How to Answer "What Is Your Greatest Strength?"

 

We've previously featured how to answer "What is your biggest weakness?" and for our next feature we present how to answer “What is your greatest strength?" Providing a well prepared answer can leave a good, lasting impression on the interviewer. Here are some tips when responding:

#1: It's not about how much, but how well.

When you talk about your strengths, do not start listing everything that you are good at immediately off the top of your head. Think it through carefully and prepare a quality answer. Narrow down your strengths to a maximum of two to three things, then explain to the hiring manager how well you were able to accomplish such tasks and orders. For example, you can share how you demonstrated great time management skills and how detailed-oriented you were as a host/hostess.

#2: Provide evidence or a story.

Make sure you can support your claim. Back up your strengths with numbers or a story about the particular matter to reinforce your candidacy. So to relate back to the prior example, mention how well you were able to handle a high number of calls and reservations with guests, via both the phone and at the restaurant, in a timely and accurate manner.

#3: Tie it in with the company's values.

Prior to your interview, research the company you are interviewing with and look for important things that are valued by the brand. For example, most hospitality businesses deem customer service as a top priority. In that case, you can describe how your friendly and likable personality would be an asset when dealing with patrons and customers.

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Avoid These Job Interview Mistakes

 

Going into a job interview is always nerve-wracking. Even before you enter and meet the hiring manager, you have to physically and mentally prepare. Previously, we have given you some tips for the question and answering portion of interview, but here are some other common practices you must steer clear of:

#1: Do not state how nervous you are.

No matter how much your nerves get to you, do not let your interviewer know. They know that everybody gets nervous, so admitting to it makes you look unprofessional and unqualified. In addition, it gives off an impression that you will not be able to handle the work environment and stressful situations.

#2: Do not go into your interview without doing research.

Make sure you do your homework prior to going into any interview. Find out everything you can about the business, its leaders and even who you will be interviewing with. Knowing such information will be only advantageous for you when being asked questions. It also proves that you are invested in working for the company.

#3: Avoid replying with one-word answers.

Hiring managers want to hear stories about your experiences and skills. You need to elaborate and expand on your responses. For example, when asked about your past position as a server, describe your role and what you learned on the job.

#4: Do not go in question-less.

At the end of the interview, you will most likely be asked 'So, do you have any questions for me?' You definitely do not want to end the interview with just a 'No'. Prepare at least three meaningful questions in advance to ask. Do not ask obvious or overused questions. Instead, try 'What do you most enjoy about your job?' or 'What makes the company different from its competitor?' to create a personable conversation.

It's relatively easy to fix these bad habits, as long as you prepare beforehand. Take these pieces of advice with you when go on your next job interview, and good luck.

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 Looking to work in Hospitality?

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Effective Body Language for Job Interviews

Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words. - Deborah Bull

Job interviews are comprised of two parts—the verbal and the non-verbal. Not only do you have to speak well, you also have to present yourself in a proper manner.

Oftentimes, interviewers pay more attention to the way you are expressing yourself through body language than to your actual words.

So here are some tips to effectively use body language for your next job interview:

#1: Make a strong first impression.

It has been said that hiring managers already have a hiring decision in their minds within the first 10 seconds of meeting you, so project confidence from the start. When entering the interview room, walk in with a steady stride, with a straightened out neck and back.

#2: Greet your interviewer with a firm, handshake.

Handshakes are extremely crucial. They can neither be weak, nor overly aggressive. Try and practice with a partner to get a sense of what is an ideal grip.

#3: Monitor your gestures and eye contact.

Limit yourself to a small amount of gesturing. Nodding in approval and quick hand gestures to demonstrate are fine, but don't over do it. Eye contact is also important to maintain an on-going conversation, but you do not want to stare down your interviewer.

#4: Avoid excessive movements.

Similar to gesturing and eye contact, keep movements to a minimum. Fidgeting and swaying in your seat are definitely not professional-looking.

#5: React to your interviewer’s body language.

If you notice that your interviewer shows a reaction, try to respond to it. For example, if you see that he/she has a puzzled look or facial expression, may be that signifies that you should repeat or explain further to clearly convey your message.

Take these tips into consideration for your next job interview, and you'll be sure to impress your interviewer.

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 Looking to work in Hospitality?

Discover who’s hiring on Harri

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