Last week you probably remember my blog on 'How to get an Interview'... Hopefully my tips have worked for you and you have lots of wonderful interviews lined up!.. So this week we look at 'How to nail that interview'.......
Screen your phone calls
If I recieve a CV from a candidate I want to interview, I will always give them a quick call first. The telephone interview is designed to discover the basics. I ask people why they want to work for us, then check that their availability and salary expectations fit what we are offering and that they can get to work. As you can imagine, there is no point inviting someone in for an interview only to discover at the end that the salary we were offering is too low, or that they are not able to work what we are asking. The telephone interview is also your first impression. In hotels, first impressions count for a lot, and this is also true in the recruitment process. So, this is the only time I will ever advise people to screen your phone calls. If you do think it is a prospective employer calling, do not answer if you are a) Asleep b) Driving or c) Drunk, yes it has happened! They will always leave a message, which gives you enough time to compose yourself and call back bright and breezy.
Get the basics right
Again, you may think this sounds silly but it is so important. Be on time, if not early and dress smartly. Smile, make eye contact, have a good firm handshake and make conversation. In the walk between reception and the interview room, I often pause in the silence to see if the candidate makes conversation. If they can't, imagine how they are going to build a rapport with our guests!?
Do your research
I have one 'knock out' question when I interview people: 'What do you know about Elite hotels?; I am not testing your research skills, but your motivation. If people know something about the hotel, either through experience, word of mouth or looking at the website, it demonstrates that they care about the hotel and are motivated to work here. If they haven't bothered to do any research, then it shows they are indifferent to working here.
Ask Questions
Have some pre-prepared questions ready, and if you need to, write then down. I am always disappointed if at the end of the interview people don't have any questions. It shows you are interested and want to know everything there is to know about the job.
Thank them
Recently I called a candidate and invited her in for a second interview later that week. That same day, she had a cake and card delivered to reception for me to say thank you for giving her the opportunity. Now, you can't buy your way in to a job, however she made sure she stood out and was memorable and she was genuinely grateful for the opportunity. And yes, she did get offered the position. I am not saying you need to go that far, but always say thank you at the end of the interview, and even a nice thank you email message afterwards will go a long way.
So, follow my basic rules of thumb and I am sure you will be in the enviable position of cherry picking the right job for you..... Good luck
Sarah Hoyle - Personnel & Development Manager