When asked if I might like to write a blog about my work at the Grand, I jumped at the opportunity. My role is that of Personnel & Development Manager and much of my time is spent interviewing prospective staff for all sorts of positions. Without sounding like I know everything, I thought I would pen what I have learnt from my time choosing our staff. My first blog is the all important 'How to get that Interview'.... Hopefully you will find my suggestions useful.
Get the basics right
You may think this is an obvious one; however I am still surprised at how many people submit their CVs with spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and different font styles and sizes within the document. I have even received CVs with the candidate's name spelt incorrectly. It is always worth asking someone else to read over your CV for you to check for all the details.
If you are submitting your CV online, check that you are attaching the correct document. In the past few months, I have received a completed application form for a job with the council, a CV template that was blank, and some instructions for how to use a Hewlett Packard printer!
You may think I am being fussy, but attention to detail is everything in a five star hotel, and it starts with your application.
Stand Out
Recruiters see dozens if not hundreds of applications every day and almost every one of them tells them the the candidate can work as a team as well as independently and that they are organised. Recently, for one part time telephonist role I received 173 applications, so you need to stand out from the crowd. Also bear in mind that we read lots of CVs and will probably just skim read them to start, so make sure all the relevant information is there. CVs should be no longer than two pages long.
Many years ago, I was given the advice of tailoring your CV to each job you apply for and this is still true today. You may think that that sounds like a lot of work, but if you really want a job, you will make the effort, and this is what recruiters will look for. If your personal statement on you CV says that you are looking for a career in IT and you have applied for a job as a restaurant manager, you're not going to get very far.
Consider writing a covering letter to go with your CV - in fact, consider it essential. The majority of the candidates that I shortlist will have taken the time to write a covering letter. The cover letter is a way to introduce yourself and be able to go in to detail on areas not in your CV. Tell the recruiter why you want to work for them and don't just list your skills, but tell them how those skills will help their business.
Read the Job Advert
People often ask me how I can sniff out an insincere application. One way is to notice if people have taken the time to read the job advert and respond to what we are asking. The advert is actually the first line of job screening. It will highlight the key responsibilities of the role and also a person specification which lists the skills and attributes needed for the role. It is therefore really important that you read this and then ensure you have covered this in your application. I have recently been recruiting for a Night Porter and the advert stipulated that for insurance purposes the successful candidate would have a full, clean driving licence and asked to ensure that this was stipulated on the application. I still received applications from people who either could not drive or did not mention either way. This just wasted their time, and mine.
If the advert says you must have Level 3 Professional Cookery qualifications or equivalent - make sure you tell me that. IF the advert says you must be able to work well under pressure, tell me how you have done that previously. Pick key words and phrases out of the advert and ensure you refer to them in your application.
In the majority of cases, shortlisted candidates are those who not only match the person specification but who go out of their way to tell me how they match it. Rememer - attention to detail is everything.
Speak for yourself
I've put this one in as it happens more than you think. When recruiting, I look for charismatic, independent individuals who can speak for themselves and sell themselves, so please speak for yourself and don't involve your parents.
I once sent a regret email to a gentleman who did not reach the shortlist. My email was very nice and explained that although we were impressed with his skills and experience, we had received other applications that matched our person spec more closely. The next day the father came in and asked for me at Reception and asked me why I wouldn't give his son an interview and the proceeded to tell me all the reasons why I should hire his son.
The Grand prides itself on it's family values and our staff bounty scheme is testament to that. We would rather take personal recommendations from our existing colleagues and reward them for it, so it is nice to be referred by someone who knows you, however please stand on your own two feet.
If you are unsure if I got your application, don't get you Mum to call me - you call me. The chances are you will sound bright and bubbly on the phone and I will admire your proactive attitude that I will invite you in for an interview.
Make it easy for the recruiter
As I have said previously, recruiters have to read dozens of CVs every day, so it is inevitable that we have to be disciplined when it comes to matching the job specification and making sure people have covered the basics. Sometimes I will receive a really good application, so I call them only to discover that they live in Scotland and have no intention of relocating to Eastbourne.
If you are applying for a job and you live in London, but are moving to Eastbourne next month then tell me. Otherwise I will see that you live in London and assume you did not read the job advert properly. Likewise if you live a bit of a commute away, reassure me that you have a car and will be able to get to work.
If your CV has gaps, explain them. If you are looking for a different direction, explain why. If the job advert specifies that you must have a driving licence - confirm that you do. If you are handing your CV in speculatively, tell me what kind of job you are looking for.
So in summary...... If you can ensure a flawless CV of no more than two pages, can explain how you match the person specification in a stand out cover letter, explain why you want to work for us and have tailored your application to the job and can speak for yourself, I guarantee you will get a call.
Now all you need to do is put this into practise and get your diary ready for all those interviews....
Sarah Hoyle
Personnel & Development Manager, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne