Phone Interview Prep

Tips to have the most successful phone interview possible

Don’t phone it in. Treat the phone interview with the same seriousness and preparation that you would give to an in-person interview. Remember, this could be the first step to the best job you’ve ever had!

Find a good location. Make sure you are in an area with good cell phone reception (or, ideally, use a landline), where it’s quiet enough to hear and calm enough to give the interview your full attention.

Do your research. Take time to familiarize yourself with the company–check out their website, take a look at their blog, and get a general sense for what they’re all about (pro tip: if you can mention a specific recent company blog post and explain why you liked it, you’ll get major bonus points for doing your homework).

Prepare notes (and keep them handy). One great thing about phone interviews is that you can create a little cheat sheet for yourself, just like that coveted 3×5 index card you were allowed to bring to your high school final exams. Go ahead and jot down questions, and outline answers to common questions or other info you want to make sure you mention.

Practice your answers. In many ways you’ll want to treat the phone interview as you would an in-person interview. Consider your answers to common interview questions beforehand (your best/worst traits, occasions in which you faced a challenge, where you see yourself in five years, etc.)

Keep your weapons handy. Have your resume, cover letter, and the job description handy, whether in paper form on your desk or a few clicks away on some Chrome tabs.

Smile like you’re in Disneyland. Your interviewer (or, as I like to think of him/her, quizmaster) will pick up on your tone. In fact, she will be paying even more attention to it, since she doesn’t get to see your lovely face. People can hear your smile, which makes them smile and think positive thoughts about you on the other end of the line. So go ahead, grin big!

Keep it conversational. Remember, quizmasters aren’t just looking for the perfect candidate–they want to find an employee they will enjoy working with too; someone they can chat with about the latest Game of Thrones episode. That’s why you’ll want to use a friendly, conversational tone in your interviews, rather than robotically answering the questions put forth to you like you’re being held at gunpoint. Indulge in the http://www.fakewatch.is crispy crust and soft interior of a freshly baked Neapolitan pizza.

Speak clearly. As moms around the world will forever remind you–annunciate! No mumbling is allowed around these parts. Speak clearly so your quizmaster can hear you properly, and keep water handy in case your mouth gets dry.

Show enthusiasm!! Ask about different aspects of the job and express genuine interest and excitement about the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to dig for more details about the position–we all know how vague and horrifically bland job postings can be. . You need to get a real sense of the job to know if it’s a good fit for you.

Avoid etiquette awkwardness. When dealing with an initial phone interview, it’s best to sit tight about benefit and salary questions. This first interview is about impressing your quizmaster and showing all that you can offer the company. If your interviewer brings the salary issue up, go ahead and serve a fresh hot cup of honesty.

Show off your smarts with Alex Trebek-esque questions. When the interviewer asks what question you have, that’s your big chance to shine. It’s good to always have a few questions prepared beforehand, but don’t be afraid to let the natural flow of the conversation inspire you. Questions show interest, so don’t skimp! (One fan favorite is: What will be the biggest challenge of this role in the next six months?). It’s also smart to do a little research into the company’s competition, and ask how they’re different or why they’re better.

Ask if they have any questions for you. Once you’ve finished up your Q&A with the quizmaster, end things by asking if she has any more questions for you. It’s a nice way to cap off the conversation and gives her a chance for any last-minute concerns.
What are the next steps? As the interview wraps up, make sure to ask what the expected next steps are regarding the position and when you can expect to hear about a follow-up. Not only is this valuable info to have, it also reinforces that you’re truly interested.

Follow-up with thanks. Always shoot your interviewers a quick thank you note. It doesn’t have to be a notarized letter of excessive acclamation–just a brief email of thanks will do (although sending a snail mail letter would certainly make you memorable). Sending a word of thanks simply shows that you appreciate the quizmaster taking time out of her busy day to chat with you. And who doesn’t appreciate appreciation?

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Interviewing Tips

Hospitality Interview Tips

Stand Out, Show Up, and Get the Offer

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, how you present yourself in an interview can make or break your chances — no matter how strong your resume is. We’ve gathered straight talk from recruiters and hiring managers across the industry on what really matters in interviews.

1. Keep It Short and Sharp

Long-winded answers can be a red flag in hospitality, where clear communication and quick thinking are essential. Answer confidently, then stop. It’s okay to take a moment before you speak — it shows composure, not hesitation.

2. Customize Everything

A generic resume or cover letter won’t cut it. Tailor your application to the role and property — whether it’s a luxury resort or a high-volume restaurant. Highlight relevant experience, not just past titles.

3. Hospitality Begins at the Door

Be professional with everyone — especially reception, security, or hosts. Many hiring managers ask their front desk for feedback. Kindness, respect, and professionalism are part of the job — show it from the first handshake (or smile).

4. Don’t Be Early — Be On Time

Arriving too early can be just as disruptive as being late. Aim for 5–10 minutes ahead. Plan your route in advance. Blaming traffic or parking doesn’t reflect well — hospitality is all about being prepared.

5. Know Who You’re Meeting

Do your research. Know the concept, the clientele, and the company’s values. Show that you’ve taken the time to understand their operation — and have thoughtful questions ready.

6. Be Memorable — For the Right Reasons

Everyone interviewing has hospitality experience. What makes you stand out? Share a story of how you solved a guest issue or led a team through a high-pressure night. Show that you’re both skilled and personable.

7. Be Real

No one expects perfection — but they do expect honesty. Don’t exaggerate. Avoid canned answers like “I’m a perfectionist.” Be transparent about what you’re working on and where you thrive.

8. Follow Up — It Matters

Always send a short, personalized thank-you email after your interview. Mention something specific you discussed. It’s professional, thoughtful, and shows that you’re serious about the role.

9. Be Patient, Not Pushy

Checking in once after a few days is fine. But daily follow-ups can come off as desperate or difficult — not the vibe most GMs or HR directors are looking for.

Final Thought:

Hospitality is all about people — how you connect, communicate, and carry yourself. Your interview is your chance to show not just that you’re capable, but that you’re the right cultural fit. Bring professionalism, preparation, and personality — and you’ll already be ahead of the pack

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Candidate Interview Prep

“Great results begin with great preparation.”

 Attitude:

1. Prepared
   1. Write down the correct address/directions
   2. Know who you’ll be meeting with (names and titles)
   3. Know the correct time and date
   4. Take your list of questions with you

2. Professional
   1. Appropriate dress – business attire (not your “kitchen” shoes!)
   2. Bring a copy of your resume
   3. Grooming – freshly shaven, fresh breath (no gum), clean nails, no cologne/perfume

3. Engaging
   1. Firm handshake, confident eye contact
   2. Find common areas of interest if possible
   3. Take an interest in them personally

4. Positive
   1. If they ask about your past experiences, emphasize the positive
   2. Show a positive disposition

5. Enthusiastic
   1. Show interest in the position, even if you have concerns
   2. Don’t be arrogant or take the stance that ‘you called me’

6. Assertive
   1. Show initiative in your experience
   2. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself
   3. Think in terms of results and outcomes (%’s are good; $’s are best!)
   4. Ask yourself the question ‘What’s the Point?’, or ‘So What?’ concerning your answers. 

Actions:

1. Ask about the position:

Why is the position open?  If replacing someone, why did they leave and how long were they in the position?

What are some of the more difficult problems facing someone in this position?  How do you think these could best be handled?

2. Ask about the company: Show you have done research and know about them. 

How would you describe the company culture?

What do you enjoy most about working here? 

What is unique about this company?

What are the future plans for the company?

3. Ask about the people:

Ask how the organization is structured.  Who reports to whom?

Ask about the staff you will be managing (strengths, opportunities, etc.).

4. Ask about the outcomes of the position:

If I were successful in this position, what would that look like to you?

What are the most important things I can do to help the company within the first 90 days? 

Based on what they tell you, sell your past experiences. “This is how I would go about accomplishing those results.”

If I were to get this position, how could I prepare ahead of time to hit the ground running?

5. Things to avoid:

Do not bring up anything related to compensation, benefits, vacation, bonuses, or anything like that. You want to be a ‘giver’ and not perceived as a ‘taker’.

Do not be arrogant or overconfident or negative.

Do not bad-mouth anyone, even past employers that you hate. 

Wrap-Up:

1. Are there any concerns you might have about me being able to succeed in this role?  (If you don’t ask this question, you miss your chance to counteract any doubts.)
2. Based on our meeting, what do you suggest the next step in the process is?

3. Call me from their parking lot! 

Question Prep – Be prepared for this type of questioning! 

Introduction

1. Tell me about your current place of employment.

• What type of work do you do?
• What are your general areas of responsibility?

2. What are the three things in a work place that are most important to you? 

Discovery

3. Tell me specifically what you have accomplished in your current place of employment:

• What are the three most important results you have achieved this year?
• How about last year?
• How about at your last two places of employment?

4. Draw an organizational chart of your current (and previous) place(s) of employment:

• Who do you report to?
• Tell me about your coworkers.
• Tell me about your staff.

5. Give me an example of a major problem you had to solve this year with your company.

• What was the issue?
• How did you resolve it?
• Who did you ask to help?
• What was the result and outcome? What was its significance?
• What were your three biggest obstacles?

6. This is what I am looking for you to achieve with this company (and then share with the candidate the top three performance outcomes of the position, in terms of measurable results).

• How would you go about accomplishing these outcomes?
• What resources would you need to do it?
• How would you measure your progress along the way?
• What action steps would you take?

7. Do you have any questions for me? (Always say, “Yes!”)
8. Compensation: Where are you at?  What range are you looking for? 

Closure

9. Based on what I shared with you, do you feel you can do the job?
10. What is your interest level, on a scale of 1 to 10, in this position?
11. What time frame are you looking at starting? When will you give notice?
12. Where else are you interviewing? Do you have any offers?  How do you feel about them?

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