Interview like a pro: How to tailor your answers & impress clients
To prepare mentally for an interview, how can you gather knowledge?
The best way to make the best impression during an interview is to show that you understand the company’s mission and vision and how the role you are interviewing for relates to these objectives.
When writing a proposal, we recommend focusing on key figures and the industry and company specifics. You should know, for example, how many rooms a hotel has when peak season is and how the hotel is ranked online.
It is important to understand what the company expects from candidates who apply for the position and then demonstrate your company knowledge by answering common interview questions. Be prepared to answer questions about your hospitality skills and experience during the interview.
Answer common interview questions and integrate what you’ve learned from your research to appear knowledgeable and well-qualified.
If you want to impress the committee, you should demonstrate your familiarity with the company and the position. Utilize your knowledge of the industry to brainstorm questions directly related to the position.
As an example, an internship candidate might ask about the cost-to-sales ratio.
If you know what your interviewers are, you can look them up online. This is easy with LinkedIn. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer about their career path (don’t connect with the interviewer!) It shows you care about others and sets you apart from other candidates who are only there to discuss the position.
If you are prepared with several thoughtful, in-depth questions that demonstrate your understanding of the position and go beyond information easily found online, you will be more impressed and have a greater chance of getting the job.
Physical preparation It's not just in your head!
To make a positive impression during a job interview, you must dress appropriately. Men need to be clean-shaven and wear well-pressed, clean business clothing. It is recommended that women wear light makeup and clean, well-pressed business attire.
Traditionally, men wear suits and ties in the hospitality industry while women wear skirts or pants suits. If the company has a more casual dress code, you can adapt your outfit accordingly. However, you only get one chance to make a good impression.
It is crucial to appear alert and well-rested. Take breakfast to boost your energy before an interview; don’t stay out late the night before.
Take precautions to keep the environment around you clean before you have a phone interview via Skype. Furniture, fluorescent lighting, or distracting wall art could distract the interviewer from your answers.
Recruiters' expectations
Knowing what recruiters look for in a strong candidate can help you position yourself well and avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your chances. In a hospitality internship position, recruiters want to see that you are business-minded and have a strong customer service attitude. Candidates should be willing to learn and have the basic skills and a genuine interest in the field.
Employers look for creative thinking, interest, skills, professionalism, and good mastery of technical requirements for an internship or a first job after graduation. You will impress the interview committee if you display these qualities and demonstrate how well you work with a team or on complicated projects.
Knowing expectations will bolster your confidence or point you to one specific area where you can demonstrate your willingness to learn rather than intimidate you.
Format and length
The short interview can mean either that the company is excited about you and thinks you are a great fit or that they do not believe there is a good match and are not seriously considering you. Extended interviews may mean that the interview went well or that you didn’t speak to your strengths and the recruiter was trying to find out more information that might change their mind. It can be not easy but don’t overthink interview length.
A typical interview format for hospitality jobs is a discussion where your interviewer will ask you questions and answer them. You may also be required to take a quiz, language test, or another written exam.
Keep calm and composed throughout the entire interview, and do your best to be ready for each possibility.
Behave: Look everyone in the eye, listen, and answer the question.
It’s always a good idea to bring your resume and cover letter along with you. If the committee needs to see any other documents, bring them along on a USB key.
Sit up straight with your hands on the table while you wait and during the interview. Avoid shifting or twitching your body since this will distract the interviewer. Nervousness can make it hard to smile, but don’t forget to be yourself.
Hospitality recruiters often meet several candidates at once. Make sure you are engaging and succinct when addressing the question. It’s okay to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you are unsure what you are being asked.
Last but not least, remember to ask a few questions when it’s your turn to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
What should you highlight during your job interview?
The recruiter will want to know why you are the best candidate for the job, so be prepared to explain in detail how your past experiences can help you succeed in the position.
Describe with specific examples that paint a picture. Consider extracurricular or school activities that helped you develop the skills needed for the job if your employment history is not very long.
In the absence of a specific skill, emphasize your open-mindedness and willingness to learn on the job. If you don’t have experience or quality, don’t make it up. Do not appear to think of yourself as the best even if you have a naturally confident personality.
What should you know before the end of a job interview?
What you should know at the end of the interview will help you ask all the right questions and set your expectations for what will happen next.
At the end of the interview, make sure you understand (if you don’t already know):
Pre-requisites and requirements of the position
Team structure/department structure Where the position is located
Culture/atmosphere of the workplace
Why is there a vacancy? Has someone left, or is it a new position? How soon will the committee decide, or what are the next steps in the hiring process?
Some things should wait until the second round of interviews. It would help if you waited until you received a follow-up interview before asking about company benefits, vacation/days off, or salary. A too-early request sends the wrong message to the committee.
Read More: How to create a proposal that wins jobs
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