Front Desk Job

May 22, 2004 5:30 PM

I'm interviewing for a simple FrontDesk job at SpringHill Suites very soon (I think a branch of Marriott Hotels) and I just found out that it's a popular position to be applying for. What can I do to draw positive attention to myself so I stand out in the interviewer's mind?

My initial thought was to study in-depth the history of the company and stuff, but I'm thinking I would come off as smart-assy. Maybe there's some way to subtly drop my knowledge of the company?

posted by Slimemonster to work & money (5 answers total)

What do the front desk staff wear? If they wear a uniform or something standardized, conform as near as possible with how you dress for the interview. Also, smile at all times. Address the interviewers formally with each statment, "Yes, sir, Mr. Smith," or "No, ma'am, Ms. Doe." Handy knowledge of the company would be the locations of other Spring Hill Suites and Marriott hotels in your locale, in the event that you had to walk someone. (You do know what 'walking someone' means, don't you?)

Poke around the web for an online front desk protocol handbook.
posted by mischief at 6:14 PM on May 22, 2004

slimemonster, have you worked or done volunteer/club work before?

If so, be sure to use that history when you answer questions. Some really common interview questions are:

Why do you want this job?
Why would you make the best candidate for this job?
How do you think your job history relates to the tasks associated with this job?
Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer. (Your answer should make it sound like you turned a potentially terrible situation into a good one.)

Be sure to emphasize great customer service skills, dependability, and willingness to learn. Don't ask about salary, benefits, or hours. If they offer you the job all that will come out, and you can make the decision from there.
Do have a couple of good questions about the company, and try to make a personal impression on the interviewer. I find the best way to get someone to like me is to like them, first - so don't be fake, but find something to relate to the interviewer about.

Good luck!
posted by pomegranate at 6:27 PM on May 22, 2004

Try calling a SpringHill Suites in another town and ask the front desk person the same question. They've been through the interview and got the job.
posted by Frank Grimes at 12:15 PM on May 23, 2004

In case you don't know what "walking" someone means.
I didn't, and am glad to have the information!
posted by nprigoda at 4:35 PM on May 23, 2004

The most common question front desk staff hear starts with "Where can I ... ?" So, scout the neighborhood.

Locate the closest economy gas station that accepts credit cards. Locate an auto maintenance shop. Locate any 24 hour stores. Locate the different restaurants (but remember, "Yes, sir, our own restaurant here in the hotel is quite fine."), especially those that deliver. Be able to give directions to all major streets, highways and interstates. Hospital, pharmacy, police station, ...; I think you get the picture.
posted by mischief at 7:57 PM on May 23, 2004