Signs That Your Interviewee Has the Soft Skills They Need for the Job

In the hospitality industry, soft skills are just as crucial as technical abilities, if not more so.?

These skills—like communication, empathy, and teamwork—are essential for providing the exceptional customer service that sets a business apart.

By Yehuda Beller

Hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences for guests.?

Whether it’s a warm welcome at the reception desk or attentive service in the dining room, the ability to connect with customers on a personal level is invaluable. Soft skills enhance this connection, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Why Resumes Fall Short

Resumes are a traditional tool for assessing candidates, but they have their limitations. While a resume can list soft skills, it doesn’t provide insight into how these skills are applied in real-world situations.?

For instance, a candidate may claim to have excellent communication skills, but how do you know if they can effectively engage with guests under pressure? This is where video introductions come into play.

The Power of Video Introductions

Platforms like Worklik enable candidates to create video introductions, offering a unique opportunity for hiring managers to observe soft skills in action. Here are some signs to look for in these videos:

• Effective Communication: Pay attention to how clearly and confidently the candidate speaks. Do they articulate their thoughts well? Are they able to convey their message in a concise and engaging manner? Communication is vital in hospitality, and a video introduction can reveal much about a candidate’s ability to interact with guests and colleagues.

• Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm: A candidate’s demeanor can tell you a lot about their potential fit within your team. Look for signs of enthusiasm and positivity. A friendly smile, energetic tone, and genuine excitement about the opportunity can indicate a candidate who will bring a positive energy to their role.

• Empathy and Customer Focus: Hospitality workers need to be empathetic and attentive to guests’ needs. In their video introduction, does the candidate show an understanding of what it means to provide excellent customer service? Do they share any experiences where they went above and beyond to assist a guest? These anecdotes can provide valuable insights into their empathy and customer-focused approach.

• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The hospitality industry is fast-paced and often unpredictable. Candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think on their feet and adapt to changing situations are highly valuable. Look for examples in their video introduction where they describe handling unexpected challenges or resolving conflicts.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong team player is crucial in any hospitality setting. Notice how the candidate talks about working with others. Do they highlight experiences where they contributed to a team effort or supported their colleagues? This can be a good indicator of their ability to work collaboratively.

Beyond the Video: The Interview Process

While video introductions are a great starting point, the interview process should continue to focus on uncovering soft skills. Behavioral interview questions are particularly effective.?

Ask candidates to provide specific examples of past experiences where they demonstrated key soft skills. This can give you a deeper understanding of how they operate in real-world situations.

In the hospitality industry, the ability to demonstrate soft skills is crucial. Video introductions on platforms like Worklik provide a window into a candidate’s personality and abilities that a resume simply cannot.?

By paying attention to communication, attitude, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork in these videos, hiring managers can better assess whether an interviewee has the soft skills needed for the job. Ultimately, these insights can lead to more informed hiring decisions and a stronger, more capable team.