Going for a hospitality job? how to really clean up during the phone
interview
When applying for foodservice, hotel or resort jobs, you'd
probably expect to be called for an in-person interview. But employers in the
hospitality industry are overloaded and may not have the time or staff to
physically interview every applicant. What do they do? They conduct phone
interviews to narrow the field and choose the best applicants for a
'face-to-face'. Be impressive over the phone and you'll increase your chances of
getting your foot in the door for that hotel, restaurant or foodservice
interview.
Are you talkin' to me?
Some do not realize the impression they make over the phone.
Worse yet, some don't see the need to 'bother' to impress the interviewer
during this crucial step. If someone handed you food on a dirty plate, would
you want to eat it? Prospective hospitality employers want to hire food
service, hotel and resort applicants who have taken time to 'wash their plate',
people who care about and understand the importance of the phone interview and
it's relation to that coveted foodservice, hotel or resort job.
Since you may not know when you'll be called, it helps to
prepare ahead of time to avoid being taken by surprise. Answering the phone
with a mouth full of food or in the middle of screaming at your children is
definitely not impressive. Think about your habits and make the necessary
modifications.
Quiet on the set!
Prepare for your phone interview as if you were sitting in
the hotel or restaurant with your interviewer. Here are 4 great ways to
prepare:
- Speak
to your family ahead of time and get their cooperation, so you will have
silence during the phone call. No radios, TVs, or crying babies, please!
- Write
down answers to questions you know you'll be asked, such as your strengths
and weaknesses. This will help you be prepared so you don't get flustered,
and project an air of confidence about your abilities. Do you enjoy
helping people but hate paperwork? Maybe you prefer being behind the
scenes with less direct 'people' contact. Or, perhaps you enjoy being in
charge and know how to rally others to get things done. Think about what
is true for you, and make an honest list to share if asked.
- Keep a
copy of your resume with your answers to refer to your background, skills
and dates. Along with this, keep a pad of paper and a pen that works.
Interviewers don't have time to 'hold on' while you search for something
to write with.
- If the
interviewer calls at an inconvenient time, politely ask if you might call
them back. Make sure you call back when you say you will.
Hugh Anderson, president of Hugh Anderson Associates Inc., a
career-transition consulting firm, explains, "Employers hire people for
what they can do for them. The recruiter's mission is to screen candidates and
recommend those who will best meet the employer's needs. Your goal is to be
recommended for further consideration. When describing your background,
reinforce the positive and avoid the negative. Stay focused by reviewing and
use the key points you wrote down about your strengths."
Your first impression could be your last
Have you ever heard your recorded voice? You probably
thought it didn't sound much like you. But it is what you sound like to others!
Be careful to avoid too many 'word whiskers', those "ums",
"okays" and "likes" we all say too much. Also be careful
not to say "huh?" or "what?" when "excuse me?" or
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?" sounds so much nicer.
When you are face-to-face with your interviewer, you are
naturally more conscious of your habits. You remember to sit up straight, to
smile, to speak clearly, to listen. On the phone, we tend to forget these good
practices. We slouch in a chair, slur our words, chew gum, speak too quickly
and interrupt. It is vitally important to 'pull yourself together' and treat
the phone interview like any other. Smile! Relax! Breathe! Take your time to
listen to the interviewer and respond thoughtfully. Hold off on drinking or
eating while talking, but keep water nearby in case you suddenly develop a dry
mouth. And don't forget common etiquette, like 'thank you', 'please' and
'you're welcome'.
Remember also to use the interviewer's name. When the phone
rings, listen for their introduction. If you do not understand their name, ask
them to spell it, then repeat it so you can use it correctly during the call.
People love to hear their name and it shows you are paying attention to the
interview and to the recruiter as an individual.
Above all else, remember what you are there for....to set up
a face-to-face interview. Remembering these simple, polite phone interviewing
techniques will get you there. Good luck!