Ivar’s

Patrick Yearout

Patrick Yearout is the Director of Innovation, Recruitment, and Training at Ivar’s, a Seattle-based seafood restaurant group with roots dating back to 1938. With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, he leads efforts to attract top talent, strengthen employee training, and explore new technologies that enhance operations. At Ivar’s, Patrick wears multiple hats, guiding recruitment, overseeing learning programs, and bridging the gap between vendor systems and long-term business success.

Rethinking Job Histories to Embrace Workforce Agility

A big part of staying adaptable is changing how we view job history. For a long time, the gold standard was a long tenure at a single company, which employers took as a signal of loyalty, reliability, and stability. But that model was shaped by a very different economic and cultural landscape where companies frequently offered pension benefits and long-term job security, and where staying put was often the safest and most rewarding option.

“As much as possible, spend time in the field, ask questions, and observe how decisions get made because this type of insight will help you design programs and policies that are relevant and effective”

Today’s workforce, especially those just starting their careers, is navigating a very different reality. Traditional incentives for staying with one company have largely disappeared, and in their place, younger workers are seeking flexibility, growth opportunities, and meaningful work. Many are building careers by moving between roles and companies to expand their skills, try new things, and find environments that align with their personal and professional values. What used to be labeled “job hopping” is now often a sign of ambition, curiosity, and adaptability, and at Ivar’s, we’ve learned to see these candidates as assets. People who’ve worked in multiple environments tend to be quick learners, highly adaptable, and comfortable with change, which are qualities that are critical in the fast-paced world of hospitality, and they tend to bring diverse perspectives and a strong sense of what kind of culture helps them thrive. So rather than filtering out candidates based on short tenures, we look for patterns of growth and increasing responsibility, and we use behavioral interviewing to dig into what they’ve learned along the way.

Preparing for an AI-Driven, Skills-Based Recruitment Future

In addition to increasing workplace fluidity that I covered in my previous answer, I see two other major shifts on the horizon:

• AI-augmented recruitment: Tools like AI-based sourcing, resume screening, and even candidate engagement chatbots are only getting smarter, but the real shift will be in how recruiters blend this technology with human judgment. Companies will need to invest in training HR teams to use these tools ethically and transparently.

• Skills over resumes: I believe we’ll see more skills-based assessments and hiring for potential rather than pedigree as the emphasis moves from traditional degrees to verifiable, stackable skills. This change will mean that Human Resources professionals will need to rethink job descriptions, performance metrics, and onboarding processes.

Building a Career in HR Through Curiosity and Connection

One of the most important things you can bring to a career in Human Resources is a genuine sense of curiosity. HR touches almost every part of an organization, so the more you understand about how the business works, the more effective you will be. Those looking to excel in this role should consciously learn about different departments, processes, and challenges by connecting with teams outside of HR, especially operations. As much as possible, spend time in the field, ask questions, and observe how decisions get made because this type of insight will help you design programs and policies that are relevant and effective.

You should also invest in your development by learning from others in the profession. Joining a professional organization such as CHART, the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers, can be incredibly valuable as it provides access to industryspecific learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities that help you stay current on best practices and expand your skill set. I’ve been a member of the organization for 23 years now, and honestly, it’s the best professional decision I’ve made in my entire career.