Mastering Customer Service: A Key to Success in Hospitality Careers

Exceptional customer service is not just a skill; it’s a cornerstone of success in hospitality careers.

In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of mastering the art of customer service and explore strategies that can elevate hospitality professionals to new heights in their careers.

  1. Understanding the Customer Experience: To master the art of customer service, hospitality professionals must first understand the customer experience. This involves empathizing with guests, anticipating their needs, and creating a seamless journey from the moment they enter an establishment to the time they leave. A positive customer experience fosters loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
  2. Effective Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is at the heart of outstanding customer service. Hospitality professionals need to hone their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, ensuring that guests feel valued and understood. Active listening, polite language, and the ability to convey information clearly contribute to a positive customer interaction.
  3. Cultivating Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy is a powerful tool in customer service. Hospitality professionals should strive to understand the emotions and needs of guests, adapting their approach accordingly. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in managing challenging situations and building strong connections with customers.
  4. Personalization and Anticipation: Going above and beyond involves personalizing the customer experience. Recognizing regular guests, remembering preferences, and anticipating needs can create a memorable and personalized service that sets a hospitality professional and their establishment apart from the competition.
  5. Problem Resolution with a Positive Spin: Challenges and issues are inevitable in the hospitality industry. Mastering customer service includes the ability to handle problems with grace and efficiency. Turning a negative situation into a positive one not only resolves issues but also showcases the commitment to customer satisfaction.
  6. Continuous Training and Skill Development: Customer service is not a static skill; it requires continuous learning and development. Hospitality professionals should invest in ongoing training to stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and evolving customer expectations. This commitment to improvement contributes to long-term success.
  7. Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Successful hospitality careers are often built within organizations that prioritize a customer-centric culture. Companies that instill the importance of exceptional service as part of their core values create an environment where employees naturally prioritize the customer experience.
  8. Soliciting and Utilizing Customer Feedback: Actively seeking feedback from customers provides valuable insights into areas for improvement. Hospitality professionals should encourage feedback and use it constructively to enhance the customer service experience continually.

Mastering the art of customer service is not just a skill; it’s a commitment to excellence that can propel hospitality professionals towards unparalleled success.

In a competitive industry where customer satisfaction is paramount, those who prioritize and perfect the art of customer service are not only meeting expectations but exceeding them, creating memorable experiences that resonate with guests for years to come.

How Women Can Advocate for Themselves in the Workplace

The hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities for career growth. However, like many other sectors, women in hospitality often face unique challenges when it comes to advocating for themselves in the workplace.

These practical strategies and empowering tips help women thrive and advance in their careers within the hospitality industry.

1. Build a Strong Professional Network:

Networking is a powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities and provide essential support.

Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with colleagues on platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network. Having strong champions for you throughout your career can open doors and new opportunities, and help you gain new skills to advance in your career.

They can also help you by reviewing your resume, preparing for interviews, or offering advice on how to appropriately handle various situations.

2. Develop and Showcase Your Skills:

In a competitive industry like hospitality, showcasing your skills is crucial for career advancement.

Take the initiative to continuously develop your skills through training, workshops, and online courses. If your work offers career development programs or employee resource groups, participate in them to show you’re interested in growing both professionally and personally.

Make sure to let your manager know what you are doing to grow as well, including any certifications you’re working on gaining, or what groups you are participating in. This will help you if/when you ask for a promotion, you can refer to all of the ways you are working to become a stronger asset for the company.

3. Clearly Define Your Goals:

Knowing what you want from your career is essential for effective self-advocacy. Take the time to clearly define your short-term and long-term goals and talk about them with your manager.

Create a plan for how you are going to reach those goals and when, and build in any feedback or support your team or manager needs to provide.

Have regular check-ins with your manager to track your progress.

4. Advocate for Equal Opportunities:

Promoting gender equality in the workplace is not only a moral imperative but also a key factor in fostering a supportive environment for women in hospitality.

If creating an equal and diverse work environment is something you’re passionate about, work with your HR or leadership teams to establish some employee advocacy programs, or even just employee events that highlight and educate others about creating and supporting equality.

6. Negotiate Effectively:

Negotiating can feel stressful, or downright terrifying, but it is so necessary to get what you’re worth.

A good motto to have is, the answer will always be “no” if you don’t ask! Even if the company denies your negotiation, there is a 99.99% chance that they won’t rescind your offer just for asking for a higher salary, and if they do, would you really want to work for them?

Don’t forget, you can also negotiate your paid time off and other benefits if they can’t offer a higher salary.

Women working in hospitality have the power to shape their own careers by actively advocating for themselves in the workplace.

By building a strong professional network, developing and showcasing their skills, defining clear goals, seeking mentorship, advocating for equal opportunities, negotiating effectively, and embracing continuous learning, women can overcome challenges and thrive in the dynamic and rewarding world of hospitality.

Empowering women in the workplace is not just an individual effort; it’s a collective journey towards creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.

7 Hospitality Jobs You Can Get With a High School Diploma

Embarking on a career in the hospitality industry doesn’t always require a college degree. Numerous entry-level positions provide valuable experience and opportunities for growth with just a high school diploma.

These are 7 hospitality job options that you can apply for with a high school diploma

1. Front Desk Agent:

Job Description: Front desk agents are the face of hotels, responsible for welcoming guests, managing reservations, and providing essential information.

Potential Career Path: Front Desk Agent ➔ Front Desk Supervisor ➔ Front Office Manager ➔ General Manager

Skills: Strong communication, customer service, problem-solving, organization, enjoy interacting with people.

2. Housekeeping Attendant:

Job Description: Housekeeping attendants ensure cleanliness and comfort for guests by maintaining hotel rooms and common areas.

Potential Career Path: Housekeeping Attendant ➔ Housekeeper ➔ Housekeeping Supervisor ➔ General Manager

Skills: Attention to detail, time management, the ability to follow cleaning protocols

3. Server:

Job Description: Servers take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure a positive dining experience for guests.

Potential Career Path: Server ➔ Restaurant Supervisor ➔ Restaurant General Manager

Skills: Customer Service, multitasking, time management, organization, basic math skills

4. Bellhop/Porter:

Job Description: Bellhops assist guests with luggage, provide information, and ensure a smooth check-in and check-out.

Potential Career Path: Bellhop ➔ Guest Services Coordinator ➔ Front Office Manager

Skills: Customer Service, ability to lift luggage, attention to detail, communication

4. Kitchen Steward/Dishwasher:

Job Description: Kitchen stewards and/or dishwashers help to maintain the kitchen cleanliness, wash dishes, and assist with basic food prep.

Potential Career Path: Kitchen Steward ➔ Assitant Kitchen Manager ➔ Kitchen Manager ➔ Director of Food and Beverage

Skills: Time management, teamwork, kitchen hygiene knowledge

5. Barista

Job Description: Baristas make and serve customer drinks while providing an excellent experience.

Potential Career Path: Barista ➔ Lead Barista ➔ Assistant Restaurant Manager ➔ Restaurant Manager

Skills: Excellent driving skills, customer service, event coordination, communication

5. Catering Assistant

Job Description: Catering assistants support event setups, serve guests, and assist with event coordination

Potential Career Path: Event Coordination ➔ Catering Manager ➔ Event Manager

Skills: Organization, time management, communication, problem-solving, adaptability

6. Concierge

Job Description: Concierges assist guests by providing information about the hotel, excursions, local restaurants, or attractions. They help curate a guest’s overall experience

Potential Career Path: Front Desk Agent ➔ Front Desk Supervisor ➔ Front Office Manager ➔ General Manager

Skills: Customer service, communication, knowledge of local attractions

7. Security Guard

Job Description: Security guard ensures the safety of guests and property, monitors surveillance, and responds to incidents.

Potential Career Path: Security Supervisor ➔ General Manager

Skills: Attention to detail, communication, security training

Crafting a Standout Hospitality Resume: Top 10 Questions Answered

Securing a job in the competitive hospitality industry requires more than just a winning smile and excellent customer service skills. A well-crafted resume is your ticket to standing out among the crowd of job seekers.

To help you navigate resume building, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 questions people often have when putting together a resume for hospitality positions, complete with answers and relevant examples.

1. How do I highlight my relevant skills and experience in the hospitality industry?

Tailor your resume to show your hospitality-specific skills, even if you haven’t worked in hospitality previously. Some hospitality skills to highlight (if they are relevant to you):

  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Communication

An example of this for someone applying for a front desk position who has previously worked as a cashier could be; “Delivered exceptional customer service by efficiently handling customer inquiries.”

2. Should I include a professional summary or objective statement?

Yes, include a brief professional summary highlighting your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it to 1 to 2 sentences. This should be attention-grabbing enough to make the hiring manager or recruiter want to keep reading your resume.

For example: Dedicated hospitality professional with over five years of experience in the food service industry. I increased sales 30% YoY by using upselling techniques with guests, and getting 100+ 5-star guest reviews that helped increase the overall rating of XYZ restaurant during my tenure.”

3. How can I demonstrate my ability to work in a fast-paced environment?

Use specific examples, such as “thrived in a high-pressure environment by efficiently managing reservations.” of “Ensured timely food and beverage service during peak hours.”

4. Is it essential to include education details?

Yes, mention your educational background, focusing on relevant degrees or certifications if possible. However, there are many opportunities in hospitality in which you don’t need a degree, but a specific amount of type of experience instead.

5. How do I show my adaptability and versatility?

Highlight experiences where you adapted to different roles or environments. For instance, “Successfully transitioned from front desk operations to event coordination, by taking on additional responsibilities to…”

6. Should I include specific achievements or awards?

Absolutely! Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance, “Was recognized for the “top sales associate” during February 2023 with $XXXXX in closed wins.”

You can also include an awards section before or after your education section that lists any recognitions you have received.

7. How can I emphasize my knowledge of guest satisfaction?

Mention instances where you went above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction, like “Implemented a personalized guest recognition program resulting in a 20% increase in positive online reviews.”

8. Is it necessary to include references on my resume?

No. You should never include references or the phrase “references available upon request” on your resume. If they want your references, they will ask you, and you will provide them in an email.

9. Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

The short answer is yes. However, that’s not always the most practical or quickest route. It’s best to create a resume based on the type of position you are applying for. If you are applying to front desk agent, cashier, and server positions, create a different resume that relates to each of those job titles and use them for the appropriate jobs.

This will ensure you have the right skills and experiences showcased, but you won’t need to create a new resume every time you’re applying for a job.

10. How can I make my resume visually appealing?

Use a clean, professional layout. Incorporate concise bullet points for easy readability, and choose a legible font. Keep your sections organized and obvious, and make sure the font is large enough to easily be read.

You can read all of our resume design do’s and don’ts here.

Crafting a compelling hospitality resume requires a strategic approach that showcases your unique skills and experiences. By addressing these top 10 questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a standout resume that opens doors to exciting opportunities in the dynamic world of hospitality.

Navigating Imposter Syndrome in the Hospitality Industry

Have you ever felt like you weren’t qualified for your job? Or questioned every action you were taking or every decision you were making at work? It happens to almost all of us, and it’s called Imposter Syndrome.

This can affect people at any stage of their careers, causing self-doubt and fear of people thinking you don’t know what you’re doing or talking about.

Since so many people have dealt with Imposter Syndrome at some point in their careers, it’s important to shed some light on it and offer some tips to help you manage and overcome it.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is not unique to any particular industry, but its impact on the hospitality sector is noteworthy. When you spend your day interacting with guests and team members – some of whom may not be in the best mood – and are subject to reviews from those guests, there are many moments where you end up questioning if you said and/or did the right thing.

According to a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, up to 70% of individuals experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives.

Tips to Manage Imposter Syndrome in Hospitality

  1. Normalize the Experience: Acknowledge that imposter syndrome is a common experience. Many successful professionals, including those in hospitality, grapple with similar feelings. Normalizing these emotions can be a crucial first step in overcoming them.
  2. Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Keep a record of your accomplishments to remind yourself of your capabilities during moments of self-doubt. This tangible evidence can be a powerful antidote to imposter feelings.
  3. Seek Support and Mentorship: Connect with mentors or colleagues who can provide guidance and support. Sharing your experiences with someone you trust can offer valuable perspectives and reassurance, making it easier to navigate challenging situations.
  4. Continuous Learning: Embrace a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities for learning and development. Attend workshops, webinars, or industry conferences to enhance your skills and knowledge. The more you invest in yourself, the more confident you become in your abilities.
  5. Positive Affirmations: Develop a habit of positive self-talk. Challenge negative thoughts by replacing them with affirmations that highlight your strengths and capabilities. Remind yourself of the unique value you bring to your role in the hospitality industry.
  6. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your career goals into manageable, achievable steps. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce the pressure and prevent feelings of overwhelm. Celebrate each milestone as you progress toward your larger objectives.

Imposter Syndrome is a shared experience among professionals in the hospitality industry, but it doesn’t have to define your journey.

By understanding its roots, normalizing the experience, and implementing practical strategies, you can mitigate the impact of imposter syndrome and focus on achieving your career goals.

Questions to Ask When You’re Starting a New Job

Accepting a new job is an exciting experience, but also can create some anxiety about what to expect, and how to onboard correctly. If you currently have a job, you likely have to give them a two-week notice before starting this new opportunity, which means two weeks of waiting. 

These are some important questions to ask the human resources person, or your new manager once you accept the offer to make sure you are prepared. 

Questions to Ask Before the First Day of Work

What documents and identifications do I need to bring for my first day? 

You’ll typically need your photo ID, and possibly your social security card (or at least to know your number). If you plan to set up a direct deposit for paychecks, have your bank information handy as well. 

Where should I park and enter? 

If there are designated employee parking spaces and entrances, you’ll want to know that in advance. This will ensure that if you also need a specific key card or code to enter, you’ll have it ready for a smooth entrance. 

For remote workers: How/when should I expect to receive my equipment, and what equipment will I get? 

For remote workers, your company may be shipping your equipment to you, or requiring you to go to the office on day one to collect everything. You’ll want to know what to expect to make sure everything arrives, and if you need any tracking information. 

If you have to go in to pick up your things, knowing this in advance can help you plan for a ride if you need one, or if you can take public transportation and carry all of your equipment easily. 

What is the onboarding schedule? 

Depending on what job you are starting, there may be specific training needed, or IT processes that you will need to sit in on. They may also have a schedule created for you to meet all of your team members/department. Knowing this information ahead of time will help you bring any materials (like notebooks, pens, computer equipment, etc…)

They may also be planning a team lunch or for your manager to take you to lunch on your first day, so you can skip packing a lunch. 

Questions to Ask During Your Onboarding 

What are my expected work hours? Do I have a specific time for lunch? 

You may be working in a position where your schedule will change week to week, but if you are salaried or have a set number of hours to work daily, it’s good to know the general hours other team members log on or clock in. 

You can also ask when people typically take a lunch, or how long they take their lunches to figure out your schedule. For our salaried people and especially remote workers, it’s easy to get in a groove and forget to take some time to eat, take a walk, or step away from your computer. 

What is the structure of my team/department? Who do I look to for specific questions or resources? 

You should already know who your manager is (but if not, make sure to clarify that) but it’s good to also know who else you can go to when you have questions. Clarify who on your team is in charge of what tasks, or where specific documents, pieces of training, tools, etc.. are housed for you to access. 

What each person’s preferred method of communication is

This one is especially important for corporate and remote workers. It’s best to find out whether they prefer email, Teams/Slack, a phone call, or for you to just stop by in person. This will help you get the information the quickest, and you’ll also know where to look in the future if you need to refer back to a document or answer. 

Where can I see my benefits, paid time off, important holidays, etc..

If your company works with payroll/HR software you need to know that and get set up in the system. If they don’t utilize software you’ll want to know where to look to find that information. 

If you have PTO, you’ll also want to know how you put in a PTO request, and who approves it for you. 

This is also a good time to review all of the benefits you were offered and if there is a waiting period before you can access certain benefits. 

Questions to ask your manager on day one*

*or two, since day one might be jam-packed with HR items

What are my essential daily responsibilities?

While your job description should have included this information, it’s good to review with your manager what they expect you to accomplish daily. You can also ask them to prioritize specific tasks, or if there are specific meetings you need to attend. 

What are the expectations for my first 30,60,90 days? 

Clarify their expectations for you and the role to set yourself up for success. This will also help you to create a to-do list for yourself so you are not sitting around and waiting for instructions, or twiddling your thumbs (which can make the day drag on). 

Depending on your role, there may be specific numerical targets you’re expected to hit as well, like sales goals, guest reviews, and KPIs. You’ll want to establish and agree on those with your manager so you can track your success. 

Keep in mind, that you are just joining the team/company, so you won’t be expected to have all of the answers. Ask as many questions as you need to so that you feel confident in yourself and your performance. 

A Guide to the STAR Method

What is the STAR Method? It’s a strategy for answering behavioral interview questions that allow you to share examples of how you successfully handled situations in the past and prove you have the experience and skills for the job at hand.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 

Behavioral interview questions usually start with phrases like:

  • “describe a ….”
  • “share an example of …”
  • “when have you ever…”
  • “tell me about a time when…”

This is an opportunity for you to paint a picture for the employer by telling them a specific story that answers their question. You’re engaging them on a deeper level where they can picture you doing the task and getting a good result.

Here’s How It Works:

  • SITUATION: Start by explaining what was happening.  Set the scene and why you were in this situation.
  • TASK: Describe your specific tasks, what you were responsible for and what the goal was.
  • ACTION: Talk about what you did to achieve the goal. Be specific with what you did. This is an important piece of the story.
  • RESULT: Share the result and what you learned. Go into some detail about how it impacted the company and the experience you gained.

Here’s an example:

Because the hospitality industry relies on employees and managers with strong social skills, the types of questions you’ll be asked will be geared toward revealing how you’d interact with guests and customers.

Question: Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult customer. 

SITUATION: I had guests arrive at the front desk to check in and for some reason, their reservation wasn’t in the system. They had been traveling all day and were tired, hungry, and frustrated. 

TASK:  It was late and I needed to find a suitable room so they could get settled in for the night. We were nearly full and the customer needed a room that could accommodate two adults, a toddler, and an infant, so they needed a crib as well.

ACTION: I was able to seat them in our 24-hour café and arranged for them to be served while I worked on the room accommodation. That kept them busy and gave them a place to rest, along with something to eat, instead of making them stand at the desk and wait with two tired children in tow. It took me about a half-hour to get their room ready and make them comfortable.

RESULT: They were happy with their room, it had everything they requested and they really appreciated getting the children fed and calmed down before heading up to their room. They felt they were taken care of in a warm and caring way in a frustrating situation.  They even mentioned me to the manager the next morning and told him how much they appreciated the service they received. It really made a difference to them and they gave us a great review on social media.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when using STAR:

  • Forcing a situation to fit: If you’ve been practicing your stories and have come up with some good examples, you may be tempted to use one of those and just hope it works, even if you’ve never encountered the particular situation you’re being asked to describe.  It’s better to just say you haven’t had that experience, but here’s what you’d do if you had.
  • Not being prepared at all: Of course, you can’t know what you’ll be asked ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the possibilities.  By carefully reviewing the job description and the skills that are required, you can make an educated guess about what to prepare. 
  • Not using the method at all: If the questions aren’t truly “behavioral,” you can still use the STAR method to give a concise and clear answer. If you’re asked “what are your strengths and weaknesses,” you can reframe it in your mind to be “Tell me a story that explains your strengths and weaknesses.”
  • Not turning a negative into a positive: When asked to describe when you made a mistake, be sure to end on a positive note and share what you learned from the experience. It’s OK that something went wrong, just be sure you use an example that ends in a positive result.

Common performance skills in hospitality include coping or conflict, teamwork, flexibility, and initiative. Take some time to brainstorm about your experience, times you worked on projects, in teams, or with customers, and write down how you dealt with those situations.  You may be surprised how many you’ll remember. You’ll be well on your way to gathering the examples you need to really shine in your next interview.

The Ultimate Guide To 6 Types Of Interviewers

Embarking on a career in the hospitality industry is an exciting journey, but it comes with the challenge of facing various interviewers who employ different styles and strategies.

Understanding the diverse types of interviewers and the questions they may ask can significantly enhance your preparedness and increase your chances of success.

These are the different kinds of interviewers you might encounter in the hospitality sector, the types of questions they are likely to pose, and valuable tips on how to leave a lasting impression.

The Traditionalist Interviewer

This type of interviewer adheres to conventional interview techniques. Expect questions related to:

  • Work experience
  • Education
  • General skills
  • Accomplishments

Tips to impress this interviewer include showcasing your professional background, emphasizing relevant skills, and expressing your commitment to excellence. Prepare examples of past successes and challenges you’ve overcome in your hospitality career, or related experiences if you’re just starting.

The Behavioral Interviewer

Behavioral interviewers focus on your past behavior to predict your future performance. Questions often begin with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…”

Be ready to share specific instances where you demonstrated key hospitality-related competencies such as:

  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Conflict
  • Feedback

Impress them by highlighting your ability to handle real-world situations effectively.

The Situational Interviewer

Similar to behavioral interviewers, situational interviewers present hypothetical scenarios to assess your problem-solving skills. They may ask questions like “How would you handle a difficult guest complaint?”

Prepare by researching common hospitality scenarios and crafting thoughtful responses that showcase your ability to think on your feet and provide excellent customer service.

The Technical Interviewer

In the hospitality industry, technical interviewers focus on your expertise in specific areas, such as knowledge of point-of-sales systems, familiarity with reservation platforms, or proficiency in handling specialized equipment.

Impress them by demonstrating your technical skills, highlighting relevant certifications, and expressing a willingness to stay updated on industry advancements.

The Panel Interview

Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers assessing your suitability for the role. Questions may cover a wide range of topics, and each interviewer might have a different focus.

To impress a panel, engage with each member, maintain eye contact, and tailor your responses to address the concerns of various stakeholders. Try to demonstrate your ability to collaborate with diverse teams.

The Cultural Fit Interview

This type of interviewer assesses whether you align with the company’s values and culture. Questions will revolve around your personal values, work ethic, and how you contribute to a positive work environment.

To make a strong impression, research the company culture beforehand, and emphasize your alignment with their values and your commitment to fostering a positive workplace.

Facing various interviewer types in the hospitality industry is inevitable, but preparation is the key to success.

Anticipate the questions each type may pose, tailor your responses to showcase your strengths, and always express enthusiasm for contributing to the success of the team and the overall guest experience.

By understanding the nuances of different interviewers, you’ll be well-equipped to leave a lasting impression and secure your dream hospitality job.

5 Job Skills Hospitality Employers Want to See

In order to stand out from the pack, prospective employees must highlight the skills that employers think of as most in demand. As a prospective employee, make sure you are doing your best to highlight what employers want to see on your resume and cover letter. Here is a list of the top five skills that employers want to see and tips for making sure these skills stand out on your application materials.

1. Building Connections

Success in hospitality jobs depends a great deal on a person’s ability to make positive connections with clients, guests, vendors, and other employees. After all, the industry is all about comfort and service.

To let employers know that you are great at making connections, use keywords like relationship building, vendor management, client management, guest relations, and collaboration in your job descriptions.

Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate how you were able to have positive communications by developing relationships that lasted.

2. Multitasking

At all levels, careers in hospitality require employees to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Employers want to know you can handle the fast-paced, varied workload. Be sure to highlight these skills with keywords like organizational skills, proven time management expertise, and phrases that highlight your ability to adapt quickly to guests’ needs and manage simultaneous projects.

3. Attention to Detail

As a prospective hospitality candidate, use your resume and cover letter to highlight specific instances where your attention to detail shone through. Phrases like: exceeding guests’ expectations and ability to focus on crucial guest details will highlight this ability for potential employers and show them you have gone the extra mile for previous employers—and are ready to do it again for them.

4. Technical and Language Skills

Computer skills and language skills are two areas of technical expertise that can help you stand out from the pack. Be sure to highlight any technical expertise on your resume.

Definitely take the opportunity to mention specific programs that you are particularly adept at or special training that you have received at past jobs. For languages, accurately represent your abilities and indicate whether your skill with the language is basic, conversational, or fluent.

5. Flexibility

Hospitality can require long hours, covering shifts, or helping in another department. Keywords like: adaptable, versatile, and resourceful will let employers know that you are enthusiastic about the unique opportunities that hospitality careers present and flexible in how you will respond to their company’s needs. It is also very important to provide key examples to demonstrate your flexibility.

How to Ace An Interview in 2024 | 10 Tips

Interviews can be nerve-wracking; especially behavioral interviews, where employers add a whole new level of questions to help determine not only your skill set, experience, and goals but to better understand your personality and how you handle situations. Still, the basics for being your best remain much the same.

So, here are our top 10 tips on how to ace that interview:

1. Do Your Homework

Before you ever set foot through the door, you should learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying with. Usually, the company’s website is a great place to gain that information, but don’t be afraid to ask for company brochures and literature. Asking questions about the company and wanting to learn more shows the employer that you’re not just interested in the position but in the company itself.

2. Be Prepared

  • Know the name of the person you’re interviewing and use it.
  • Take extra copies of your resume and a list of references.
  • In the days before the interview, sit down and write down questions you would like to ask.
  • Think through your experience and be ready to answer questions and offer in-depth information. Often the interviewer is not only looking for how you meet the skill set but assessing your behavioral patterns as well, so be prepared to provide detailed and specific responses.

3. Dress Appropriately

The interview dress code rule of thumb is this: Always dress slightly better than the corporate dress code and the position you’re applying.

So, if your job requires jeans and a t-shirt, interview in pressed trousers and a nice shirt. You want to look clean, pressed, well-groomed, and smartly dressed. This doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, but it does mean it needs to be clean and of decent quality. Pay attention to the shoes; a great suit loses its power if the shoes are worn and scuffed.

4. Be on Time

This doesn’t mean showing up for your 9 AM at 9 AM; it means, showing up at 8:45. If unsure of the location, scout it beforehand. If unsure of the traffic situation, leave extra early. If you end up arriving too soon, don’t wait in the lobby, wait in your car, or find a quiet place to sit and review your notes.

5. Keep a Happy Medium

Don’t ramble. Questions like, “Tell me about yourself” aren’t openings for you to talk about your childhood. Keep your responses on focus; discuss only that which is relevant to the job and company you’re applying for. At the same time, make sure you say enough. Be succinct, but don’t be too short with information. Talking too little is as bad as talking too much.

6. Stay True to the Message

Your message, in this instance, is “Here is what I have done and what I can do for you in a way that delivers a strong return on your investment in hiring me.” This doesn’t mean open season to talk about how you are the end-all and be-all to save the company from itself; no one likes a braggart. What it does mean is that you focus on your strengths, experience, and goals, and how they fit with the position and company.

7. Avoid Talking About Money or Benefits

These discussions are best left for after the job has been offered. Focusing too much on them gives the impression that money and perks are all that you’re interested in. Worse, by discussing salary at this phase, you just give the employer the ammunition they need to screen you out

8. Be Careful When Talking About Your Current/Previous Employer

While some may think that criticizing their past employers shows them as go-getters keen to move ahead; in truth, all it does is paint you as a malcontent. So stick to the old adage: “If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything at all.”

9. Smile and Stay Calm

Yes, you’re going to be nervous; you know it and they know it. It is how you handle being nervous that will count. Be aware of your body language; sit up straight and don’t fidget. Smile when you talk. Look confident, make eye contact, and speak clearly and succinctly. Don’t rush your words and don’t interrupt the interviewer.

10. Assume That for Everyone You Meet, It Is Interview Number 1

That means, don’t be rude to the receptionist, and when the interviewer says, “I’d like you to meet my boss” assume that the boss has never seen your credentials. Everything you say and do whilst in that environment is part of the interview; so stay on your toes and act the part.

Interviewing is a learned skill, but even those of us who’ve been through our share can still make mistakes. Whether new to the job-seeking world or a veteran; by taking these 10 tips to heart, you are well on your way to ensuring that the next interview you’re on, you’ll make a great impression.