Interview Preparation for Hospitality Jobs

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Interview Preparation for Hospitality Jobs

Interviews strike fear into most jobseekers but the right preparation can help increase your confidence, reduce nerves, improve performance and increase your chances of success. Preparation can be difficult as no two interviews are the same and no two interviewers are the same. I regularly see jobseekers who fail at interview through lack of preparation but I also see jobseekers who fail through lack of knowledge about how to prepare. There is a science to successful interview preparation. If you take a systematic approach to preparation you will maximise your chances of success and landing that dream job.


A systematic approach to Interview Preparation


Below are 5 key areas you MUST consider as part of any interview preparation. Incorporating these points into interview preparation will help build a solid foundation helping you face any interview.

Information is power – When informed about an upcoming interview by the employer ensure that you get as much information as you can about the interview. Most jobseekers panic and rush off to prepare without ensuring they have all available information. Some questions to ask the employer/recruiter include; What type of interview will I face - competency or traditional? How may interviewers will there be? Who will be interviewing and what is their title? Do I have the full job description? The answers to these questions can help focus your preparation saving time and energy.

Know what the employer wants – This may seem obvious but I am amazed at the number of jobseekers who miss this point. If you do not know what the employer requires you cannot focus your answers at interview. The job specification is a key piece of info and don’t cast it to one side. Ensure that you are clear on the specifics of the job and the personality profile required. Break the job specification down into the key points.

How you meet the employer’s needs – Identify how you meet the employer’s needs with examples to back this up. Match your skills knowledge and experience to the requirement of the employer. Don’t just talk the talk and walk the walk with plenty of examples to back up your points. Examples differentiate job applicants at interview. Remember if you can’t find work examples delve into your Education or Interests.

Know your CV – If you don’t know yourself you cannot expect the interviewer to get to know you. Critical points include dates, reasons for leaving and joining previous employers. Also be able to describe previous work experience focusing on relevant tasks and duties to the role at hand.

Know the employer – Knowledge of the company and the industry sends out the right message. It illustrates and interest in the position you are applying for. Jobseekers can use this area to stand out in the crowd. Most applicants will view company websites which is fine but most websites are static and the information normally dated. Get creative about how you source your information and stand out from your competitors.

This article was provided by Measurability. Measurability offer Interview Coaching to jobseekers across Ireland.