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1. Be on time
Practice getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable your excuse is, it won't affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you're late. And remember - you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Aim to be early - you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if the worst comes to worst and you are going to be late, then ring in to tell them (make sure you have contact numbers with you).
2. Be prepared
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company
before you attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk
proudly about something positive you have found.
3. Write down and practice possible questions
Writing questions and answers down and practicing them with someone will make it
easier to remember when you get to the interview. And avoid sounding as though you
assume the job is yours.
It is fine to ask about the package on offer and accommodation
- living in or living out are particularly relevant. Don't forget
to find out if the company will guarantee you a resort or chalet - many
will only allocate a country. You could also try a fewer more
testing questions, such as how they differentiate themselves from
their competitors or what they think the toughest/hardest part of
the job is.
4.
What are your weaknesses?
Try to find an area of your experience/skill
that is currently lacking. An interviewer will appreciate your candour
- as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.
5. You never get a second chance to make a first
impression
SMILE! Dress professionally in simple business attire.
Just because you are going to be working in a ski resort
does not mean you should wear Oakleys and trainers to
your interview. And don't forget a firm handshake
and to maintain eye contact - without glaring!
6. Be honest
There's no point lying about your background and/or
skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get out to resort and
then get found out, you can be sure you won't be around for long!
Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good
match, then chances are that the job won't work out for you.
7. Check your CV for possible gaps
Make sure you know how you are going to explain any time
gaps on your CV.
8. Talk about specific achievements
Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular
success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done
that you're particularly proud of, how you solved problems, or how
you learnt - and improved - from difficult situations.
9. Don't talk too much
Communication is a two-way thing so give
them a chance too.
10. Prepare a sample menu plan
If you are applying for a catering job then take
along a sample menu plan. By this we mean a starter/main/dessert
combination for six days, ideally with a vegetarian
option. Think about the balance of nutrients and how
the colours will look on the plate. Our recipe
section has a number of favourites.
11. Take a spare photo & CV with you
Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you'll impress
them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.
12. Be enthusiastic and positive
Don't criticise previous employers, particularly within
the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.
13. Be on time
Did we mention that already? It's really important, so we've mentioned it again.
14. Try instructor courses
And if all else fails, join one of SnowSkool ski instructor courses in Canada, France or NZ. Get your qualifications and then use their instructor recruitment database to access jobs as instructors throughout the world.
And finally, don't give up!
The harsh reality is you won't be offered every job, however
perfect you think you may be for it. Usually it's because
the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that
stood before them. However, on the odd occasion where that's not the case, ask for feedback. It's invaluable for improving future
results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback
for the future - there's a job out there for you somewhere.
Best of luck!!!
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