Contributed by Galilhea Calderon, Coordinator of Academic Programs, AHLA Foundation.
The hospitality industry thrives on connections—whether you’re building relationships with guests, collaborating with colleagues or impressing future employers. Establishing meaningful connections during your job search and interviews is the key to standing out in this people-first industry.
The AHLA Foundation is here to guide DECA members through the process of showcasing their skills and passion for hospitality.
1. Lay the Groundwork: Research and Preparation
Success in hospitality begins with understanding the industry and the company you’re applying to.
- Research the Brand: Learn about the property’s guest service philosophy, mission and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can contribute to their vision.
- Understand Industry Trends: Stay informed by exploring resources like the AHLA Foundation’s research and career tools. Employers value candidates who can speak knowledgeably about trends like sustainability, workforce development and technology in hospitality.
- Practice People-Focused Answers: Prepare for questions such as, “How do you create meaningful guest experiences?” or “How do you build strong team relationships?” Highlight examples of how your interpersonal skills made an impact.
2. Make a Winning First Impression
In hospitality, your presentation mirrors the welcoming environment you will create for guests.
- Dress to Reflect the Brand: Whether the company culture leans formal or casual, your attire should be neat, professional and aligned with the organization’s style.
- Show Your Personality: Smile, maintain positive body language and engage with genuine enthusiasm. Employers in hospitality look for individuals who radiate warmth and positivity.
- Arrive Prepared: Bring extra copies of your resume and arrive early to demonstrate professionalism and reliability.
3. Build Relationships in the Interview
In hospitality, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you connect with others.
- Highlight Emotional Intelligence: Share examples of how you’ve resolved conflicts, exceeded guest expectations or supported a teammate. Employers value empathy and adaptability in hospitality roles.
- Use the STAR Method: When answering questions, structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action and Result to articulate your contributions clearly. For example, explain how you transformed a dissatisfied guest’s experience into a positive one.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Show your interest in the company by asking about their guest satisfaction goals, team-building programs or community initiatives. These questions underscore your people-first mindset.
4. Follow Up Thoughtfully
The connections you make during your interview shouldn’t end there.
- Send a Personalized Thank-You: Within 24 hours, thank your interviewer for their time, referencing specific details from the conversation to show attentiveness and genuine interest.
- Reinforce Your Enthusiasm: In the follow-up, reiterate why you’re excited about the role and how your skills align with the company’s mission.
5. Connection-Driven Job Search Strategies
The job search process in hospitality is an opportunity to showcase your ability to connect with others.
- Customize Your Resume for Hospitality: Emphasize your teamwork, guest service and communication skills. Use specific metrics when possible (e.g., “Improved guest satisfaction scores by 10% through personalized service initiatives”).
- Leverage Networking Opportunities: Attend AHLA Foundation events like career fairs or conferences to build relationships with industry leaders and potential employers.
- Stay Inspired by Industry Innovations: Familiarize yourself with emerging trends in the hospitality industry. Employers value candidates who are forward-thinking and eager to adapt to new challenges.
In hospitality, putting people first is the cornerstone of success. You’ll stand out as a top candidate by building authentic connections with your interviewers and emphasizing your passion for service.
The AHLA Foundation is here to support DECA members in preparing for their future. Good luck as you embark on a fulfilling career where connections make a difference!
