5 Ways Conversational AI Solutions Can Boost High-Volume Hiring Efficiency in QSRs

In 2023, a survey of Australian consumers highlighted a major pain point in the restaurant and café industry: the shortage of well-trained staff. Approximately 30 percent of respondents also voiced concerns about the quality of food, linking it directly to staffing issues. 

Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) are particularly hard-hit, grappling with outdated and inefficient hiring practices. The traditional methods—such as login credentials, extensive application forms, slow response times, complex scheduling systems, and even manual applications—are creating significant bottlenecks. These antiquated processes not only drain time and resources but also undermine the efficiency crucial to the fast-paced QSR environment. 

But there's a better way. Conversational AI is revolutionising the hiring landscape, making the process faster, simpler, and more candidate-friendly. Imagine being able to hire new staff through a simple text message conversation. Candidates can apply instantly via SMS/WhatsApp, complete applications in minutes, receive 24/7 responses, and schedule interviews automatically. This isn't a distant future; it's happening now, and it's transforming the way QSRs hire.

Paradox, a leader in conversational recruiting software, recognised the unique challenges faced by QSRs in their high-volume hiring needs. To address these challenges, Paradox developed 'The Roadmap to Simplifying High-Volume Hiring,' a comprehensive strategy designed to streamline the recruitment process using conversational AI. 

1. Attracting More Candidates by Recruiting How They Live

For QSRs, attracting a steady stream of candidates is crucial to maintain operations, especially during peak hours. However, traditional recruitment methods often fall short of meeting the expectations of today’s tech-savvy job seekers who crave convenience and immediacy. 

The majority of job seekers prefer to use their mobile devices for job applications with 60% of all applications completed on mobile devices. When a candidate sees a hiring sign while waiting for their meal, they can quickly pull out their phone, text to apply or scan a QR code, and complete the application in minutes without any hassle.

AI-powered conversational assistants are revolutionising recruitment. If a customer shows interest in a job, the assistant can engage them immediately, answer their questions, and guide them through the application process. This real-time interaction ensures that potential candidates receive instant responses and information, keeping them engaged and interested.

2. Generating More Applications by Turning Them into Conversations

Complex and lengthy application processes can be a major deterrent for potential candidates in the fast-paced QSR environment. Simplifying these processes can significantly increase the number of applications. Southern Rock, a franchise group that owns over 150 McAlister's Deli locations, used to spend $65,000 a month on Indeed, but received less than 1,000 applicants in return. With conversational AI, they're receiving 42,000 applicants a month, while only spending $6,000 — saving $840,000 annually.

Allowing candidates to apply via text message creates a quick and easy application experience. A customer can simply scan the QR codes on your job ads to start the application process via SMS/ WhatsApp immediately, fitting seamlessly into their busy lives.

A major frustration for job seekers — 52% of them! — is the lack of response from employers. Conversational assistants can eliminate this issue by providing instant responses around the clock. If a candidate applies late at night, they can still receive immediate feedback and the next steps, maintaining their interest and engagement.

Additionally, removing unnecessary steps such as logins, passwords, and lengthy forms can reduce drop-off rates. With a streamlined process, candidates can complete their applications without getting frustrated and abandoning them halfway.

3. Reducing No-Show Rates by Eliminating Inboxes and Voicemails

Interview no-shows can be a significant drain on resources for QSRs, leading to wasted time slots and delayed hiring.  Automating the scheduling and reminder processes can help mitigate this issue.

Candidates often apply to multiple jobs simultaneously, making speed a crucial factor. With a conversational AI assistant, as soon as an application is submitted and qualified, the assistant can suggest interview times based on the hiring manager’s availability, allowing candidates to self-service and schedule their interviews immediately. Mobile, automated scheduling can even improve interview show rates up to 90%!

Automated text reminders can also significantly reduce no-show rates by ensuring that candidates remember their interview appointments. A reminder sent the day before and an hour before the interview can make a huge difference in attendance.

In QSRs, rescheduling interviews can be a nightmare with traditional methods, involving multiple phone calls and voicemails. Automated systems handle rescheduling seamlessly, allowing candidates to select new times without the hassle of phone tag.

4. Decreasing Time to Hire by Automating (and Simplifying) Everything

Speed is crucial in the hiring process for QSRs, where high turnover rates and urgent staffing needs are common. James Harris Field, support manager of Group W (a Wendy’s franchisee), explained that most people aren’t going to wait for days to hear back from a restaurant: “They’re going to apply to multiple locations and start with whoever contacts them first. Speed is always the main ingredient to hire the best people.” 

Automation can significantly reduce the time required to hire new employees. On average it takes 24 days to hire a new employee traditionally, and most of that time is lost because of delayed responses that are easily solvable. Automated systems ensure that responses are immediate, keeping the process moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Once a decision is made, a conversational assistant can send out job offers instantly. Candidates can accept these offers with a single click, reducing the time it takes to secure new hires.

After the job offer is accepted, automating the distribution and completion of new hire materials can make onboarding faster and more efficient. New hires can complete the necessary forms and training materials on their mobile devices, starting their new roles quickly and smoothly.

5. Improving Employee Turnover by Focusing on People

By saving time through automation, managers in QSRs can spend more time engaging with their employees, leading to better retention and satisfaction. High turnover is a common pain point in the industry, often due to employees feeling undervalued or disconnected. Automation of routine tasks frees up managers to focus on building relationships, providing support, and creating a positive work environment, ultimately improving employee turnover rates.

Paradox shares that conversational assistants can save managers up to eight hours a week by handling routine tasks. This time can be reinvested in employee engagement activities, fostering a more connected and motivated workforce. Regular check-ins and feedback can be managed digitally, while more meaningful interactions can be conducted in person.

Embrace the Future of High-Volume Hiring with Paradox

For QSR owners and managers striving to simplify high-volume hiring, conversational AI assistants represent a revolutionary solution. With an average application time of just four minutes and 99.5% of candidates rating the conversational application experience positively, conversational AI is a win-win for both employers and applicants. Moreover, show rates for interviews scheduled through conversational assistants are impressively high at 75%, and the average time to hire is reduced to just 48 hours. 

Danielle Lendich, CEO of Wendy’s NZ, shared the impact of Paradox’s conversational AI software on their hiring practice: “I would say that having an online and AI-based recruitment system is the best thing you can do. This is probably one of the best investments that we've made because it's so simple to use. It's been easy to throw out. All our managers and our stores have been able to understand it and get on board with it. And the candidates love it.”

“The great thing about [conversational AI] is it’s simple,” says Brad Williams, VP of franchise restaurants at Checkers & Rally’s. With the commitment from Paradox and Checkers & Rally’s corporate teams, along with the intrinsic simplicity of the product, conversational software become a success among the Checkers & Rally’s franchise community. After three months, over 80% of all franchisees, equalling 90% of all Checkers & Rally’s locations, had adopted the software.

To learn more about how Paradox's conversational AI assistant can transform your recruitment strategy and help you meet your staffing needs with ease, visit Paradox website and discover the future of hiring today.