Before the interview
- Be ready 30 minutes before your interview just in case.
- Remain professional, friendly, passionate, full of energy and enthusiastic.
- Don’t forget to smile: in the hospitality business it’s all about having a happy personality!
- Research the property and location you will be working at. This is the best way to show that you are very interested in the opportunity.
- Review your CV and try to think of examples that illustrate how your abilities and skills match the position’s requirements.
- Think of a reason why you would be a good fit for this particular position and for the hotel and why you would like to work with them.
- Make sure to be prepared to ask as many questions as you need to make sure you are comfortable with what you will be doing.
- Dress up for the real interview: Professional attire, neat hair (pulled out of your face), clean shaved, or neat trim if you have a beard. Please cover all visible tattoos and take out any non- traditional piercings.
- Good Skype Connection: Make sure you have a good internet connection.
- Room: Make sure that the room that you chose to have your interview in has enough light and that the wall or background behind you is not distracting. A white or plain wall is recommended.
Common questions asked by interviewers
Tell me about yourself.
- This should be answered in a maximum of 1-1’5 minutes. Just briefly speak about your personal background and your education, relevant work experience and skills.
What do you enjoy about your current job? Explain your current role and duties.
- Focus on things that are relevant to the position that you are applying for. Talk about your interaction with others in the department and your key responsibilities.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Think about three or four of your main strengths and try to focus on skills that are relevant to the new company and position you are applying to. Good examples are: being a good team player, being flexible, loving challenges, and having a positive attitude. Additionally, think about one or two weaknesses that will not interfere with the position you are applying for and try to think of a positive way to present them. Explain how you have overcome your weaknesses and think of a good example to back this up.
How have you handled an unhappy guest? / Have you ever come across a difficult situation at work and how did you handle it?
- Have at least two specific examples of times you had to stay calm, and be positive. Please try to think of an example where you went above and beyond to solve the issue. The interviewer wants to hear that you were able to take ownership of the situation and that you were empowered to make a decision.
Can you tell me about a time that you showed excellent customer service?
- Have at least two specific examples of times in past jobs where you have exceeded a guest’s expectations. Any time you went above and beyond that call of duty at work are the types of examples you want to give.
What do you know about our property/company?
- Mentioning facts such as their products or services, sales figures, news, customers, etc. Talk about how you’d be really proud to work there.
Why do you want this job? / What interests you about this company?
- Pick out the positive aspects of the job you are applying for. Do not mention things like money or shorter hours. Do not mention negative aspects of your current position however, you can include factors such as wanting a new challenge or more responsibility. Emphasize their image, experience and their growth strategy and explain that you want to be part of that. Talk about why working there will be great.
What can you bring to the role?
- Consider the job description. Try to think of practical examples from your past roles to illustrate your strengths and skills.
Why should I choose you?
- Highlight your skills. Explain why you will be such a good employee, how you work well with others as a part of a team, how you’re used to fast-paced environments, how you’re detail oriented, how your personality is suited to the position, how you’re very outgoing, optimistic, etc. Make this a reflection of the best parts of your personality. Give a general re-cap of what has been discussed during the interview, your skills and experience and emphasize how these skills are transferable to this position.
Do you have any questions for me?
- This is your opportunity to find out whether this really is the right job and the right company for you so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bear in mind that asking a few insightful questions will indicate to the interviewer that you are taking the interview seriously and may leave a positive impression on the interviewer. Always have at least two questions ready, ask about the job or the property. Do not ask about wages, how many hours, accommodations or interview results unless the interviewer brings it up first. Find some examples below:
- What skills and experiences would make a candidate ideal for this position?
- What do you enjoy most about working there?
- Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
- Will this internship provide me with the skills necessary to obtain a supervisory position at X property in my home country?
- How does the department fit into the company as a whole?
- What sort of trainings do you offer?
- What opportunities are there for promotion?
Other questions which may be asked by the Interviewer:
- Why did you study XX at school / college / university?
- Where do you see yourself in five years / ten years?
- How do you respond to working under pressure?
- What are you looking for in a company?
- How would you cope if you were asked to work late on short notice?
- What do you do in your spare time?
- How did you get along with your other colleagues?
- What motivates you?
DO NOT
Do not ask about salary or compensation.
- A property wants to know that your passion is based around the industry and the hotel, not about the money.
Do not interrupt the interviewer.
- Wait until he/she finishes his/her question before answering.
Do not say yes to questions if you did not understand them.
- Ask for them to be repeated but keep in mind they will most likely be repeated the same way so listen carefully.
Do not ask about housing or any other benefits.
- You will be coming and getting paid the same as any regular employee, which means you will most probably not get these types of benefits.
Do not keep quiet.
- The interviewer wants to know that you are a happy person that can communicate with people. If you give the impression that you are too shy and afraid to talk the interviewer might be concerned this might happen in front of the hotel guests as well. To find out about the best ways to handle your body language we recommend that you watch this Ted Video. Remember, there is no second chance at a first impression! Chef Training US wishes you good luck for your interview!