Mimosa at the Langham swaps CVs for trial shifts

The Langham London has recruited 35 staff for its upcoming restaurant, Mimosa, through an extended trial shift as opposed to a traditional CV and interview.

The hotel partnered with Westminster Works, which is funded by Westminster City Council, to host what is believed to be an industry-first recruitment initiative that was solely dependent on staff performance on the floor.

Eighty candidates took part in trial shifts spread across front and back of house at Westminster Kingsway College, while 80 stakeholders and partners of the project were invited to the dinner via Eventbrite.

The oversubscribed recruitment event was developed with Step Ahead, New West End Company, Knightsbridge Partnership and AttisTowns.

Management staff from Mimosa observed and interviewed candidates during their shifts. Those who were successful have already started training ahead of the launch of the French-Mediterranean restaurant later this month.

Célia Sesma, HR and administrative co-ordinator UK at Mimosa, said: "We were really happy about the response of the candidates and guests. It was great to get out of our comfort zone and we are keen to recruit on talent and attitude evidenced through trials – it really helps us to see the potential beyond a CV. We are very much looking forward to organising another event like this with StepAhead and the Westminster Works programme."

Jackie Bedford, chief executive at Step Ahead and head of recruitment at the Westminster Works initiative, added: "With the hospitality staffing crisis continuing to cost London businesses millions in lost revenue each year, it's essential that we look at new ways to approach recruitment and retention in this sector.

"One of these ways is to move away from the usual CV-based application process and to allow employers to see potential staff in action, how they interact with other team members and customers, and how they handle the role under pressure of a live restaurant setting.

"This' Recruitment Restaurant' is the first of its kind for the hospitality sector in London and I am so pleased that it has been such a success for Mimosa."

Westminster Works has helped over 220 hospitality businesses recruit new staff.

Mimosa is set to replace Roux at the Landau at the Langham London.