Corvirtus’ New Hiring System Gives Entire Restaurant Industry Ability to Combat Turnover Growing Ranks of Limited-Service Operators Can Now Increase Retention by Hiring the Right Person the First Time

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 16, 2007 – Corvirtus, a leading HR consulting and research firm specializing in selecting job candidates who can deliver extraordinary customer experiences, has announced that in July they will begin to offer a complete hiring system designed specifically for quickservice, fast-casual, and commercial foodservice establishments. This new hiring solution completes the company’s line of comprehensive hiring solutions which have proven repeatedly to reduce turnover. Improved products and ambience have increased the lure of quick-service and fast-casual restaurants amongst higher-end consumers who are looking for a convenient and affordable alternative to cooking at home. The industry’s anticipated growth over the next decade, coupled with an impending workforce shortage, has already resulted in a scenario where operators have more jobs than people to fill them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures released in 2004, the restaurant industry anticipates a 15.8 percent rate of job growth, meaning that the industry will require an additional 1.9 million workers by the year 2016. This environment demands that operators hire the “qualified here to stay” candidates – those that will perform at higher levels and actually want to stay on the job – from the get-go. Quick-service restaurants have long been the leaders in using technology to improve customer service and boost efficiency. However, this segment of the industry has had narrow access to industry-specific hiring systems capable of identifying quality candidates while weeding out those who cannot live up to the required top-notch customer service expectations.

A key component of Corvirtus’ Limited-Service Hiring System provides the means for restaurants to take a step forward in ensuring great service: hiring those candidates who are specifically suited for the hospitality industry. The Virtus™ Drive for Service assessment used in the Limited-Service Hourly Hiring System,  identifies restaurant job-seekers’ willingness and likelihood to go the extra mile; demonstrate trustworthiness, cooperation, and conscientiousness; be good-natured; and comply with policies. This scale further identifies a great spirit in candidates and, in short, determines if job applicants possess the key traits of an individual who has a “drive for service.” Research on this assessment has shown that candidates who pass this test—over those who do not—are at least three times more likely to exhibit a desire to please others or show enthusiasm when responding to special requests by customers, among other benchmarks. A case study validating the success of this standardized hiring system for limited-service restaurants revealed increases in 46 of 48 performance items. The restaurants that used the hiring system out-performed all units combined, including the control group, on the customer’s Guest Experience Surveys.Tests offered through Corvirtus’ Management Limited-Service Hiring System are designed to identify specific attributes in management candidates including setting an example, showing a positive mindset, motivating others, and making effective and timely decisions.

Alongside the announcement of its new Limited-Service Hiring system, Corvirtus will simultaneously launch its innovative PFRonDemand.com online assessment delivery system. The website’s name is derived from the three traits Corvirtus uses to describe a quality candidate: Performance, Fit, and Retention. Targeting companies with limited hiring needs, PFRonDemand.com provides instant access to validated pre-employment tests to identify qualified candidates, reduce turnover and improve productivity. Featuring a unique “pay as you go” structure, PFRonDemand.com enables the growing number of smaller restaurant and hotel/lodging companies to access reliable pre-employment tests, minus any long-term agreement that has formerly made the use of such hiring tools unjustifiable. It is the first system of its kind designed with easy-to-understand results that do not require professional training to interpret, enabling the small business owner or operator to function as an efficient hiring manager.

Corvirtus, Latin for “core values,” is a human resources consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience helping enterprise leaders grow their business through values, vision, character, and an eye toward selecting the very best candidates for the job. Their PFR™ Hiring Systems are some of their top human resources products, which they provide – either “ready-to-go” or customized – to such chains as OSI Restaurant Partners (Outback Steakhouse brands), Darden Restaurants, Inc., Brinker International, Mimi’s Cafe, and Hard Rock Cafe, among many others.

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