Securing a job interview is a hard-fought battle. After endless cover letters are written, resumes sent, and online application processes contended with, there’s a certain sense of achievement that comes with the invite to meet with an employer and discuss your job skills. But there’s still work to be done if you’re planning to go the distance and successfully cross the finish line. That begins with these five planning tips that should be put into place after an interview is arranged.

Dress appropriately. By now you’ve hopefully assembled a selection of professional wardrobe items that constitute your “interview attire.” Make sure you know in advance exactly what you plan to wear, that it’s clean and wrinkle-free so that you’re ready to go the day of the interview.

Confirm the interview a day in advance. Reach out to your contact in an email to verify the time and location of the interview. Also, be sure to have a printed copy of your resume with you to present to the interviewer and any other documents that they may have previously requested.

Do your homework. You’ve already expressed a level of interest in the company by applying for the job and accepting the invitation to interview with them. But to truly demonstrate that you don’t simply want the job, but you want to work for this organization specifically, you’ll need to show up ready to speak about the company in detail. So make thorough use of the company’s website; look at the careers page to see what, if any programs and perks are offered to employees and plan to ask about that during the interview. Also, make sure to have a basic knowledge of the company’s or the specific hotel’s history as well as their current brands and geographic regions where they’re present, in the case of a hotel company or menus, if you’re interviewing for a food and beverage (F&B) position. Learn about the company’s loyalty program, if it’s points- or recognition-based, how many members, etc.

Devise your own set of questions. Remember that you are not the only person being interviewed during this process. Job interviews are just as much an opportunity for candidates to find out if the position and the company will be a good fit for them. So use your research to compile your own list of queries. Did the hotel recently complete a renovation? Ask how it has changed their business. Is it attracting more locals into the restaurants or bars or even the spa? If the hotel has a new general manager, what is his or her vision for the property going forward? Of course, you’ll also want to ask questions pertaining to the position for which you’re interviewing such as what are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job and what is expected during the first 60 days in the job as well as other essentials like these.

Just keep in mind that it’s the interviewer who sets the pace and tone. So although your questions will show that you’re engaged and interested, hold off on asking anything until the job has been discussed in detail as that portion of the conversation may preempt some of your questions.

Come prepared with answers. While it’s not uncommon to be nervous before a job interview, there is little that will come as a surprise during the course of the meeting. For example, you’ll be asked a series of open-ended questions and at least some will be “behavioral” questions intended to determine how you react in various situations. Those could include “what would you do if you saw a co-worker stealing?” or “describe your worst day at work.” Other questions will focus on why you want to work in hospitality or for that particular hotel or hotel brand. But when preparing to respond to all of these questions, don’t forget that every one of your responses is a chance to highlight your own selling points, whether that’s your education, professional experience, or activities that you enjoy in your free time that makes you a strong team player and perhaps even a better leader. 

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