THE SKYLARK BRIEF
People . Hospitality . Careers
RECRUITMENT INSIGHT . SEPTEMBER 2026
What good hospitality candidates are looking for right now
A few things we're hearing directly from hospitality professionals in the market
Finding hospitality candidates isn't necessarily the difficult part.
Finding the right person — someone experienced, motivated and genuinely interested in staying — is a different challenge.
At Skylark, we spend a lot of time speaking directly with hospitality professionals, including people who aren't actively applying for jobs but would consider the right opportunity.
And while every candidate is different, a few themes continue to come up in our conversations.
It's not always just about salary.
Compensation matters, of course. But strong candidates increasingly look at the complete opportunity: working pattern, leadership, culture, autonomy and where the role can take them next.
Clarity matters.
Good candidates want to understand what they are walking into. What is expected of them? Why is the position available? What does success look like? A clear and honest brief can make a significant difference to how someone views an opportunity.
There needs to be a reason to move.
Some of the strongest people we speak to are already employed. They aren't necessarily searching job boards every evening. To consider leaving a good position, the next opportunity needs to offer something genuinely worthwhile, whether that's progression, greater responsibility, a better environment or simply the right business and people.
FOR HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS
Thinking about your next move?
The same principle works both ways.
Before making your next move, think beyond the job title and salary. Ask what the opportunity will add to your career. Will you learn something new? Will you have greater responsibility? Is there genuine progression? And, importantly, is this a business and leadership team you actually want to work with?
You also don't need to wait until you're actively job hunting to start a conversation.
Some of the best career conversations happen well before someone decides to move. Knowing what you're looking for means that when the right opportunity does appear, the conversation can start for the right reasons.
Hiring — or thinking about your next move?
Whether you're building your team or considering the next step in your career, we'd be happy to hear from you.
Choose what best describes you below.