Interviewing Tips

An interview is a two way process and an opportunity for you to present your skills, knowledge and background to a potential employer. Making the right impression is key and will make the difference between a job offer or rejection. Here are some tips that will help you not only enjoy the interview but also hopefully ensure that you are offered the job.

Research & Preparation

Following your initial interview with us our client would have received a copy of your CV and any associated reports and recommendations in which we would have highlighted your knowledge, skills and experience matched against the recruitment competencies and criteria set by the employer in readiness for a first initial interview. It is at this stage that research and preparation is essential. A great way to research is to look at their website – What impression do you get? Does it indicate the calibre of the staff that might be employed? In the case of a Hotel how many rooms does it have? What type of conferences and function facilities do they provide? What awards have they won? What is the food offering? Are they part of a larger group – if so what other properties do they have and where are they located? Most importantly though is to ask yourself whether you feel you would enjoy working with this organisation and whether you see this as a benefit to enhance your skills and knowledge as part of your career progression?

Preparing for the interview and anticipating interview questions

Depending on the method used for interviewing the questions may well differ. Today more organisations are using competency based interviewing as part of the recruitment process which involves asking specific questions based on the specific competencies required for the actual role e.g. leadership, assertion, decision making, completion, team orientation, drive & energy, commercial awareness and adaptability. However traditional interviewing techniques are still used by many organisations and listed below are some typical example questions you could expect to be asked. In order to prepare for this read through the questions and practice your answers.

Tell me about yourself?

Normally asked at the beginning of an interview and one that provides a great opportunity for you to create a good impression. This is where the interviewer wants to find out in your own words information on your career to date, what you have achieved, enjoyed and learnt throughout your career. Keep to the point and try to limit this process to no more than 5 minutes. The interviewer may take notes at this stage and ask you questions to expand on any areas that are particularly relevant to the position you are being interviewed for.

Describe your strengths / skills?

Write down your key strengths together with examples and at the same time think about the job you have applied for and the specific strengths required for you to successful in that role.

What about any weaknesses?

Try to think of this phrase as both a learning opportunity and a way in which you will be able to demonstrate how you recognised potential weaknesses in the past and what you have done to resolve them. An example could be that in the past you realised that your method of communicating with others was not as effective and assertive as it could have been and how, once you realised this to be a potential problem, you took this on board and by reading or taking a training course you realised and understood the importance of clean, clear communication with colleagues and team members and even today this is something that you are very much aware of.

Why do you think you are the right person for the job?

This is where you get the opportunity to communicate your strengths and skills and match these against those that the role requires. By looking at your CV and the job description for the role you are applying for you can practise how you will answer this question.

What are your Career Goals?

By giving this some thought prior to the interview you can break down your goals into both short and long term ones. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you are keen to develop your skills and knowledge, progress further and be committed to succeeding.

What is it about this job that appeals to you?

This is the type of question that can only be answered clearly if you have done your research and preparation – Think about the job itself, what appeals to you, how you feel you could progress, what the company’s values and development plans are for the future and how this matches with your goals for the future.

What salary are you looking for?

People often struggle with this question and this can be avoided by research into current salary levels for the role you are applying for - taking into account location and benefits. Make sure you have an understanding of the salary range for this particular position and without giving a specific salary think in terms of a salary range that takes into account the geographical location and benefits package.

Think of questions you can ask yourself

In addition to preparing for any questions you may be asked prepare some questions that you too would like to ask at the interview – this not only demonstrates that you have researched the role but also will ensure that you will leave with a good understanding of the job, responsibilities and career prospects

And finally..…  

Appearance

First impressions count – in fact very often an impression is formed within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone new. Some hospitality businesses have a relaxed dress code culture and others do not – only by researching the organisation will you get a clearer idea of what would be most appropriate. Regardless always dress smartly ensuring you are well groomed with clean shoes and clothes and avoid too much aftershave or perfume!

Travel and Timing

Work out how to get to where the interview is being held and allow plenty of time in case you are delayed. Always make sure you have the correct contact details with you in case you are held up and if possible check how many people will be interviewing you and what their individual responsibilities are within the organisation.