Tips for Running Great Interviews in Hospitality
Conducting effective interviews is crucial in the hospitality industry, where customer service and interpersonal skills are key. The right interview process helps you find candidates with the necessary technical skills and ensures they have the right personality and attitude for a role centered on guest satisfaction. Here are some key strategies to conduct effective interviews for hospitality roles.
Conducting effective interviews is crucial in the hospitality industry, where customer service and interpersonal skills are key. The right interview process helps you find candidates with the necessary technical skills and ensures they have the right personality and attitude for a role centred on guest satisfaction. Here are some key strategies to conduct effective interviews for hospitality roles.
Do Your Homework
Before the interview, take a look at the candidate's CV and application to understand their background. Prepare a list of questions that will help you gauge their experience, skills, and suitability for the role. Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and the key skills required.
Make Them Feel Welcome
First impressions matter. Greet candidates warmly, offer them a drink, and ensure the interview space is comfortable. This helps put candidates at ease, allowing them to present themselves more authentically.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions encourage candidates to provide detailed answers, giving you better insights into their experiences and thought processes. Ask questions like, “Can you describe a time when you dealt with a difficult customer?” or “What do you think is the key to providing excellent customer service?”
Focus on Situational and Behavioural Questions
Situational and behavioural questions help you understand how candidates have handled real-life scenarios in the past. For instance, ask about specific cases where they went above and beyond for a guest or managed a crisis.
Figure Out If They’re a Good Fit
The hospitality industry relies heavily on teamwork and a positive work environment. It’s essential to gauge whether a candidate fits your company culture. Ask questions about their preferred working style, how they handle stress, and how they contribute to team dynamics.
Test Their Soft Skills
In hospitality, soft skills are just as important as technical skills. Pay attention to communication abilities, empathy, problem-solving skills, and attitude. Role-playing scenarios can be particularly effective in assessing these qualities.
Chat About Availability and Flexibility
Hospitality roles often require working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Make sure the candidate is aware of and comfortable with these requirements. Discuss their availability and any potential scheduling conflicts.
Tell Them What You Have to Offer
Top candidates often look for roles that offer growth and advancement opportunities. Discuss potential career paths within your company, training programmes, and opportunities for professional development.
See If They Can Handle the Heat
Depending on the role, practical assessments can be incredibly useful. For example, a culinary position might include a cooking test, while a front desk role could involve a mock check-in scenario. These assessments provide a clearer picture of a candidate’s practical abilities.
Get Some More Opinions
Involve multiple team members in the interview process to get diverse perspectives on the candidate. After the interview, discuss each team member’s impressions and any concerns they may have. This collaborative approach can help ensure a well-rounded evaluation.
Let Them Know What’s Next
Conclude the interview by outlining the next steps in the hiring process. Let the candidate know when they can expect to hear back from you and the subsequent steps. This transparency helps manage their expectations and keeps them engaged.
After the interviews, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Gather feedback from your team and consider how the process can be refined for future candidates. Continuous improvement is key to effective interviewing.
By following these strategies, you can conduct more effective interviews that help you identify the best candidates for your hospitality roles. Remember, the goal is not just to fill a position but to find someone who will thrive and contribute positively to your team.
At HELP Recruitment, we specialise in matching the right talent with the right opportunities in the hospitality industry. If you need assistance with your hiring process, don't hesitate to reach out to us.