Beyond the Resume: Innovative Interview Techniques for Finding Top Talent
Over the years, I’ve sifted through a mountain of resumes—enough to paper over a dining hall or two! But let’s have a real chat about something I’ve come to realize: the true essence of a potential hospitality star can hardly be squeezed onto those couple of pages of A4. Today, I’m keen to share some insights on digging deeper to uncover the real gems in our industry.
The Limitations of the Resume
Think of resumes as menus—they outline the offerings but can't quite capture the flavour. I've met folks with resumes as unassuming as toast who turned out to be absolute aces in service. Then there are those with resumes glittering like a disco ball, yet they struggle to whip up the basics. It goes to show, what glitters isn’t always gold, especially in the bustling world of hospitality.
The Rise of Soft Skills in Hospitality
In this game, soft skills are the secret sauce. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, stellar communication—these aren’t just fancy terms; they are the meat and potatoes of our trade. Sure, a machine can take orders, but it’s the human spark that keeps patrons coming back. Like the time a quick-witted team member turned a near disaster into a night our guests won’t soon forget. That’s the magic of soft skills.
Innovative Interview Techniques
Behavioral Interviews: Forget asking about their biggest weakness. Instead, try, “Tell me about a time you wowed a guest.” You’d be amazed at the tales of ingenuity and exceptional service that spill out, stories you’d never see on a resume.
Skill Assessments and Simulations: We've thrown candidates into the mix—having them handle a tough customer or plan a small event on the fly. It's one thing to claim you're up for the job; it's another to prove it in the heat of the moment.
Video Submissions: Asking candidates to send over a brief video describing a tough situation they’ve navigated or why they adore hospitality offers a vivid glimpse into their personality beyond the black and white of their resume.
Cultural Fit and Team Dynamics
Having led teams at places like Woodhouse Mountain Lodge and The Portage Hotel, I can tell you that the team's vibe is crucial. During interviews, it’s not just about whether someone can do the job but whether they’ll mesh with our crew. It’s about finding folks who not only share our kaupapa (purpose) but will enrich our whānau (family) in meaningful ways.
The Power of Storytelling in Interviews
Encouraging candidates to share personal tales of triumph or lessons from their setbacks opens a window into their soul. These stories unveil a person’s resilience, passion, and ability to grow. Often, it’s these narratives that clinch the decision for me.
Leveraging Technology in Recruitment
While we champion the human touch, we can’t overlook the advantages of technology. AI and recruitment software can help filter the sea of applicants, allowing us to focus on the most promising candidates. But remember, tech is just the appetizer; the main course is always the personal interaction.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Every interview is not just a test for the candidate but a learning curve for us recruiters. Each meeting teaches me something new about our needs and what really works. It’s this ongoing cycle of learning and adapting that keeps our industry vibrant and our teams sharp.
Conclusion
That’s my two cents on peeking beyond the resume to spot those true hospitality stars. It’s about getting creative, trusting your instincts, and never forgetting that at the heart of hospitality are the people. I’d love to hear how you’ve shaken up recruitment in your corner—shoot me an email or let’s get a discussion going below. Let’s keep this conversation alive!
Sidebar/Callout: Quick Tips for Implementing Innovative Interview Techniques
Start with open-ended, behavior-based questions.
Incorporate practical tasks or simulations relevant to the role.
Encourage video submissions to assess personality and creativity.
Always consider cultural fit—does the candidate reflect your team’s ethos?
Embrace technology but keep the personal touch central.
Treat every interview as a mutual learning opportunity.
Remember, in hospitality, our greatest asset strolls out the door at the end of each shift. Let’s ensure we’re welcoming the right folks through that door right from the start.
