Whether this is your first shot at a management position, or you’re moving up to a larger market or resort, there are some important things to be sure you cover in the interview. The career track for a general manager can come from a sales background, a room’s background, or even a food and beverage background. Managers typically have an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management or perhaps Business. A Marketing background would be a plus for an independent hotel that does its own marketing.

So what should you emphasize during the interview to really stand out and make a strong impression? You need to touch on the specific traits and experiences that make a difference in the hotel’s bottom line.

Take a look at these categories and be sure you have a good story to tell about how you’ve made an impact:

1. Leadership skills: Because you’ll be responsible for the strategic direction of the hotel, you have to show you have good judgment in delegating, motivating, hiring, and training staff. Demonstrate your record in these areas with specific examples and proven results.

2. Knowing your customers: Show that you understand who the customers are (at the hotel where you’re interviewing), that you understand their expectations, and know what it takes to provide superior customer service.

3. Handling conflict: Share a story about how you handled a difficult situation with an irate guest and turned it around. The skills you use to handle this type of situation are a key indicator of how easily you can step into a management role.

4. Understanding the culture: Not only do you need to have the education and skills, you also have to demonstrate that you are a “fit” for this particular hotel. All companies have a culture, but when interviewing for an upscale property, they want to know that you understand their values and are committed to their way of doing things.

5. Personal development: Show that you’ve invested in your own personal development and career advancement. Have you taken additional classes, gone to workshops, learned another language or earned special certificates? Training is a focus for successful hotels, and you must establish your commitment to your own development.

6. Why you want to work at this hotel: Prove that you know enough about this hotel that you can explain why you want to work there. Be specific, share how you would fit in and what you can do to increase revenues and improve operations.

7. Showcase your tech-savvy: In the market today, so much is shared on social media and through digital marketing. Make sure you explain how you would engage customers and manage the hotel’s online reputation. How would you drive future bookings by responding to customers’ needs on various platforms?

8. Understanding current market trends: A strong manager understands the current trends in the market and how to use those to drive sales. For example, many guests are interested in health and wellness and prefer healthier food and exercise options. How would you address that in your strategic plans?

Before the interview, review the items listed below and develop a script for how you want to present your stories. Be sure to mention specific results. Anyone can list their education and work history, but to be a compelling candidate, you want to make sure the interviewer can see you fitting in well and finding success in this role.

Help them to understand that you:

• bring specific ideas with proven results that can move the company forward
• can motivate and inspire teams as well as conduct effective training
• understand their culture and are committed to their values
• embrace and utilize current market trends
• are current on technology and social platforms

Take some time to prepare and practice your personal story complete with specific examples and results. Show the interviewer you have what it takes to make an impact as the manager at their hotel.