Post Restaurant Jobs in Chicago

Discover the best strategies and tips that employers and recruiters can use to attract top talent for restaurant roles in Chicago.

The Chicago dining scene is as iconic as the deep-dish pizza that put it on the culinary map. With thousands of eateries ranging from high-end Michelin-star restaurants to local gems and bustling cafes, Chicago offers a thriving restaurant industry. But with this vibrancy comes competition – not just for diners but also for top-notch staff.

If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, you already know: Hiring is tough. High turnover, competition for skilled candidates and the need to build a strong, reliable team make the process overwhelming at times. So, how can you stand out when you need to post restaurant jobs in Chicago and hire the best?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through where, how and why you should post restaurant jobs, and offer insider tips to attract the right talent for your Chicago restaurant.

Why Hiring Right in Chicago Matters

Chicago isn’t just another city for food lovers. It’s a culinary hub. Whether you’re managing a small neighborhood diner or a busy downtown steakhouse, your team can make or break your reputation.

• High competition: With over 8,000 restaurants in the Chicago area, competition for skilled Cooks, Servers, Bartenders and Restaurant Managers is fierce. The labor market is crowded, and candidates have choices.
• Guest experience is key: A great team creates exceptional guest experiences, leading to repeat customers and glowing reviews. Every smiling Server or efficient Line Cook contributes to your restaurant’s success.
• Reduce turnover: Staff turnover in the restaurant industry averages around 75% annually, a costly issue for Chicago operators already facing financial challenges like rising wages, higher interest rates and increased operational costs. Hiring the right people from the start can significantly reduce turnover, saving time, energy and money while improving long-term financial stability.

[Source: TouchBistro]

If you’re going to win at hiring, you need an effective plan. That starts with understanding the right tools, strategies and platforms to post restaurant jobs in Chicago.

Where To Post Restaurant Jobs in Chicago

Picking the right platform is the key to attracting strong candidates. Not every job board or platform delivers the same results, especially for hospitality positions. Here’s where you should focus your efforts:

OysterLink

If you haven’t heard of OysterLink yet, it’s time to add this platform to your hiring toolkit. It specializes in restaurant and hospitality careers, connecting employers with highly motivated candidates.

Why OysterLink?

• Unlike generic job boards, OysterLink is built for hospitality, meaning you get targeted applicants who understand the industry.
• It also offers paycheck calculators, interview guides and more to help streamline your hiring process.
• OysterLink is free to use from now until the start of spring 2025.

Indeed

Indeed is one of the most popular job sites in the world, and many restaurant employers use it to post openings.

Pros of using Indeed:

• A massive pool of job seekers actively looking for opportunities.
• Free job postings are available, although paid boosts can improve visibility.
• Filters allow you to narrow down candidates based on experience, location, and availability.

Keep in mind that Indeed is a general job board, so you may receive applications from unqualified candidates who aren’t serious about hospitality roles.

Culinary Agents

If you’re hiring for more specialized positions like Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, or Sommeliers, Culinary Agents is a fantastic choice.

What makes Culinary Agents unique?

• Specifically designed for the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.
• Attracts experienced professionals who are serious about their careers.
• Flexible pricing starts at $49 per job post.

Poached Jobs

Poached Jobs focuses on restaurant and hospitality roles, helping employers fill positions quickly.

Why Poached Jobs works for restaurants:

• Industry-focused platform with a strong presence in major cities, including Chicago.
• A simple, efficient interface for both employers and job seekers.
• Each job post costs around $25, making it affordable for small and medium-sized restaurants.

Local Platforms and Chicago Job Boards

Don’t underestimate the power of local job sites. Platforms like Chicago Tribune Jobs and community-focused boards often attract candidates who want to work close to home.

Where to look locally:

• Chicago Public Library job boards.
• Hospitality-specific networks in neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and West Loop.
• Local Facebook groups for job seekers in the restaurant industry.

How To Write a Perfect Restaurant Job Posting

Even the best job board won’t deliver great results if your job posting is unclear, uninspiring or missing key information.

Start With a Clear Job Title

Keep it simple and professional. Use titles like “Line Cook,” “Sous Chef” or “Restaurant Manager.”

Write a Compelling Job Description

Think of your job post as an advertisement for your restaurant. It’s not just about what you want – it’s about why candidates should choose you.

Include the following:

• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your restaurant and highlight what makes it special.
• Responsibilities: Outline primary daily tasks so candidates understand the role.
• Requirements: Be specific about experience, skills, or certifications. (e.g., “2+ years experience as a Line Cook in a fast-paced kitchen.”)
• Benefits: Share the perks! Competitive pay, flexible schedules, free meals and/or opportunities for growth will attract strong candidates.
• Work culture: Do you have a family-like team? A commitment to sustainability? A fun, fast-paced environment? Let candidates know what to expect.

Use Keywords Thoughtfully

Candidates often search for terms like “restaurant jobs in Chicago” or “server jobs near me.” Naturally incorporate these keywords into your job title and description to improve visibility.

In fact, over 70% of job seekers start their search on Google, so optimizing your postings with relevant keywords ensures they reach the right audience.

Tips for Attracting Top Talent in Chicago

Beyond where and how you post jobs, there are additional strategies to make your restaurant stand out:

Offer Competitive Pay	Chicago has a competitive labor market. Research what similar restaurants are paying and aim to match or exceed those rates. Tools like OysterLink’s Paycheck Calculator can help you gauge fair wages.
Highlight Career Growth Opportunities	Top candidates want more than just a job – they want a career. If you offer training programs, mentorship, or opportunities for advancement, make that clear in your job post.
Share Your Restaurant’s Story	People want to work somewhere they feel connected to. What’s the story behind your restaurant? Whether it’s a family-owned business or a new concept with big ambitions, sharing your story makes your restaurant relatable and appealing.
Promote Employee Perks	Small perks can make a big difference. Consider offering things like staff meals, employee discounts, flexible scheduling for work-life balance, health insurance or gym memberships.

Leverage Social Media To Recruit

Social media is transforming the way restaurants approach hiring. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to showcase your restaurant’s culture and directly engage with potential candidates.

How To Use Social Media for Hiring

• Post photos or videos of your team having fun at work. Show off your positive work environment.
• Announce job openings with eye-catching visuals and easy instructions to apply.
• Encourage current employees to share job posts with their networks.

Collaborate With Culinary Schools and Programs

Chicago is home to several top-notch culinary schools, including The Kendall College of Culinary Arts and the Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute. Partnering with these programs can help you connect with eager, qualified candidates looking for hands-on experience.

Below are some tips for connecting with such institutions.

• Attend career fairs to meet students face-to-face.
• Offer internship programs for culinary students.
• Build relationships with instructors who can recommend standout students.

Streamline the Interview Process

A smooth, efficient interview process makes a great impression on candidates and ensures you don’t miss out on top talent.

Here are steps to improve your interview process:

• Schedule interviews promptly – candidates in hospitality often get multiple offers.
• Ask practical, role-specific questions. For example, ask Line Cooks about knife skills or experience handling high-volume kitchens.
• Allow a short trial shift for certain roles (paid, of course) to assess skills and cultural fit.

Ready To Post Restaurant Jobs in Chicago?

Hiring in Chicago’s bustling restaurant industry can be challenging, but with the right approach, you’ll build a team that sets your restaurant apart. Focus on using industry-specific platforms, write clear and enticing job posts and showcase what makes your restaurant special.

Remember, hiring the right people is an investment in your restaurant’s future. By standing out and being strategic, you’ll attract the kind of team that turns first-time guests into lifelong regulars.