“Decoding the Hospitality Industry: Top Traits to Look for in Candidates”

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In the world of hospitality, the success of your business hinges on the quality of your employees. Here at Reach Recruiting, we understand this better than anyone. We have the insider knowledge and expertise to decode the industry and identify the top traits that make for exceptional hospitality candidates.

Passion for Service In the hospitality industry, service is paramount. Candidates who genuinely enjoy helping others and go the extra mile to ensure guests have a great experience are invaluable. During the recruitment process, be on the lookout for candidates who display a passion for service. This trait often indicates they will thrive in a hospitality setting.

Strong Communication Skills Clear, effective communication is a cornerstone of good service. It’s important to identify candidates who can articulate themselves well and understand the needs of others. This includes listening skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, and the ability to handle difficult conversations with grace.

Adaptability The hospitality industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. As such, adaptability is a key trait for employees in this sector. Candidates must be able to handle a variety of situations and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. During the interview process, ask about times when they’ve had to adapt to unexpected changes or deal with high-pressure situations.

Team Orientation Hospitality is a team-oriented industry. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, or entertainment venue, every employee plays a crucial role in the guest experience. Candidates who show a strong inclination towards teamwork and a commitment to a common goal are often a good fit for hospitality roles.

Attention to Detail In the hospitality industry, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. From ensuring a room is immaculately clean to remembering a guest’s dining preferences, attention to detail is a key trait to look for in candidates.

At Reach Recruiting, we utilize a comprehensive recruitment process to identify these traits and more in potential candidates. Our extensive candidate database and innovative recruitment strategies ensure that we source top-tier talent for your hospitality business. We understand the unique challenges of recruiting in the hospitality industry and are committed to bridging the gap between talented individuals and the businesses that need them.

With a strong emphasis on personalized service and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, Reach Recruiting is your go-to resource for hospitality recruitment. Contact us today to find out how we can help you reach the top talent in the industry.

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Angela Scopelianos

Angela Scopelianos, founder of Reach Recruiting, is deeply rooted in hospitality, starting her journey at her family’s renowned restaurant in Kansas City. This sparked her passion for the industry, leading her to Cornell University to study Hospitality Management. Post-graduation, followed by a Culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Angela honed her skills with Hillstone Group, an organization recognized for its high standards and excellence.

Seeing a need for industry-savvy, personalized recruiting services, Angela established Reach Recruiting. Her approach is unique – understanding each client’s distinct needs, applying her extensive industry knowledge, and delivering top-tier talent with efficiency. Her guarantee? A 90-day replacement service if needed.

Angela’s commitment extends to her candidates as well, offering career coaching and preparation for interviews. With Reach Recruiting, Angela’s mission is not just to fill a position, but to find the perfect match that fosters growth and job satisfaction. Her mantra: “Your Success is Our Reach.”

Jacob Cole

Jacob, from Cleveland, Ohio, was raised by a single mother and developed a passion for cooking at a young age. He initially pursued law at The Ohio State University but rediscovered his love for hospitality while studying abroad at Greenwich University. On returning to the U.S., he left law, graduated early, and began his journey in restaurants, starting as a dishwasher at The Northstar Café.

Despite setbacks, Jacob’s determination led him to a culinary management role with Hillstone Restaurant Group, where he spent eight years sharpening his leadership skills across multiple U.S. markets. He later returned to Cleveland as Culinary Director for Ethos Hospitality, leading several successful openings before rejoining Northstar Café to help launch their first Cleveland location. Soon after, he partnered with Angela Scopelianos at America’s leading hospitality recruiting agency, where he continues to match top talent with thriving restaurant and hotel groups nationwide.

Jacob now lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Shanelle, who completed her fellowship at Stanford and is an attending physician at IU. The couple married in Tobago in 2025 and are planning to welcome a puppy into their family in 2026. Outside of recruiting, Jacob enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, fitness, live music, and building community through hospitality.