Research Finds Online Applications Significantly Increase Application Volume for Major Restaurant Chain

Application Volume Increases for FOH and BOH Positions


COLORADO SPRINGS, CO--(Marketwire - May 4, 2012) - Research just completed for a major restaurant chain shows that the use of online applications significantly increases applicant numbers for front-of-house and back-of-house positions.

Corvirtus, a provider of innovative, science-based measurement and services for a range of talent processes, conducted the research in partnership with a customer operating 66 restaurants in 17 states. Corvirtus will be participating in the upcoming NRA Show 2012, the premier event for the restaurant industry, held May 5-8 in Chicago (Booth 5859).

The analysis compared monthly application averages for 2010, when the company was using paper applications, with monthly averages for 2011, after the company had switched to using online applications. In 2011, applications for front-of-house positions were nine times higher than those received during the same period in 2010. Even more dramatic, applications for back-of-house positions in 2011 were 24 times higher than in 2010. The company received on average 71 applications a month for back-of-house positions in 2010; in 2011, the monthly average increased to 1,786.

"These increases refute the perception that hourly employees are not computer savvy. Many executives have expressed reluctance to move to online applications for fear of creating negative candidate experiences and compromising recruiting efforts," said Dr. Leanne Buehler, director of experience solutions for Corvirtus.

"Our previous research documents that the use of online applications brings significant business benefits, such as higher per-store revenues, reduced turnover, and improved customer satisfaction. This research proves that candidates -- from servers to dishwashers -- also see online applications in a positive light." Corvirtus research has also found that the preference for online applications, accessible via computers or smartphones, is the same for English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking applicants.

The Corvirtus study also analyzed the three primary sources of candidates for the restaurant -- walk-ins, employee/friend referrals, and customers -- and found that applications increased across all sources for both front-of-house and back-of-house positions.

Corvirtus has a strong heritage of success in the restaurant business. Current and past customers include Outback Steakhouse International, Smokey Bones, Abuelos, Pink Berry, Smashburger, Morrison Food Services, and Starbuck's Brazil. Because of the company's emphasis on business results, Corvirtus actively conducts research with customers to ensure achievement of business goals.

About Corvirtus

Corvirtus provides a range of innovative, science-based measurements and services that tie a company's culture and core values to talent processes. Corvirtus solutions have enabled hundreds of companies to strengthen and scale their corporate cultures and to identify, develop and retain those employees with the characteristics and capabilities essential for business success and customer satisfaction. Customers include companies of all sizes and in all industry verticals, including: Royal Caribbean International, UMB, Owens Illinois, Fiesta Mart, and Winn Dixie. For more information, visit www.corvirtus.com or email mmoulton@corvirtus.com.

Contact Information:

Contact:

Linda Galloway
Communications Strategy Group
303 863 8620