Finding the right hospitality staff in Dublin is more competitive than ever. With tourism booming, events returning at full force, and dining culture thriving, hospitality employers are under constant pressure to keep operations running smoothly. But in this rush to recruit, many businesses make hiring mistakes that cost time, money, and reputation.
This article explores the eight most common mistakes Dublin hospitality managers make when hiring staff and provides practical advice to avoid them. Whether you run a hotel, café, restaurant, or catering business, these insights will help you build a dependable and motivated team.
Why Hiring Mistakes Matter in Dublin’s Hospitality Scene
Dublin’s hospitality market is thriving but extremely competitive. Hotels, restaurants, and event venues compete for the same limited talent pool, especially during busy seasons. A single poor hiring decision can lead to service issues, customer complaints, and increased staff turnover.
Recent reports show that Ireland’s hospitality sector faces one of the highest staff turnover rates in Europe, driven by burnout, lack of training, and inconsistent management practices. This means that hiring right the first time is essential to long-term business success.
Mistake 1: Rushing Recruitment When Under Pressure
Many hospitality managers fall into the trap of hiring reactively instead of strategically. When a busy period hits or a key team member leaves, it’s tempting to fill the role quickly without proper vetting. Unfortunately, this often leads to poor hires who leave within weeks.
Instead, develop a proactive hiring strategy. Work with a reliable recruitment partner like Total Solutions to build a pipeline of pre-screened candidates who can step in when needed. Our Temporary Cover service ensures you always have access to experienced hospitality professionals ready to work at short notice, reducing downtime and stress.
Mistake 2: Writing Vague Job Descriptions
A common mistake is posting generic job ads that fail to outline clear expectations. Phrases like “must be flexible” or “team player” say little about the actual duties, hours, or environment.
When job descriptions lack detail, unsuitable candidates apply, wasting time on interviews that lead nowhere.
Clearly define:
Daily responsibilities and reporting structure
Shift patterns and required flexibility
Experience level and certifications (for example, food safety or barista training)
Clear communication from the start helps attract the right candidates and improves retention.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Cultural Fit and Soft Skills
In hospitality, attitude and reliability often matter as much as technical skill. Many managers focus only on experience, overlooking soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem solving.
For example, a candidate with limited bar experience but excellent customer service skills may outperform a seasoned bartender with poor people skills. During interviews, ask situational questions that reveal how candidates handle pressure or resolve conflicts.
At Total Solutions, we prioritise both technical ability and personality fit, ensuring every placement contributes positively to your workplace culture.
Mistake 4: Underestimating Wages and Shift Expectations
Competitive pay is key to retaining hospitality staff in Dublin. The city’s high cost of living means employees will quickly move for better pay or hours elsewhere.
When setting wages, research average rates for similar roles in your area. Offer fair compensation and communicate overtime, split shifts, or weekend work clearly during interviews. Providing meals, transport allowances, or flexible scheduling can also make your offer more attractive.
Remember that competitive pay equals lower turnover. The cost of constantly replacing staff often outweighs a small pay increase.
Mistake 5: Poor Onboarding and Lack of Training
Even the best new hire can struggle without proper onboarding. Many managers assume hospitality workers already know the ropes, but each business operates differently.
Take time to provide:
A structured induction explaining procedures and service standards
Training on safety, POS systems, and company policies
A clear introduction to supervisors and key team members
A strong start builds confidence and reduces early departures. When using Total Solutions Temporary Cover staff, you’ll benefit from fully trained professionals who integrate quickly and adapt easily to new environments.
Mistake 6: Failing to Plan for Seasonal Peaks
Hospitality in Dublin is highly seasonal, with major spikes during summer, Christmas, and event periods. Managers often struggle because they react too late to staff shortages.
The best approach is to forecast demand early and plan your recruitment three to six months ahead. Build relationships with trusted agencies who can provide flexible staff on demand.
At Total Solutions, our team supports employers through these peak periods, supplying reliable front- and back-of-house staff across Dublin and beyond.
Mistake 7: Neglecting Staff Retention and Recognition
Hiring doesn’t stop once a position is filled. Retention is where many managers fall short. High turnover disrupts service and lowers morale, but simple steps can make a big difference.
Show appreciation for consistent performance, offer clear progression paths, and listen to staff feedback. Encourage development opportunities such as leadership training or barista certification.
Long term loyalty builds a stronger, more motivated team that delivers better guest experiences.
Mistake 8: Overlooking Compliance and Employment Law
Ireland’s employment regulations are strict, especially in hospitality. Failing to comply with payroll, contracts, or working time regulations can lead to serious penalties.
Ensure every employee has:
Valid right-to-work documentation
Written contracts and job descriptions
Proper payroll processing and tax deductions
If compliance feels overwhelming, partnering with Total Solutions removes the burden. We handle HR, payroll, and employment law requirements so you can focus on managing your business.
Quick Takeaways
The Dublin hospitality market is competitive and fast moving.
Avoid rushed hiring by planning recruitment in advance.
Write clear job ads that attract qualified candidates.
Prioritise soft skills and cultural fit alongside experience.
Offer fair pay and flexible scheduling to improve retention.
Use trusted partners like Total Solutions for compliant, flexible staffing.
Conclusion
The success of any hospitality business depends on the people behind it. Avoiding these eight common hiring mistakes helps Dublin hospitality managers reduce turnover, improve service quality, and protect their business reputation.
At Total Solutions, we specialise in matching hotels, restaurants, and venues with reliable temporary and permanent hospitality staff across Ireland. From front-of-house to catering support, our consultants ensure every placement is compliant, skilled, and ready to perform.
If you’re ready to improve your recruitment process, visit our Employers page or speak to our hospitality division today.
Get in touch with our experts to inquire about your staffing needs.
FAQs
Can I hire staff quickly during busy seasons?
Yes, our Temporary Cover service allows you to fill roles within 24 to 48 hours.
How do you ensure candidates are qualified?
All candidates are pre-screened, reference checked, and fully compliant with Irish employment laws.
What roles can you supply in hospitality?
We recruit for chefs, wait staff, baristas, kitchen porters, receptionists, housekeeping teams and more.
Do you handle payroll for temporary staff?
Yes, we manage all payroll, tax, and HR compliance on your behalf.
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