable piece of advice for a large governmental agency looking to attract college students and recent graduates to hospitality jobs is to highlight opportunities for creativity and innovation while in the role. Showcase how positions offer hands-on experience managing large-scale events or unique cultural programs promoting tourism and local heritage. Emphasize the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, such as digital guest services or sustainable practices in venue management. Offer tailored training programs that blend practical skills with leadership development, preparing candidates for diverse career paths within the agency or the broader hospitality industry. This approach not only attracts top talent but also positions the agency as a dynamic hub for career growth and impactful community engagement.

Mohammad Goodarzi, Co-Founder, Pixune Studios

Leverage a Strong Online Recruitment Presence

Having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting college students and recent graduates. This includes having an active and engaging social media presence, a well-designed and user-friendly website, and utilizing online job portals such as LinkedIn or Indeed. You can also consider creating specific social media accounts or pages dedicated to recruitment efforts for your agency. This will allow you to directly target the younger demographic and showcase the opportunities available within your agency.

Additionally, make sure that your agency’s website is up-to-date with relevant information about available positions, the application process, and employee benefits. A modern and visually appealing website can make a positive impression on potential candidates. By establishing a strong online presence, you can reach a larger pool of college students and recent graduates who are actively searching for job opportunities in the hospitality industry. This will also showcase your agency as an innovative and forward-thinking employer, making it more attractive to this demographic.

Baxter Fricks, Founder & CEO, Cardinal House Buyers