In our next post, we are going to discuss reasons you may not be getting hired. However, another point that falls into that category is not doing the proper research or using the research you do improperly. A wrong question here or there or bringing up the wrong points can be just as bad as not doing any research at all.
The Company Website
Checking out the company website is a great start, but it is far from the end of the line when researching a company. It is great for seeing the company mission statement as well as learning about your potential bosses but regurgitating the information on the website during the interview will have the opposite effect intended. This is just a starting point to help guide you through your interview strategy.
Social Profiles
Social media may be one of the most valuable tools available to job hunters today. Your interest here is in what guests are saying about the hotel. This will help you identify problems that need to be solved as well as helping you to understand what this hotel’s guests really enjoy about the hotel. For instance, if there is overwhelming support for a wine and cheese party for guests on Friday nights, you are not going to try to save food cost by recommending it ends.
Bringing up problems and possible solutions during the interview process also lets the potential employer know you have done your homework. You have taken the time to familiarize yourself with the problems and challenges the property is facing and already developing a game plan to address these issues.
After researching the property, do your homework on those you will be answering directly to. Today, most professionals have a profile on LinkedIn. Checking out their profile will give you some insight into what your bosses find interesting about the industry and may even give you some insight to their thought process if they are active on the page. Regardless, it will provide significant background information, likes, dislikes, etc. of your potential boss.
Visit the Property
There is nothing more valuable than actually experiencing the property. You don’t necessarily have to stay at the property before your interview, but it sure would not hurt. At the very least, campout in the lobby to see how the front desk operates, how banquet space is maintained as well as how they conduct meetings. Basically, check out anything that is relevant to your potential position without interfering in operations.
With so much information available today, candidates have a significant advantage compared to those interviewing even a decade ago. With some dedicated research, you can identify company challenges and walk through that door with a plan to help address them the very first day you begin working there.
Having problems finding the right opportunity in the hospitality industry? It might be time to reach out to a top hotel recruiter, like Joseph David International. Recognized as one of the top recruiters in the country, we have a record of success placing candidates in the ideal position where they can succeed. For more information about our recruiting services for candidates or to check out our current job openings, click here.
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