Top 10 Culinary Agents Alternatives and Competitors (Updated)

If you’re in the hospitality industry and you’ve ever had to post or find a job, you’ve likely heard of Culinary Agents. It’s a platform that connects job seekers with employers, especially in the restaurant industry. However, it’s not the only option out there.

Whether you’re an employer looking to post a job ad or an employee hoping to find an awesome job in hospitality, there are plenty of alternatives to Culinary Agents. In this article, we’ll explore 10 top options, discuss what they have to offer and list their pros and cons.

Culinary Agents Alternatives

Platform	Price To Post	Job Descriptions	Specialized for Hospitality	Extra Features
Culinary Agents	$150 per month plan	❌	✅	Marketplace for selling items
OysterLink	FREE	✅	✅	Paycheck calculator and career advice
Indeed	Pay-per-click boost	✅	❌	Company reviews
ZipRecruiter	Non-transparent plan	✅	❌	AI-driven sponsored reach
Poached Jobs	$59 for a job +$39 service fee	❌	✅	Map
LHH Recruitment Solutions (Hired)	Quote	❌	❌	Outplacement and leadership development
Glassdoor	Pay-per-click boost	✅	❌	Company reviews
Hcareers	$249 for a standard post	❌	✅	Career advice
Qwick	40% of the hourly wage	✅	✅	Help center
HireVue	$35k per year	❌	❌	Video interview
JobGet	Customized quote	❌	❌	Mobile app

What Is Culinary Agents?

Culinary Agents is a hospitality job board that focuses on the hospitality industry. They cater to both job seekers and employers. The most prominent Culinary Agents jobs are in larger cities like Los Angeles and New York City.

Although they cover lots of other places, you can find more Culinary Agents NYC jobs than you can for almost any other city. The downside of Culinary Agents is its cost. Although the Applicant Tracking System is free, you need to upgrade to their $150 per month plan to be able to post a job ad.

With that being said, here are some alternative job platforms.

Best Alternatives to Culinary Agents

OysterLink

OysterLink is a relatively new platform that’s made awesome strides in the restaurant and hospitality careers industries. OysterLink focuses on connecting job seekers within the industry to prominent and established hospitality employers.

For Employers

One major selling point is that it simplifies the hiring process for restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses. Unlike some more general platforms, OysterLink tailors its offerings specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry.

Another major benefit is that OysterLink offers several dozen job description templates that you can download as PDF or DOC and modify to suit your needs and requirements. All the major positions, such as Bartender, Waiter/Waitress, Chef and Hotel Manager, among others, are covered.

OysterLink Pricing

OysterLink is the only alternative on this list where you can post a job as a company for free. As you’ll see further down below, some others charge several hundred dollars to post a single job for 30 days, while you get that completely free of charge with OysterLink.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, a strong selling point are the job interview questions and answers for every position within the hospitality industry. Using them as a guide, you can easily prepare for a job interview and walk in prepared and confident that you’ll get the job. They also have free resumes you can use.

If you’re still not ready to apply for an interview, you can read about how to become a Baker or how to become a Bartender and see what it takes to start working in hospitality. For other careers, you can browse the career overview section and read more about the position you’re interested in.

Last but not least, they have an awesome paycheck calculator you can use to calculate your pay after federal, state and local taxes for each state in the U.S. If that’s not enough, they have an hourly to salary calculator that will take your per hour pay and convert it to a weekly, monthly and yearly wage.

Pros:

• Free to post a job
• Specialized for hospitality
• User-friendly interface
• Free job description templates
• Free salary calculator

Cons: 

• Smaller user base compared to larger job boards
• Relatively new player

Indeed

Indeed is one of the most well-known platforms in the world, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various industries, including hospitality. It’s the go-to platform for millions of job seekers and employers alike.

For Employers

Indeed is very popular with employers because of its large base of established users. Even though posting jobs is relatively simple, because of the massive amount of jobs that get posted every hour on Indeed, getting your job ad seen by the right applicants can be challenging. On the upside, the platform offers flexibility when it comes to budget, allowing you to set daily limits for sponsored posts.

Employers also have access to Indeed’s resume database (called Smart Sourcing), which allows them to actively search for candidates rather than wait for them to apply. This can speed up the recruitment process if you already know what skills and qualities you’re looking for in a candidate.

Indeed Pricing

Even though posting with Indeed is free, you’ll need to pay to boost your job ad’s visibility and attract more candidates. Indeed has a pay-per-click cost model, where you can set a daily budget and you’ll be charged every time someone clicks on your boosted post. The price per click can vary depending on lots of factors, such as the job title and location.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, Indeed is a good choice because of the sheer number of listings it has. The platform allows users to search using specific filters, such as job title and salary range. Indeed careers also have a “one-click apply” feature, simplifying the application process. Browsing through the jobs Indeed has and applying with one click is a big bonus.

That being said, finding Indeed jobs can be tricky because of how large the platform is. Employers get bombarded with hundreds of resumes from potential clients, so standing out can be particularly challenging. On top of that, the platform doesn’t specialize in hospitality or restaurant businesses, making it a good jack of all trades but a master of none.

Pros:

• Large database of job listings
• Wide range of filters for job seekers
• One-click apply feature

Cons:

• Pay-per-click sponsored posts cost money
• High competition due to the number of job seekers
• Doesn’t specialize in any particular industry

ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter is another Culinary Agents alternative, especially for those looking for a simple and effective job search experience. Known for its user-friendly interface, ZipRecruiter started as a small job-posting board for local businesses but has now grown quite a bit. While it’s not hospitality-specific, it still offers some good features.

For Employers

Depending on how you look at it, you’ll either love or hate ZipRecruiter careers’ AI-driven matching system that automatically suggests candidates to each job description. Although this can, in theory, save time by narrowing down the list of applicants to only the most relevant ones, it doesn’t always get it right.

For instance, AI can read a candidate’s background or experience from their resume, but it can’t accurately gauge what they did at that company nor what their responsibilities were. It also can’t replicate what a hiring manager can see (the X factor), which is much more valuable than a list of accomplishments on a piece of paper. On top of that, AI can sometimes get confused with incorrectly formatted resumes or ones it doesn’t recognize.

Ziprecruiter Pricing

Although you can post a job on ZipRecruiter for free, you’re limited by how many features you can use. You’ll have to upgrade your plan to their Premium or Pro plans to get the full benefits, and they don’t list the pricing model so you’ll have to contact them directly.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, ZipRecruiter jobs are all about simplicity. That being said, you will need to create a profile, which is a slight downside. Once you create a profile, you can apply for jobs in a few clicks. If you were wondering “is ZipRecruiter legit,” then the answer is a resounding yes, but it isn’t without its drawbacks.

ZipRecruiter’s biggest strength is that it offers a mobile app that allows job seekers to apply on the go, no matter where they are. For people who are constantly on the move and can only use their mobile, this is a major plus. That’s one of the main areas where it wins in the ZipRecruiter vs Indeed debate.

Pros:

• AI-powered matching system (can also be a con)
• Large base of employers
• Personalized job alerts for job seekers

Cons:

• Non-transparent pricing model
• Limited benefits with the free tier
• Not industry-specific, so it can be less focused

Poached Jobs

Poached Jobs is a niche job platform that focuses specifically on the restaurant and hospitality industry. Even though it’s a smaller company with less jobs and employers, it’s still a good option for aspiring Baristas or Receptionists.

For Employers

The good thing about Poached Jobs is that they guide you through the entire process of posting a job ad. That being said, you’ll still have to open an account and it’s more difficult to post a job than it is with OysterLink.

Another feature that sets Poached apart is its simplicity. The website itself is super simple with almost no clutter or unnecessary buttons and ads.

Poached Jobs Pricing

To post a job on Poached Jobs, you’ll need to pay $59. In addition, there’s an extra fee for employers. Poached Jobs takes a $39 fee per shift worked + hourly rate. So, if you posted a Shift (their way of saying a job ad) needing one worker for a total of two days, you would pay the employee for their hours worked, as well as $39 for each of the two Shifts. As you can see, it’s quite expensive.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, Poached Jobs is all about finding work in the hospitality industry. It focuses on positions within restaurants, bars and hotels. The platform is particularly strong in cities like Portland and Seattle, but it offers listings across the U.S.

Because Poached Jobs is dedicated to hospitality, the listings tend to be more targeted, helping you find exactly what you’re looking for more efficiently. Whether you’re seeking part-time gigs or full-time positions, Poached makes the search easier by only showing you relevant listings.

Pros:

• Focused on the restaurant industry
• Simple design
• Strong presence in cities like Portland and Seattle

Cons:

• Smaller job pool compared to larger platforms
• Limited to certain regions, with fewer listings in smaller cities
• Less well-known outside of specific hospitality hubs
• No extensive resources like resumes or interview tips
• Need to pay to post a job

LHH Recruitment Solutions (Hired)

As of June 2024, Hired.com is part of LHH Recruitment Solutions and is no longer using the Hired alias since the entire Hired website was absorbed and integrated into LHH. LHH is a professional recruitment platform that specializes in connecting employers with top talent across various industries, including hospitality. It’s known for offering more than just job postings, with career coaching and leadership development programs available to candidates.

For Employers

For employers, LHH Recruitment Solutions is ideal for finding high-caliber candidates, especially for specialized or managerial roles. The platform allows employers to post jobs, but its standout feature is the Hiring Hub that has pre-vetted candidates who meet specific qualifications.

LHH also offers customized recruitment solutions, where dedicated consultants help companies find the right fit for their roles. This makes it particularly useful for businesses looking to fill higher-level positions.

Hired Pricing

The cost to post a job on LHH Recruitment Solutions (formerly known as Hired) can vary depending on factors like job type, location and the specific services or packages you choose. 

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, LHH Recruitment Solutions has a hub where you can search open positions. The only downside is that most jobs are mid or senior-level and require several years of experience. On top of that, there aren’t many hospitality jobs available.

A big plus however is their career support center. They offer plenty of supporting articles and guidelines for beginners who are interested in learning. Through hard work, anyone can find a job they wouldn’t normally hear about.

Pros:

• Pre-vetted candidates for employers
• Career coaching for job seekers
• Customized recruitment services

Cons:

• Expensive outplacement programs
• Not focused on hospitality, so less targeted
• Less than ideal reviews on Reddit

Glassdoor

Glassdoor is perhaps the most unique platform on this list since it combines job listings with company reviews and interview experiences. This gives job seekers a comprehensive view of potential employers.

For Employers

Employers use Glassdoor reviews to manage their company and brand and attract candidates. By claiming a company profile, businesses can showcase their work environment, highlight employee perks and post job listings. Glassdoor’s reputation is built on transparency, allowing companies to engage with reviews and respond to feedback.

Are Glassdoor reviews anonymous?

Because reviews can be posted anonymously, employers need to actively monitor and manage their profiles. Negative reviews, whether they’re fair or not, can impact a company’s reputation and influence job seekers’ decisions.

Glassdoor Pricing

Since 2020 Glasdoor has teamed up with Indeed to offer job posts for businesses and companies. If you post a job on Glassdoor, you’ll also have it appear on Indeed, which is awesome. Unfortunately, even though you can post a job for free on Indeed, it immediately gets pushed down in the feed. The only way to boost your job is by setting a daily budget and using it to promote your ads.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, Glassdoor offers much more than just job listings. The platform’s employee reviews provide a clear look into what it’s like to work at a company, including what the environment is like and, in some cases, the interview process. The Glassdoor salaries transparency tool is another valuable feature, allowing job seekers to compare compensation across similar roles and industries.

Pros:

• Detailed employee reviews for job seekers
• Transparent salary information from users
• Employers can manage their brand and respond to feedback

Cons:

• Reviews can be anonymous, leading to unverified or biased information
• Negative reviews can harm a company’s reputation, even if not entirely accurate
• Smaller selection of job listings compared to larger boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter
• The focus is not exclusively on hospitality

Hcareers

Hcareers is a niche platform catering to the hospitality industry, offering job listings for both entry-level and executive positions. It’s particularly popular in cities like NYC, where the demand for hospitality talent is high.

For Employers

Hcareers offers a tailored solution for employers in the hospitality industry, allowing them to post jobs specifically aimed at candidates who have experience in the field. This platform is highly beneficial for employers looking to fill positions in restaurants, hotels and event management.

Hcareers Pricing

The downside is that it’s quite expensive since a 30-day job post will set you back $249 for a standard post, $489 for a management post and boosting an ad costs an extra $100.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, Hcareers is really simple to use and navigate. The job board lists all sort of available positions, from Server and Hostess to Manager and Maintenance Engineer. Hcareers also has a career advice section where you can find helpful tips and tricks related to landing a job in hospitality.

Pros:

• Focused on the hospitality industry
• Wide range of job listings

Cons:

• Smaller job pool compared to general job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor
• At $249 for a normal post, it’s expensive
• Limited presence in smaller cities and regions
• Fewer features for non-hospitality roles

Qwick

Qwick is a newer player in the industry that focuses on flexible gig work for hospitality professionals. Whether you’re a Server, Bartender or a Cook, you can find short-term opportunities through the platform.

For Employers

Qwick provides an efficient way to fill last-minute staffing gaps, whether it’s for a single shift or ongoing temporary needs. The platform is ideal for restaurants, bars and other businesses that are in immediate need of flexible workers.

Qwick Pricing

The real downside of Qwick is its cost. The platform will add 40% on top of the freelancer’s hourly pay and charge the employer as a fee. Although it’s good that there’s no initial fee, Qwick is quite expensive which is what puts off a lot of employers.

For Job Seekers

For job seekers, Qwick jobs offer flexibility and control over their schedules, making it a great option for those looking to pick up extra shifts without committing to full-time work. You can choose the shifts that fit your availability and experience, making it a popular choice for students, freelancers or anyone wanting part-time work.

The downside is that they do require you to have at least one year of recent and relevant experience in the food and beverage industry, as well as complete a Qwick virtual orientation tour. Plus, you’ll need to create a Stripe account, which limits your payout methods.

Pros:

• On-demand staffing for last-minute shifts
• Flexible work schedules for job seekers
• Good Qwick reviews online

Cons:

• Primarily focused on temporary and shift-based roles
• Expensive at 40% on top of the employee’s hourly fee
• Smaller reach in cities or regions with less active hospitality industries
• Limited to the hospitality industry
• Applicants need at least one year of experience to apply
• Employees must open a Stripe account

HireVue

HireVue is a platform that employers use to screen candidates, particularly through video interviews. While it’s not a job board in the traditional sense like other entries on this list, it’s becoming increasingly important in the hiring process which is part of why it’s as successful as it is.

For Employers

For employers, HireVue interviews offer an efficient way to screen candidates through recorded video interviews and skill assessments. They use AI to analyze candidates’ videos and recommend them to employers. This helps cut down on the time it takes to go through traditional interviews, allowing companies to review responses at their convenience.

Unfortunately AI isn’t bulletproof, so as much as it can cut down on costs and time, it can also miss out on excellent employees who would have been a perfect fit for the job but were rejected because of nervousness during the video interview or some simple mistakes the AI flags as incompatibility.

HireVue Pricing

Another downside is HireVue’s pricing. At $35k per year, their essential package offers limited benefits. To get most of the features you’ll have to upgrade to their Enterprise package, which starts at $75k per year, and the custom Premium package with all the benefits requires a custom quote. On top of that, there’s no free or trial plan and you have to get an annual subscription (no monthly or weekly plans).

For Job Seekers

The advantage of HireVue careers for job seekers is that it can be a convenient way to complete interviews in your own time if you’ve got a busy schedule. Instead of having to attend a live interview, you record responses to pre-set questions, which are then reviewed by hiring managers.

However, a lot of people report that the entire process seems a bit robotic and cold. The lack of human interaction may be challenging for you as well since you’re essentially speaking to a camera rather than a person. Preparing for HireVue interviews also requires lots of practice since the platform’s AI assesses both your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Pros:

• Can save time for employers by allowing video-based candidate screening
• AI assessments of video interviews (can also be a con)
• Allows candidates to complete interviews at their convenience

Cons:

• No human interaction during initial interviews, which may feel impersonal
• Quite expensive and you have to get an annual plan
• AI assessments may not fully capture a candidate’s personality or potential
• Some candidates may find the technology intimidating or difficult to use
• Mainly a screening tool, not a traditional job board with job listings
• Not a real job board, so job seekers can’t scroll through listings

JobGet

JobGet is another platform that’s growing in popularity, especially for those looking for hospitality jobs. It offers a simple app-based job search experience, allowing job seekers to connect with employers quickly. Reviews highlight its ease of use as the reason why it’s so popular among younger job seekers.

For Employers

For employers, JobGet provides a streamlined way to post jobs and get applicants quickly, without the need for traditional resumes or cover letters. The app emphasizes speed — employers can post a job in minutes and begin receiving applications almost immediately.

The pricing for JobGet is generally more affordable compared to larger job platforms, making it a good option for small businesses and startups. JobGet also provides employer branding options, where businesses can showcase their workplace culture to attract better-fit candidates

JobGet Pricing

JobGet has a unique pricing model, making it free for job seekers to find and apply for jobs through its app. However, for employers, JobGet’s pricing details aren’t as clear-cut. Costs vary based on features and company needs, but there is no fixed public pricing available on their website. Employers need to reach out directly for customized quotes, depending on their hiring goals and the scale of job postings they require.

For Job Seekers

Lots of JobGet career listings are why this platform is popular among job seekers. You can create a profile and start applying to jobs in just a few taps. The platform eliminates the need for long resumes or cover letters, focusing instead on quick connections between job seekers and employers.

JobGet also supports instant messaging between job seekers and employers, making the process more personal and efficient. With a focus on hourly-based and shift work, JobGet is great for people looking to enter industries like hospitality, retail and other customer service roles.

Pros:

• Quick and easy application process for job seekers
• Real-time chat feature for employers and candidates
• Good JobGet reviews online

Cons:

• Isn’t strictly focused on the hospitality industry
• Limited to industries with hourly-based jobs
• Smaller job pool compared to larger job boards like ZipRecruiter or Glassdoor
• Non-transparent pricing model that requires a custom quote
• Less suited for high-level or specialized roles

Best Way To Post a Job For Free

If you want to post a job and find the ideal candidate, you can do so with OysterLink using the button below. Additionally, you can view job description templates for the positions you have available.