Everyone wants to have an upper hand when it comes to going for a job interview. There are a few basic things that you should do when it comes to hospitality sector that you should keep in mind. The below mentioned points will definitely give you an added advantage when you are finally giving that interview.

Do your research

Before any job interview it is very important to study about the company. When it comes to hospitality sector, make sure you do a thorough study of hotel/restaurant history, its speciality, the type of clients they majorly deal with. If there is unique history or service that sets the hotel/restaurant apart from others, then include that in your research as well. For example, you may be applying for a position of hotel manager in a traditional luxury hotel, then you should know that the clients that you will handle will mostly be from upper middle or upper class; then you should also know a little about the traditional experience and cuisines that the hotel offers.

Preparation is the key

Once you have completed your research, try to make a list of possible questions that may be asked during the interview. Next, you should try to frame answers to these questions in a way that highlights your talents and skills. You should never try to learn the answers by-heart; instead prepare a set of points and put them in order of importance. Because if in case the interviewer ends up asking a question that you were not expecting then you can pick and choose suitable points you prepared to answer that question.

Look professional and be professional

A job interview is a professional event and might be a turning point of a person’s career. So, it is also important to look the part as well. Be formally dressed, nothing less than clean and ironed set of clothes will do. Never turn up for an interview in casual clothes, no matter how big or small the hotel/restaurant may be. In hospitality just looks aren’t enough, a person’s behaviour is as important, if not more. You should make sure you always act professionally and courteously. This not only reflects positively on your interview but also shows how professional you will be when in future you confront a customer.

Mastering the virtue of patience

One of the key features that decide the outcome of any interview is ‘patience’. Especially in hospitality industry patience is a highly sought-after virtue because this industry is known for putting the people who work here in situations that test your ability to be level headed even in heated situations. One of the ways an interviewee’s patience is tested is by observing their behaviour and body language when they wait for their turn to be interviewed.

Be confident and humble but honest

One of the key features that any person in hospitality sector needs to have is confidence. So, in the interview be confident when you answer the interviewer. But whatever you do, never lie about anything, be honest, try to answer the interviewer as honestly as possible. Falsified answers, be it about your skill or any other question, will come to light eventually, thus putting you under bad impression. If you don’t know the answer to any question, humbly reply that you do not know instead of lying. There is no shame in saying ‘I don’t know, to be honest’ as long as you are willing to learn and grow with experience.

With these five magic tips you are now ready for a successful interview. Wish you all the best!