The Hospitality Industry in Denver – A World of Opportunity
Denver’s hospitality industry is packed with opportunities for young adults eager to find exciting and rewarding work. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, food and beverage, events, hotels, or attractions, there’s a place for you. To make a great first impression, you’ll need to prepare for your interviews. This guide will help you get ready for common interview questions for hospitality positions and provide tips to land that job!
Interview Prep Tips
Research the Role and Company — Start by researching the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Familiarize yourself with the company’s services and values, and be ready to explain how you align with their mission. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a job at a hotel, learn about their customer service approach and unique offerings.
Practice Answers to Common Interview Questions — Practice or prepare answers to potential interview questions. Doing so will boost your confidence and help you refine your responses. It will also help you avoid feeling awkward while you think about a response. Farther down you’ll find examples of common interview questions.
Dress Professionally — While some hospitality jobs have casual environments, dressing professionally for the interview shows that you take the opportunity seriously. Business casual attire is usually a safe choice. For male-presenting folks that means slacks and a longsleeved button-down while female-presenting applicants should consider pants or a knee-length dress or skirt with a professional top. Make sure you know whether the interview will be in-person or virtual.
Bring a Copy of Your Resume — Even if you’ve already submitted your resume online, bringing a copy to the interview is a sign of preparation and professionalism. Additionally, make sure you’re familiar with the contents of your resume. It is also a good idea to bring a printed version of any references or other documents you submitted when applying.
General Interview Questions to Expect
Regardless of the role, here are some general interview questions you’ll likely encounter:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Focus on your relevant skills or experiences. If you don’t have previous job experience, speak to volunteer work, school activities, or even extracurriculars.
“Why do you want to work here?”
Make sure you look into the company in advance and prepare to explain why you’re excited to work at this particular place or in this sector of hospitality. Show that you’ve done your homework by mentioning something specific about their services or values.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Highlight strengths like reliability or teamwork. If asked about weaknesses, focus on areas you’re actively working to improve. Be honest about weaknesses, we all have them and an employer will immediately sense if you’re trying to dodge the question.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Share your passions and be honest about what you want to be doing. If you don’t know exactly the path you want to follow, you can be honest about that and tell the interviewer that you are open to opportunities.
Hospitality-Specific Interview Questions
Jobs in hospitality often involve customer service, collaboration, and a solid understanding of the industry. You’ll need to be prepared for hospitality-specific interview questions touching on topics like:
Customer Service Scenarios
Example: “How would you handle a guest who is upset about their experience?”
Show that you can stay calm, listen attentively, and work to resolve the issue in line with company policy.
Team Collaboration
Example: “Tell me about a time when you worked with others to accomplish a task.”
Hospitality jobs require strong teamwork, so highlight how you’ve contributed to a team’s success.
Industry Knowledge
Example: “How do you stay in-the-know or updated on industry news and developments?”
Whether you’re applying for a job in outdoor recreation, a hotel, or an event company, demonstrate your familiarity with Denver’s hospitality scene. Even something as simple as following businesses on social media can put you ahead.
Preparing Good Interview Questions for the Employer
In an interview, you should also be asking your own questions. Asking employers good and insightful interview questions shows that you’re invested in the opportunity. Here are a few key questions for a hospitality interview:
“What does a typical day in this role look like?”
This helps you understand the job’s day-to-day tasks and expectations.
“What qualities do you look for in successful employees?”
Asking this shows that you want to excel in the role.
“How does your team collaborate to ensure guest satisfaction?”
This question highlights your interest in teamwork and the guest experience, which are key in hospitality jobs.
“What would my growth path look like over the next few years?”
This shows that you’re interested in the long haul and are going to be willing to apply yourself to keep advancing your role and capabilities.
Easy Tips and Tricks
Be Punctual
Arriving 10-15 minutes early shows that you’re reliable and punctual.
Stay Positive and Friendly
A positive attitude is essential in hospitality, where customer interactions are key.
Ask Follow-Up Questions
Engaging with the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions makes a strong impression.
Take Notes
This will show that you’re taking the interview seriously and can communicate that you’re a diligent and dedicated person.
Interview Follow-Up
After the interview, send a ‘thank you’ email within 24 hours. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make hiring decisions. In your email, mention something specific from the interview and reaffirm your interest in the role.
Now You’re Ready to Ace That Interview
Denver’s hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities for even the most entry-level positions. With the right preparation — practicing hospitality-related questions for your interview, researching the company, and preparing questions of your own — you’ll be ready to ace the interview and begin your journey in this rewarding industry.
Feeling ready? Check out open positions here!
