Meeting the hiring & training challenge

Cheers, June, 2008 by Donna Hood Crecca

* Validation Materials that speak to the demographic and learning styles of the company's young-minded employee set with Jeopardy-style quizzes, mix and match games and other interactive formats.

* Brand Collateral that establishes "internal branding," according to Knight. The edgy, music-themed Story Book and Word Book convey the story of Hard Rock and draw employees into the culture.

* Bartender Training includes a drink rolodex, beverage specs guide and a training DVD, all presented with Hard Rock's signature graphic style and attitude.

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* Rock 101, the mandatory training program for all managers, immerses them in the brand, service style and culture of Hard Rock.

Hard Rock now is moving toward e-learning with the introduction of Rock U, an online university that will enable employees to take classes from home or the corner coffee shop, according to Knight. Thirty classes are in development.