8 things all employers are looking for.

Having recruited for some of hospitality’s leading brands for well over a decade, we can confidently say mum knows what employers are looking for – and it’s more than just education, skills, and experience.

Of course, they’ll outline the education, skills and experience they need for a particular role. And they’ll definitely want you to demonstrate these on your CV, then using real-world examples at interview.

But there are some aspects of competency and attitude that will get you noticed by any employer, whatever role you’re applying for – the kind of things that’ll help you stand head and shoulders above other, similarly qualified candidates.

Want to know what employers are really looking for? Read on.

1. honesty

Trust is the bedrock of any successful relationship – including between an employer and employee. So start as you mean to go on by demonstrating honesty and openness throughout the hiring process. 

From tweaking past job titles and plumping up previous salaries to failing to disclose if you’re also interviewing elsewhere or what your actual notice period is, there can be a temptation to stretch the truth during the hiring process… But beware: before you know it, one‘white lie’ can spiral – and the chances are, you will get found out. 

Also, remember: no one’s perfect. If you’re asked about past challenges or your biggest weaknesses, admitting your mistakes and imperfections and demonstrating how you’ve learned from them and continue to improve yourself shows self-awareness and humility – both of which are invaluable traits in a team player.

2. passion 

True hospitalitarians really care about their craft. After all, our whole industry is about looking after people, creating and helping them enjoy happy, memorable experiences. The best brands look for ambassadors who can embody that spirit.

So, let your enthusiasm show. Give a voice to your passion – think about the reasons you love hospitality, and be ready to explain them clearly and concisely. Don’t be afraid to be your authentic self – the person you’ll be at work on a daily basis. Just remember to showcase your excitement for the role without overwhelming the conversation. 

3. commitment & loyalty

All employers want to reduce churn and increase retention – if they think you’re a flight risk, you can wave goodbye to that dream role. It’s your job to convince employers you're in for the long haul. 

Convey your commitment to the company's success and your dedication to its mission. Show that you're not just looking for any job, but genuinely believe in the organisation's goals and align with their ethos.

Also, look to the future. Share your hopes for growth and development, and explain why you think this role (and this business) is the place to realise them. Ask about progression opportunities. Be ready to answer the “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question in the context of the business you’re interviewing with.

4. ambition & eagerness to learn

Don't shy away from sharing your dreams, the skills you’d like to gain or improve, and the experience you want to get or build on. Demonstrate your love for learning  – whether through ongoing education, training, or staying informed. Clearly communicate that you're on a path of continual improvement, always looking for ways to better yourself – and their business at the same time.

(Just don’t confuse ‘ambition’ with ‘ruthlessness’ – it’s crucial to show that your idea of success comes with the context of teamwork, collaboration, and the overall success of the business you’re interviewing with.) 

5. flexibility & adaptability

Hospitality is a fast-moving, high-pressure industry where situations can change in a moment. Whether you’re front- or back-of-house, you’ll interact with a wide range of people on a daily basis. 

So, having a flexible mindset – the ability to get on with anyone and adapt your manner and communication style according to the needs of the situation – is an absolute must. As is being adaptable in a practical sense – by showing you can think on your feet and problem-solve quickly and effectively while staying calm. Be ready to give examples of instances of when you’ve worked effectively with a diverse team in challenging circumstances and embraced unexpected changes positively.

6. confidence

The hiring process isn’t a time to be humble or self-deprecating: this is your time to shine, so make the most of it! Talk about your past achievements and how they positively impacted the companies you worked for. Clearly outline your strengths, give examples of when you’ve demonstrated them, and explain why they make you an asset to this business in particular.

Of course, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so just be careful to engage that self-awareness, read the room, and toot your own horn just the right amount.

7. dependability

They say a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and that’s never more true than in hospitality. Every employer wants to know the next hire they make is going to strengthen their team and become a strong set of shoulders to lessen the load.

Showcase your strong work ethic with examples where you’ve gone above and beyond to deliver for your team or a guest. Hammer home your reliability by relaying examples of your commitment to meeting deadlines. Be ready to talk about times your dependability has been tested and how you responded to this. Basically, do whatever you can to set the interviewer’s mind at ease and let them know you’re a smart hire.

8. determination & resilience

Every workplace has its challenges. Every person experiences their setbacks. It’s how you deal with it that counts. Resilience is a necessity in a guest-facing industry where all manner of challenges can catch you unawares, and determination is a contagious trait that can help rally a whole team, boosting morale and driving results.

Share stories that illustrate your determination and persistence in overcoming challenges. Highlight your ability to persevere and work towards achieving goals. It’ll do wonders for your suitability in the eyes of the interviewer, trust us.

From confidence-boosting interview prep to constructive feedback, we support you throughout your candidate journey. Looking for a new opportunity? Send us your CV.