The number of unfilled positions within the hospitality and travel industries continues to remain at a high level. For job seekers, this is great news, as there are increased opportunities and many chances to make a good first impression as they look for their next position. First impressions, especially in a people-oriented industry, are hugely important.
From the initial application or resume submission to the interview and even the first day on the job, making a stellar first impression is crucial for employees looking to succeed and grow within an organization. Organizations and individuals differ somewhat on what they hope to see in a potential or current employee. Obviously, displaying characteristics specifically valuable to a role or industry is a great idea. But there are several preparation tactics that apply across all industries and opportunities. In fact, following a few simple strategies when making that first impression can help you nail the role you want and move up from there.
- Be Selective
While it may be tempting to apply to any open positions one finds when job hunting, doing so could actually make a negative first impression. Employers want to hire individuals who are uniquely qualified for and excited about a position. When searching for roles, look for ones that value the skills and expertise that you possess.
If given the opportunity to submit one, a tailored cover letter is a great way to show a potential employer that the specific role you applied for within that specific organization is the one for you. Providing reasoning behind why you applied and what specifics within your skills and experience would make you ideal for the position.
- Put Some Effort Into your Resume
On the subject of cover letters and resumes, proper grammar and formatting can go a long way in making a good first impression on paper. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and if that isn’t a strength, have someone else proofread it before submitting it. In regards to formatting, simple is usually best. Just make sure that the headings are clear and it’s easy for whoever reads it to follow along to learn about your skills, experience, and education.
Include dates when thinking about previous employment, and give a few bullets of information regarding job responsibilities and major successes. Contact information is a must. A physical address isn’t as important as a phone number and email address. It’s critical that potential employers have a way (or ideally, two) to reach you in regards to scheduling an interview.
- Do Your Research
Interviews, either in person or virtual, allow candidates to advocate for their strengths and show potential employers or managers their enthusiasm for the position. The impression a candidate makes during that interview is significantly impacted by how prepared they are. Prior to interviewing, research the organization, its mission, and its core values.
Also, spend some time reviewing the job description in detail, including responsibilities, expected schedule, and any other important information that may come up during the interview. Hiring managers value when a candidate is well versed in the organization as a whole and the role for which they are interviewing. It shows genuine interest in the opportunity and enthusiasm about potentially working there.
- Come Prepared
Don’t forget to bring everything when meeting an interviewer for the first time. Always bring a paper version of your resume and cover letter, if applicable. Recruiters often interview candidates back-to-back for a long time. It’s not uncommon for papers to get shuffled or resumes to get lost. Having an extra copy to leave if needed shows real preparation.
Bringing questions is a great idea as well. Note anything unclear or confusing in the job description and be sure to ask for clarification. This not only shows your interviewer that you are prepared but also ensures that you don’t have unrealistic expectations because of a miscommunication.
- Show up with Enthusiasm
Above all, approaching an interviewer with enthusiasm is the best first impression. Listen attentively to questions, take time to think before you speak, and remember the reasons why you are excited about the job. Make those reasons known to your interviewer. Ask about growth opportunities, as employers in the hospitality industry tend to promote from within. Seeing a candidate genuinely excited about a position and staying with the organization long-term is a great sign to them that the potential employee will be dedicated.
Less important is knowing the ideal answer for each question asked. Nerves arise during interviews, so if you need time to think about your response or need the question repeated – simply ask for it. Interviewers value candidates taking the time to think about a question prior to jumping into their answer.
Finding your Next Hotel Job
Before a job seeker can go after their next position, they must first see what opportunities exist in the area. We’ve created a comprehensive database of extended stay job opportunities, which includes positions at locations all across the United States. For those just starting in the industry, there are several entry-level opportunities available in both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes capacities. It’s easy to narrow down the hundreds of available positions by location, department, and full-time versus part-time. Applying is just a few further clicks away. From there, it’s about making that great first impression. Using the strategies above, you can successfully snag your next hospitality role!