Checkr chats with Derek Williamson, President at HigherMe, on the hiring shortage in the restaurant industry and what employers can do to attract and retain talent. The conversation highlights the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce, with many workers leaving the industry for more stable jobs or gig work. To adapt, restaurants need to focus on employer branding, career tracks, coaching, and leadership opportunities. Technology plays a significant role in the hiring process, with chatbots and automation becoming increasingly popular. However, there is a shift towards making the hiring process less transactional and more conversational, where candidates are invited into the process and can opt-in. Restaurants need to define their brand positioning and employer brand to gain a competitive advantage and treat hiring as a business within the business. Ultimately, employers will build their own talent pools and candidate databases to streamline the hiring process and make it more efficient.