Job Interview Advice....

[Mason1985]

Evening all,

I've managed to land a job interview tomorrow working as part of the hospitality team at Aintre racecourse, and would love some advice if anyone out there has dabbled in the hospitality industry.

I've worked in sales for the last five years and am a trained journalist, and am looking for an idea as to the questions I am likely to be asked, what would make me stand out, and questions i should be asking my potential new employer to look on the ball.

Love the idea of working in the hosp industry, but need to make sure i'm on the ball tomorrow and nail this job.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Andrew

 

[BizGurl]

Good luck

 

[Mason1985]

Thanks very much

 

[vvaannmmaann]

What is the position being advertised as? The "hospitality industry" covers a wide range of things.

 

[Richie N]

Hi, have you ever done any work in hospitality?
If you've got no experience in this industry, then they will be looking for someone that is presentable, smart, customer service orientated, able to use own initiative etc

As for questions, well that depends on the role and the duties.
They will likely ask what makes you think you can do the job, what makes you different to the rest, they might also ask how you would deal with certain situations, complaints etc.
I am sure your sales experience would help in presenting yourself to them.

Do research on them (both the racecourse and the employer, as I am assuming it's something like Sodexho?), read through the advertisement and see what qualities they are looking for and go from there.

Good luck

 

[Indivijewelistic]

There was a channel 4 programme called undercover boss:

"RACING tycoon Paul Fisher learned the hard way about what his employees face after working undercover at four of his racecourses". He is quoted as saying: “I really believe it helped and the feedback we got from Aintree was that people were really starting to see a difference - so much so that I am getting all the managers at the courses to do something similar."

There is loads of stuff online about it, I would see if you can download the programme to watch it.

Look on their website and read their hospitality reviews because it offers you an opener on conversation. e.g. I looked on line at the reviews and noticed that people said:

"Very friendly and helpful staff. Non intrusive atmosphere, very relaxed. Good breakfast.Brilliant location, about 5 minutes from Lime St station and bang in the centre of town Peter, London‎".

Obviously Aintree is getting it right, but are their any changes or improvements you will make going forward?

I would be aware of their biggest money earners (like the Grand National date) and any other main events they have to show that you are keyed up and ready to go.

Hope this help.

 

[Mason1985]

Cheers guys, the role is hospitality assistant. Judging by the job description its a sales role, selling the boxes / facilities on race meetings and for private parties I imagine. The employer seems to be 'the jockey club' according to the paperwork etc.

 

[Indivijewelistic]

Paul Fisher is the boss of the jockey club I think. He went in at ground level to try to find out why his employees no longer 'believed' in the company.

Good luck and I do hope it all goes well for you.