“Bridging the Gap: Understanding and Overcoming Modern Hiring Challenges in Hospitality”

The hospitality industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, it’s poised for significant growth as the world emerges from the pandemic. On the other, it faces considerable hiring challenges, from a shrinking labor pool to changing employee expectations. At Reach Recruiting, we understand these challenges and offer effective solutions to bridge the gap.

Navigating a Shrinking Labor Pool The first hurdle is the shrinking labor pool. Many hospitality workers transitioned to other industries during the pandemic, leaving a noticeable labor shortage. To address this, we tap into our extensive network and leverage our industry knowledge to reach potential candidates. We go beyond the usual channels, actively reaching out to high-performing individuals, many of whom are already employed but may be open to new opportunities.

Aligning with Changing Employee Expectations Employee expectations have shifted. Today’s workforce values flexibility, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth. We take the time to understand these expectations and match candidates with companies that meet these needs. This alignment not only attracts top talent but also fosters long-term employee satisfaction and retention.

Overcoming Skills Mismatch Another common challenge is skills mismatch. As hospitality trends evolve, new roles emerge that require specific skills. Our team stays updated on industry trends and understands the nuances of these roles. We can identify candidates with the right skills or those who show potential and willingness to learn.

Addressing High Turnover Rates The hospitality industry is known for its high turnover rates. By focusing on cultural fit during the recruitment process, we can help you hire individuals who are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and fostering a stable, productive work environment.

Embracing Technology Finally, we embrace technology. From harnessing the power of social media to attract candidates to using advanced tools for screening and selection, we leverage technology to streamline the recruitment process and improve hiring outcomes.

At Reach Recruiting, we are dedicated to bridging the gap and helping you overcome the modern hiring challenges in the hospitality industry. Our personalized, proactive approach ensures that we find the right candidates who will thrive in your organization and contribute to your long-term success. Let us help you bridge the hiring gap today.

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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.