Description: Resourceful article that helps applicants and others interested in hospitality learn how to prepare for their first interviews. From in-person to online interviews, we’ll cover questions to ask, how to present yourself, and more.
From falling in love with your first hotel as a kid to garnering a people-first profession, the hospitality industry can lead to a happy and fulfilling career path. To embark on this professional journey, the first step to landing your dream job is nailing the interview.
Whether in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom or other video conferencing, interviews can be stressful and nerve-wracking. However, preparing for the interview and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
Here are our top seven interview tips to secure your hospitality dream job:
1) Be yourself
From guests to employees, hospitality is a people-first industry. During your interview, you should let your personality shine through. Throughout the interview, engage with the employers and answer questions authentically. Treat the interview as a test run to showcase how you would interact with guests and the broader team.
2) Learn a little about where you’ll work
Whether you are interviewing for a position at one venue or at a string of locations, it is important to know what to expect. Do some research on the history of the location and the company prior to the interview to see if the organization is a good fit. During the interview, you can highlight a few key findings to show that you care about the company.
3) Ask questions
An interview shouldn’t be a one-way conversation. Feel free to ask clarifying questions and demonstrate that you researched the organization. Ask questions such as the day-to-day responsibilities of the position, company culture, and other items that might not be covered by the interviewer.
4) Make an in-person impression even if on Zoom
Interviewing over the computer screen can be a bit more challenging than in-person meetings. It is important to make sure that you are set up for success if your interview will take place digitally. A good first step is to test your technology before the interview commences. Knowing how to look into the camera when answering questions, properly utilizing the mute button, and setting a professional background can also put your interview over the edge. For more tips about interviewing over Zoom, Indeed has put together a great list.
5) Dress for success
You do not get a second chance at a first impression. Dressing professionally will help communicate to the interviewer that you are taking the process seriously. Furthermore, if you can emulate how others in the position dress on a daily basis, your interviewer will be able to better visualize you in that position.
6) Arrive a few minutes early
Whether in person or virtually, your interview should start on time. To stand out as a serious candidate, you should arrive at the location or to the Zoom waiting room a few minutes early. Being punctual will also demonstrate to your potential employer that you are a reliable and dependable worker. Getting to the venue early gives you an opportunity to take in the scene and prepare questions you might have about the space.
7) Follow up afterwards
The end of the interview is not the final step of the process. You should always follow up with the person who interviewed you, thanking them for their time and expressing your enthusiasm about the opportunity. If you do not have it already, be sure to ask the interviewer for their email address. Following up also gives you one last chance to include anything you may have forgotten to mention during the interview.
It’s time to crush your interview
We hope that these tips will help you as you prepare to interview for a job in hospitality. This industry is all about the people within it. Just remember to be confident and let your personality shine through.
Good luck on your job search!
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