While you may have lost hope and had given up on hearing back, you finally got that call. After days or even weeks of searching for a job, the recruiter called you back about the offer. Perhaps this is your first time on a job hunt in a long time, or this is the first time you’ve worked with a hotel recruiter. First of all, you shouldn’t be nervous—the recruiter is contacting you as part of a screening, and they only want to learn some basic background information on you. It’s crucial for them to appropriately screen candidates, so it’s equally crucial that you’re honest to ensure the recruiter can match you up with the ideal opportunity.
Are You Currently Working?
This isn’t a question that’s meant to trick you—it’s just an easy yes or no question. If you’re currently unemployed, freelancing, or anything at all, then you should inform the recruiter about those facts.
What’s Your Preferred Next Move?
It’s important that you’re honest about your next move and what it is you want. If you are looking for new opportunities but want that opportunity with a company that promotes from within, be very clear about this or you could be in the same position you are in now very soon. Point being, this is a time for 100 percent honesty.
What’s Your Reason for Leaving Your Current/Last Company?
Everyone knows many things can happen in a lifetime, and a screening is your time to tell your story using your own words. If you’re quitting your old job, make sure there’s a good reason for it. On the other hand, if you got fired, be accurate as to what happened. Not all firings are the fault of the employee… leave that up to the recruiter to decide and together you can work out a strategy to address this question if it comes up during a job interview. If your previous employer laid you off, there isn’t any shame in it. Most people don’t stay with the same employer forever—if this were the case, there’d be no reason for recruiters.
What’s Your Timeframe Looking Like?
Are you currently interviewing? When’s your final day with your current employer? Will you be going on vacation anytime soon? Can you start next week? A recruiter is ready to get the ball rolling soon, so if you’re not available immediately, the recruiter needs to know now. Keep in mind, most positions, even relocations, will not be willing to wait more than three or four weeks for someone to start once an offer has been extended. Point being, know for sure how long you will need to report to a new job before taking the first step in the process.
What Kind of Salary Do You Need/Want?
For this type of question, don’t compromise or get shy during the proceedings. Tell them what you want and need exactly. Again, a recruiter needs to know your true wants and needs in order to place you with the right job. They’ll probably even ask about your salary at your last job, but don’t be worried about answering. If you need more money, that’s no problem. However, be ready to explain the reasons why you deserve a greater salary because you will likely get asked the same questions in an interview, especially if you are expecting to make more with a lateral move.
Would You Be Willing to Travel?
Some jobs will require significant time on the road. While many of these jobs will pay more, you have to be comfortable working out of a suitcase for extended periods of time. There is, of course, also the family factor. If you are married, how is your spouse going to feel about you being on the road all the time? Get this straightened out so you don’t commit to something that will cause problems in the future.
Can You Relocate?
Oftentimes, if you’re a hotel executive earning a six-figure salary or greater, a willingness to relocate could open many doors. If you’re not, or you can’t relocate, that’s all right. Just be honest with the recruiter, and they’ll work to identify local options for you.
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Photo from Unsplash taken by Hassan Ouajbir