Table of Contents

1. The Preparation
2. For Entry-Level Applicants
3. For Experienced Applicants

A job interview is a two-way street. You’re trying to figure out if the role and company are the right fit for you, and the employer is trying to figure out what assets you’re bringing to the table. 

So it’s very likely that you’ll encounter the question, “What can you bring to the company?” or something like it during your interview. 

Here’s how to put your best self forward!

The Preparation

Whether you’re applying for your first hotel job or you’re a hospitality pro who has been in the industry for 20 years, preparation is key for acing the “What can you bring to the company” question. 

Why?

Because each company is trying to solve a different problem when they hire. If you’re applying for a line cook position, expertise in OPERA Room Reservations software won’t bring much value to the employer. 

So start with preparation. Review the job posting to make sure you know exactly what the company is looking for with this role. You can also research the company’s background. Look at their website, social media profiles, and any recent news mentions to find out what challenges are coming down the pipeline for the company. You could even check the LinkedIn profiles of some current employees to get a sense of the company culture. 

Next, connect your experience, education, or personality to the various position requirements. 

For Entry-Level Applicants

If this is your first position in the field, you may not have a list of professional qualifications to rattle off when you’re asked what you can bring to the company. Instead, you can focus on your educational background if applicable, or experience in another field. 

Here are some answers to the question “What can you bring to the company?” for entry-level applicants.

1. I’m hungry to learn and bring new skills to my next role. 

If all you’ve got on your resume is an education, turn it into a strength. Use your degree or diploma to demonstrate your commitment to increasing your knowledge of the field. Tell the interviewer about continuing education classes you plan to take, or books on the industry that you’ve got on your nightstand. If enthusiasm is all you’ve got, flaunt it!

2. I go above and beyond for guests. 

How can you show the hiring manager that you are the person to provide the ideal guest experience? Think back to a time when you wowed a customer in another role, and use it as proof that you’ll bring the right blend of friendliness and helpfulness to this role.

3. I have previous experience in X that will make me an asset to your team.

Perhaps you’re new to the hospitality industry, but you have experience in another field. Explain how that parallel experience can be carried over to this role or industry. For example, maybe you worked in construction, with long days on the job site. You could explain how you will bring great physical energy and endurance to the position. These traits are crucially important in many hospitality roles! 

For Experienced Applicants

If you have experience and background in the field, you should have ample opportunity to answer “What can you bring to the company?” 

Make a detailed list of the successes you achieved in the past, and connect those to the needs expressed in the job description or prior interviews. Backing up your claims with concrete examples is always stronger than a vague statement about being a good communicator or strong leader!

Here are some examples to get you started.

1. I have X years of experience in [software/operating system] and can troubleshoot common problems.

Perhaps you were the go-to person in your last role to help newer employees to resolve technical problems with the booking software or point-of-sale system. Technical expertise is always welcome in hospitality, where efficiency is so important! You could use your skills to train new employees or even teach a workshop on troubleshooting common problems.

2. I have a proven track record of…[problem the company needs to solve].

How can you connect your previous results to what the company needs? Perhaps you’re being considered for a sales manager role for an underperforming events business. You could explain how you led your past sales team to a 20% increase in bookings year over year, or how you repositioned the venue to appeal to a higher-end clientele, leading to higher rates.

3. I can bring creative problem-solving to the company. For example…

Is there a time that you helped your previous company to innovate or come up with a creative solution to a problem? Sometimes, companies don’t even know exactly what they need help with. But if you have a history of creative problem-solving, you’ll be an asset to the challenges they’re facing now and in the future.