“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin
As hospitality recruiters, we have seen first-hand the importance of preparing for an interview. Not only does it show a potential employer that candidates are excited about the opportunity, but it gives candidates the confidence they need to let their skills and experience shine. While each candidate’s interview preparation may look a little different, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Memorizing Interview Questions
- Getting Caught Up in Research
- Forgetting to Review Your Experience
- Not Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
- Taking Logistics for Granted
Memorizing Interview Questions
An often-misguided approach to interview preparation is to simply memorize answers to specific interview questions. While this is a great jumping-off point, it can easily lead to the pitfall of coming across as stiff and unrelatable in interviews. Remember that an interview is a conversation, so use natural language and avoid trying to incorporate too many buzzwords.
Getting Caught Up in Research
Yes, we always tell our candidates to research the company and even visit the property or restaurant beforehand. However, research can often become overwhelming for candidates, especially when interviewing with large corporations. Keep your research focused, and always keep the job description in mind. The company website and social media pages are a great place to start. You don’t need to be an expert on the company, but you do need to be informed enough so that you can ask intelligent questions during the interview.
Forgetting to Review Your Experience
By focusing on creating a “correct” answer to interview questions or knowing the company like the back of their hand, candidates sometimes forget to research their most important asset: their own skills and experiences. Review your resume thoroughly so that you can easily guide the interviewer through it. Use the STAR technique to prepare examples of situations where your skills were utilized.
Not Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Unattractive eye-bags aside, not getting a good night’s sleep can wreak havoc on your ability to think clearly. Even if you still feel underprepared for the interview the night before, you will think better on your feet when well rested.
Taking Logistics for Granted
A great interview means nothing if you show up late, have a bad internet connection, or forget who you are supposed to meet. Confirm if the interview is in-person, over the phone, or through a video chat. If it is a remote interview, ensure you have a quiet, clean environment where you and the interviewer will both be able to focus. If in person, confirm all the details with your recruiter regarding your meeting place, including how long it will take you to get there.
Who Are the Recruiters at Horizon Hospitality?
When you are ready to start your hospitality job search, trust the recruiters at Horizon Hospitality. They are hospitality industry veterans and understand your career goals. They have access to opportunities with leading hospitality companies nationwide. Search of the current job opportunities Horizon Hospitality has and apply directly here.
