What are the best ways to prepare for internships and job interviews in hospitality management?

1 Research the company

Before you apply for an internship or a job interview, you should do some research on the company you are interested in. Find out their mission, vision, values, culture, products, services, and target market. This will help you tailor your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to their specific needs and expectations. It will also show that you are genuinely interested in working for them and that you have done your homework.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

Your resume and portfolio are the first impression you make on a potential employer. They should highlight your relevant skills, achievements, education, and experience in hospitality management. Make sure your resume is clear, concise, and error-free. Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the company's goals. Your portfolio should showcase your best work samples, such as projects, reports, presentations, or testimonials. Include a brief description of each sample, explaining what you did, how you did it, and what results you achieved.

3 Practice your skills and answers

To prepare for an internship or a job interview, you should practice your skills and answers to common questions. You can use online resources, such as mock tests, quizzes, or videos, to test your knowledge and skills in hospitality management. You can also ask a friend, a mentor, or a professional coach to give you feedback and tips on your performance. You should practice answering questions about your strengths, weaknesses, goals, motivations, and scenarios related to hospitality management. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as about the company's culture, expectations, or opportunities.

4 Dress and act professionally

Your appearance and behavior can make a big difference in how you are perceived by a potential employer. You should dress and act professionally, according to the company's dress code and etiquette. You should wear clean, neat, and appropriate clothes and accessories. You should also groom yourself well, such as by brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and applying deodorant. You should also act professionally, by being punctual, polite, confident, and enthusiastic. You should avoid using slang, chewing gum, or checking your phone during the internship or the job interview.

5 Follow up and thank them

After the internship or the job interview, you should follow up and thank them for the opportunity. You can send a thank-you email or a handwritten note to the person who interviewed you or supervised you during the internship. You should express your appreciation, restate your interest, and highlight your main qualifications and skills. You should also mention something specific that you learned or enjoyed during the internship or the job interview. This will show that you are grateful, attentive, and eager to work for them.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?