Ace The Interview Before You Even Say A Word

Ace The Interview Before You Even Say A Word

by Hcareers

 

So you've found the hippest restaurant in town and you want to work where the people come to see and be seen, but first you'll have to show the owners that you are up for the challenge. Doing this means having a great interview and proving that your non-verbal communication skills are up to par. That's right, when employers are looking to fill foodservice jobs, restaurant jobs, or any other hospitality job they will be looking at not only how you answer interview questions, but at your demeanor as well. This may sound complex, but it's really very simple: Non-verbal communication is what you say through your body language, eye contact, grooming, and any other way you communicate without words. So if you're ready for a fun and fast paced job in the hospitality industry then remember the old adage, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."

 

Before You Walk Out The Door

Improving your chances in a restaurant or hotel interview start before you step out the door. Before you walk out the door, check the mirror and make sure that you look clean and professional. looking your best shows your future employer that you take pride in yourself and will take pride in the work you will do for them! Make sure you always carry your resume, cover letter, and references on quality paper in a nice folder. Don't forget a pen and notepad. Being prepared in your interview makes you seem like someone who will be prepared at work too.

 

The Interview: First Impressions Count

When you are waiting for the all-important hotel or restaurant interview you have a chance to make a positive impression before you even meet your potential boss. Be polite and friendly to whomever you first encounter and sit patiently while you wait. You want to show off your good people skills to everyone, not just your potential boss. Coffee, soda, gum, and cigarettes should all be left behind. You don't want to look sloppy with gum in your mouth or reeking of smoke during your interview. Make sure your cell phone is turned off and leave the Ipod in your car. You want to show them that all attention is focused on the job, not on your personal life or music selection.

 

The Interview: Greeting Your Potential Employer

When the hiring manager greets you, smile and make eye contact with her, while delivering a firm handshake. This behavior will show her that you are confident of your abilities and have the skills to work with the public. Working in a hotel job or resort job will mean that you are interacting with people from all over the country and world, each and everyday. It takes a person who is confident and friendly to do this kind of job right. Smiling, using eye contact, and having good posture will make you stand out as the kind of person who can deal with the public. If you want to work at a place like The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona, then take it from Nathan Stern, a chef at Restaurant Enoteca, "In the restaurant world, we definitely notice eye contact and posture during the interview process. We need to know that the cooks we hire will be fast and responsive. When someone shows us their confidence through excellent body language, we want to hire them."

 

The Interview: Question Time

Sit up straight during the question and answer portion of your interview and keep your feet on the floor. Avoid nervous tapping and fiddling, as well as touching your hair or face. When you are able to sit still and relax, you show the interviewer that you are the kind of person who can listen attentively to instructions. Taking a few notes, but not going overboard, will show that you are really listening and want to remember things from the interview. This shows your potential employer that you are a detail-orientated person, who won't let mistakes slide by them. Make sure you speak in an even and clear tone without mumbling. You shouldn't talk too loudly or too quietly and make sure never to interrupt. Everything about you should say that you are responsible, reliable, and someone that they would like to work with. Make your body languages as polished as your interview answers and you should have a great hospitality job in no time!