If you’re a contract worker seeking your next project, being prepared for your interview is vital, especially if it’s over the phone. Hotels are experiencing an unprecedented shortage of labor, and temporary hotel staffing positions are becoming a mainstay in the industry. Even amid short-staffing challenges, top-tier properties require talented contractors to meet customer expectations. When interviewing with a property for a potential assignment, preparation goes a long way. If you’d like to boost your chances of impressing during your conversation, as well as gleaning necessary information you need to make the right decision, peruse our tips for making a great impression over the phone:
Do Your Homework
Even as a seasoned professional in your field, it’s crucial to research the position you’re applying for, as well as the unique details about the property. When you work with Hospitality Taskforce, we’ll provide as many details as possible to help you put your best foot forward, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the hotel, as well. While it will vary by position, important information to be aware of may include the number of rooms, amount of meeting space, and an overview of the hotel brand you hope to work for.
Ask the Right Questions
You’ve probably heard that interviewers take note of candidates who ask thought-provoking questions, and we’ve found that this often holds true (plus, learning more information prepares you for life on the job). When your goal is to gain a clear picture of the job assignment, determine if it’s the best fit for you and the hotel and present yourself as the best candidate, we recommend thinking of a few questions that you’d genuinely like to know the answers to. In need of inspiration? Here are a few examples:
- What challenges are being faced by the hotel right now?
- What challenges might I expect in this role specifically?
- What type of person or personality traits would excel in this position?
- Will I be responsible for supervising anyone?
- Can you please describe what a typical day or week at this property looks like for someone in this role?
Depending upon the role you’re applying for, it may be beneficial to ask a few additional questions. If you’re applying for a sales and catering assignment, it’s helpful to determine how much (if any) soliciting, selling, and management you’ll be doing. During your phone interview, ask whether you’ll be seeking new business or fulfilling existing business. If the property is trying to find new business, be sure to find out which verticals or industries they hope to target.
For executive chef, sous chef, or banquet chef positions, learning more about the current challenges the kitchen is facing (and also what’s working well) will help you come prepared on day one. If possible, determine whether the kitchen simply needs someone in a supportive role or an outside expert to make changes. Similarly, if you’re applying for a general manager position, it’s important to identify whether you’ll need to interact with guests or take more of a behind-the-scenes role.
Be Mindful of the Circumstances
When you’re in the running for a short-term position, be mindful of interview strategies for the circumstances. Whether you’re stepping in for a leave of absence or to assist while the full-time position is filled, it’s wise to highlight your track record of adaptability and background with this type of role.
As the need for temporary hotel staffing grows, so does the need for highly qualified and motivated individuals. Although interviewing for short-term positions can be tricky, the interview considerations mentioned here may help you shine during your first interaction with the hiring manager. If you’re a leader in your area of expertise and would like to find your next assignment, our team at Hospitality Taskforce would love to hear from you. We place elite contractors with top-tier properties and are always interested in forging new connections with experts in the hospitality industry. Ready to learn more about what’s available? Please contact us.