Top 5 Tips for Landing More Job Interviews by Nick Miney
The hospitality industry is all about creating great experiences for customers, so naturally, employers are looking for candidates who can bring that same positive energy to their teams. If you're ready to land more interviews and stand out in a competitive job market, here are five top tips to help you shine.
Top 5 Tips for Landing More Job Interviews
1. Tailor your resume to the job
Generic resumes rarely make an impact, especially in the hospitality sector. Take the time to customise your resume for each position you apply for. Focus on highlighting skills that are critical in hospitality—such as customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving—while emphasising your achievements in previous roles. For example, if you improved customer satisfaction at a restaurant, make sure to mention that!
Make sure the language and terminology match the job ad. If they’re looking for someone with “exceptional guest service” experience, use those exact words to ensure your resume grabs the hiring manager’s attention.
2. Showcase your soft skills
While technical skills like food preparation or customer service are important, the hospitality industry thrives on soft skills. Employers want candidates who can communicate well, stay calm under pressure, and provide excellent customer service. Use your resume, cover letter, and interview to highlight examples of your soft skills in action.
Did you handle a difficult guest situation and have a positive outcome? Have you led a team through a busy shift without missing a beat? These are the kinds of stories that make hiring managers take notice.
3. Emphasise flexibility and adaptability
The hospitality industry is known for its fast pace and constant change. Employers value candidates who can adapt to different roles, shift patterns, and unexpected challenges. Whether you’ve worked across multiple departments or handled last-minute changes to rosters or station allocation, make sure to emphasise your versatility and willingness to adapt.
This can be a real game-changer, especially for entry-level positions where the ability to jump into various tasks as needed is crucial.
4. Highlight relevant certifications
In the hospitality industry, certain certifications can give you an edge over other candidates. If you’ve completed any hospitality-related courses, such as food safety, responsible service of alcohol (RSA), or first aid, be sure to highlight these in your resume.
Many employers look for candidates who already have these qualifications in hand, as it reduces training time. Even if certifications are not mandatory for the role, showcasing them can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and industry standards.
5. Prepare for the interview by researching the Company
When you do land an interview, be prepared to impress with your knowledge of the company. The more you know about their culture, values, and customer base, the better you can tailor your answers to show how you'd fit in with their team. Employers in hospitality want candidates who are not only skilled but also passionate about the brand and its mission.
Research the company’s recent news, menu changes, or customer reviews, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Showing that you've done your homework will set you apart from other candidates who only have surface-level knowledge.
Here’s the thing … Landing more job interviews in the hospitality industry requires more than just sending out applications. By tailoring your resume, showcasing your soft skills, being flexible, showcasing relevant certifications, and thoroughly preparing for interviews, you’ll greatly improve your chances of making a strong impression on hiring managers. With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next big opportunity in hospitality!