Hospitality Interviewing Tip #1 - Appearance

"... your appearance is actually a key step in showing your potential employer that you will fit into the hotel/restaurant's corporate culture. The higher the star or diamond rating of the hotel or restaurant, the more important it becomes... "

I noticed that some people don't realize how important their 'appearance' is when they are going to an interview. You might think - hey, that's really shallow! If they choose to hire me, it will be because they like me and that combined with my education & experience - I'm sure to get the job!

Well - sorry to burst you bubble, people - if we lived in a 'perfect world' then that would be the case - however last time I checked... we don't. The same way you would be thinking about what you will be wearing on a first date (well, for most women at least) - you should be thinking about what you are going to wear to your interview. Cause although people don't realize this - your appearance is so important to this industry!

I know - you are shocked and disappointed in the hospitality industry now. You never thought the industry could be so shallow. Well, it isn't actually - you don't need to submit headshots to potential employers or anything like that (unless of course you're applying to somewhere like Hooters or Cactus Club) - but your appearance is actually a key step in showing your potential employer that you will fit into the hotel/restaurant's corporate culture. The higher the star or diamond rating of the hotel or restaurant, the more important it becomes.

Lets say you're lucky enough to be called into an interview at somewhere like the Four Seasons Hotel - you know that limos park in front of the hotel all the time, you know that celebrities and other rich people stay there, you know they're a 4 or 5 diamond property - that's why you applied to work there in the first place - so doesn't it make sense that when you prepare to go to your interview that you should plan to dress as if you fit in there?

I'm not saying that you should wear 'bling' like JLo would but I'm talking about wearing a nice suit (matching blazer & pants/skirt) with classy practical shoes (Girls, if you come in wearing high heeled stiletto shoes, your potential employer may wonder if you're planning to work or try to find a celebrity husband). This is not the time to show off your individuality by wearing that sexy dress, hot pink nail polish or for the guys, that tie you have with a picture of Tweety on it. You'll have plenty of time to show off your individuality later on- when you get the job. I recommend wearing just a few pieces of jewelery and just an appropriate amount of make-up. You should always target classy when going to an interview at a hotel. If after you get the job you see that their dress code is more laid back then you can relax your wardrobe. But only then - NEVER before.

" ...you know they're a 4 or 5 diamond property - that's why you applied to work there in the first place - so doesn't it make sense that when you prepare to go to your interview that you should plan to dress as if you fit in there?"

Mind you, there are some hotels out there that have more funky themes, like the Hard Rock Hotels or the W hotels or maybe even one of the hotels in Las Vegas but really there aren't too many of those around (unless of course you live in Las Vegas). I have a few friends that work at a Hard Rock Hotel but even they adjust their work appearance according to there job title. A Front desk agent friend changed her hair color twice - they allow it there - once it was pink and another time I heard she tried blue. My other friend is the Public Relations Manager and she still dresses like she would if she was working at the Four Seasons. I don't know how relevant this is to dressing for an interview but I'm just trying to emphasize the point of how important your appearance is to this industry.

So - invest in some good interview wear, do some research on how their staff dress and get ready for that interview. One last note of advice though - when in doubt, dressing up more than what the standard is at the hotel will always be better for you - afterall, you're out to impress.

Now - go get that job!