In the hospitality industry, every employee represents the company, and those who interact directly with guests become its brand ambassadors in a way. So recruiters are always looking out for those who will reflect the company values as well as do the job efficiently.
The first thing recruiters will look at is your resume. To have one that stands out from the thousands of others, ensure it is brief; highlights education, work experience and skills relevant to the position you are applying for; and lists achievements, languages and contact details.
Companies often outsource recruitment to external agencies, and they take their jobs very seriously. Many conduct background checks on prospective employees since staff in the hospitality industry interact with guests frequently and may also have access to personal belongings. It is best to be truthful about all the information in your resume.
Recruiters like to see career progression, which proves to them that you have what it takes to succeed, and that you have goals and aspire to constantly improve yourself. In each previous job posting or internship, you may highlight the responsibilities and skills matching the position you are applying for.
Use words that show your competence for the job – such as ‘time management’ or ‘organisational skills’ – as well as terms that prove you have what it takes to succeed in the hospitality industry – such as ‘adaptable’, ‘versatile’ and ‘resourceful’.
Any gaps in your career should be adequately explained, even if it is to raise or look after family, unsuccessfully try your hand at your own business or engage in volunteer work unrelated to your field.
If you are on social media, be wary of what you post. Not all recruiters are interested in the content of the posts, but there’s no harm in being cautious. You may assert your identity, give opinion and generally be yourself, but bad-mouthing colleagues or your current employer;being racist, sexist or offensive; or proof of having indulged in illegal activities might work against you.
Many recruiters also look for candidates, particularly in mid- to senior levels on LinkedIn, so constantly updating your profile and connecting with people in the industry early on can help boost your chances to grow quickly.
Companies sometimes further screen candidates over the phone to find out about availability for the position, salary expectations, special requirements and other information pertaining to the job. This helps them further short-list the candidates to be called for interviews.
Some positions request for references, but it is always a good idea to offer the recruiter the option. Offering a good reference can help increase your chances of landing a job. However, it is best to suggest that the contact information of your references is available on request,particularly if you have not yet informed your current employer that you are leaving.
Choose references who will provide an accurate description of your work ethics. These can even include clients, previous business partners, and tutors if you do not have much work experience.
In the hospitality industry, the quality of staff demonstrates the quality of service, which indicates whether or not the venture will be successful. This makes recruiters fairly selective when it comes to hiring.