Published on: 29 March 2016
Last Updated on: 10 September 2024
It is famously said “In New York, they like winners. They don’t like second place.” This quote perhaps sums up the character of this city which has witnessed hundreds of ‘rags to riches’ stories over the years. For more than a hundred years this city has attracted people from around the world who come here to realize their dreams.The hospitality industry in NYC is no different and it has helped hundreds of thousands of people build a great career. , New York City sits top on everyone’s radar. Here we discuss some of the reasons for you to explore hospitality jobs in the city.
The Odds Are High:
As a job seeker, you would always want to work in a place that offers you maximum career options. And when it comes to stats, there can be no better option than New York City if you are looking to make a career in the hotel industry. The top 250 hotels in NYC have a total of about 70000 rooms and employ about 35000 people. Apart from this, there are hundreds of other smaller hotels, inns and B&Bs in the city that employ more than a hundred thousand people. The city being the center of the global economy is visited millions of people annually creating a vibrant hospitality industry. So your odds with hotel jobs in New York are substantially higher than anywhere else in the world.
It is Constantly Growing:
If you thought that the above figures are mind boggling and the growth has stabilized, think again. Since 2007, an estimated 35000 hotel rooms have been added to the city and each year more than 4000 rooms are being added. This has resulted in constant demand for new talent in the industry. In 2014, a record 55 million people visited the city with the majority in the corporate travel bracket. These figures are all-time high in the post-recession world and has stimulated the construction of new properties and hiring of fresh talent.
Higher Wages:
Working in one of the biggest cities in the world comes with its own perks. As per the latest figures released by the New York State Department of Labor the basic hourly wage for people in the hotel industry stands at $9 per hour which is among the highest in the United States for entry level employees. Apart from this employees also receive other allowances for Uniforms, Food and Lodging. And here we are only talking about minimum wages. If you are passionate about your job and possess the right skills you will never have a reason to feel disappointed about your remuneration in New York.
It Adds To Your Resume:
If you are planning to explore hospitality jobs in other parts of the world, the experience of working in a hotel in New York would act as a huge plus in your Resume. Finding hotel jobs in NYC involves going through the most stringent selection process where only the best make the cut. There is an aura about working in such a competitive ecosystem where you would have to deal with people from different parts of the world that come with their own expectations. This works as a great learning experience for any professional irrespective of his/her role. So even a small stint in New York improves your future prospects in this industry exponentially.
As you can clearly see the hospitality industry in New York offers you an ocean of opportunities to explore. Irrespective of your skills and expertise you would find an opportunity that would lay a strong foundation for your long career. To scout for the most lucrative opening, you need to choose a job portal that is dedicated to the hospitality industry. These would keep you updated on the latest job openings across various hotels in the city and let you apply at your ease.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Navigating hard interview questions can be a challenge most job seekers face. Especially when these tough questions do not have a correct answer!
Knowing how to answer tricky questions while maintaining professionalism can set you apart.
Below, we break down some of the difficult interview questions asked during interviews. Then, offer strategies for crafting solid responses and outline the professional etiquette necessary to leave that long-lasting positive impression.
#Hard Question 1 - “Tell me about yourself.”
This is more of a statement than a question, but it's the opening question so many people have trouble with.
It's the simplest thing imaginable, yet people seem to need to learn how to do it. The trick here is that you don’t have to tell your entire life story; in fact, please don’t.
Stick to basic information and then cut to educational and professional qualifications, which can help you in the job role you are interviewing for.
#Hard Question 2 - “What are Your Weaknesses?”
I know that everyone says not to do this. You know be all quirky and make a witty joke! Not very ideal interview skills.
But interviewers now really appreciate quick wits!
I recently, however, did it in a big interview.
My answer to this question was:
"Since I am assuming there is a finite amount of time for each applicant, and there are many qualified applications, my biggest weakness would be running out of time to tell you how fantastic I am."
It worked, too. One of the serious ones even had a light hint of a grin on her face!
It’s a bit of a trap, but interviewers just want to know that you’re self-aware and working on it.
Nobody’s perfect, so feel free to use a real one. Just make sure it’s not a disqualifying one. For example, do not give stupid and vague answers like "I am a perfectionist, and since I always tend to give a perfect copy of my work, it affects my mental health."
Derailing mental health because of crippling OCD is a serious condition, and you shouldn't be using this to put yourself on a pedestal!
#Hard Question 3 - “How Are You Working on Your Weaknesses?”
Among the hard interview questions, weaknesses will take a good chunk of it. If you answer the previous question well, this question will inevitably come your way!
Example: “I’m trying to improve my presentation skills. I’ve been joining Toastmasters and practicing my speaking.”
“I am currently focused on improving my communication skills, particularly my public speaking. I am working on being a more persuasive speaker so that I can do well in this class and professional presentations. One area that I believe would help me be more effective is learning to use visual aids to give better presentations.”
Give detailed steps that you are taking to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
#Hard Question 4 - “Why Our Company?”
Let me get this straight! You are fooling no one by implying this is the only interview you have lined up.
This is one of the reasons why you need to be professional and do thorough research about the company who is interviewing you. It begins with tailoring your resume, and cover letter based on the company's job role.
Next, knowing about the job role and what they are looking for.
Among all the hard interview questions, this is particularly a test of how well you’ve researched the company.
Interviewers want to see genuine interest in the role and organization. First, state the company’s values, culture, or projects that match your interests and goals. Second, communicate what you can contribute to their team.
Pro Tip: Be detailed! Don’t just say, “I like the company’s mission.” Explain what specifically appeals to you about their objectives/goals and why you are passionate about what they do.
#Hard Question 5 - “Why Should We Hire You?”
This is your chance to tell them why they should take a chance on you. Share with them your top strengths that would be compatible with the job posting.
Think of it as a quick elevator pitch. (Pro interview tip: You should always have an elevator pitch about yourself ready).
As if you entered an elevator with the CEO of your dream company – 30 seconds – how would you sell yourself to him/her?
You want to make it clear that YOUR skills, experience, and confidence make you unmistakably perfect for this job or this company!
“I have been in customer service for five years and have never missed my performance goals. I’m looking forward to using my abilities in your company to help customer satisfaction.”
#Hard Question 6 - “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
This question is to ensure two things:
Whether you are committed to the position you are getting.
Do you have the zeal to do better and strive for a promotion in the foreseeable future?
Most interviewers are trying to determine if you plan to stay with the company or are likely to leave as soon as you find a better opportunity. They also want to understand your level of ambition.
Think of how your goals would align with the position and company you’re applying for and discuss how you’d like to grow within the company.
Pro Tip: "Do not mention other roles or industries; talk about how you can progress within the company that is interviewing you."
#Hard Question 7 - “Describe a time you dealt with a difficult situation.”
Every corporation has its own difficulties to deal with. However, if this is your first job, you can very well draw conclusions from your academic challenges.
Pro Tip: They do not want to know whether you handled a team of teams and dealt with a difficult situation all by yourself. However, they will want to know whether you have the strength and resilience to deal with any difficult situation alone.
This question tests your problem-solving and stress-handling abilities. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response.
For example, pick an example from your professional life, describe the difficulty, detail what you did to address it, and emphasize the positive result.
"I had a client that was upset over something that wasn’t communicated correctly. I fixed it immediately and told the client we wouldn’t make mistakes like that going forward. Plus, I offered them certain gifts as compensation. The client was happy with the results. It just takes a little bit of hearing the other side to ensure you retain an angry customer."
#Hard Question 8 - “Can you explain the gap in your employment?”
Most people have a time in their employment history when they weren’t working for one reason or another, whether it be for personal reasons, going back to school or some other endeavor.
Therefore, these tough interview questions about gap years can make almost anyone nervous!
The best way to answer concerns over an employment gap is honestly. However, ensure to mention things you did that will show how and why you were still productive during that time.
Any courses you did, or how you upskilled yourself in this gap year, or work on projects will help strengthen your case.
Pro Tip: Keep it positive. You should be honest, but this is not an opportunity for you to vent about what annoys you at work.
#Hard Question 9 - "What motivates you?"
Your answer should be related to the position you’re applying for, so think about what you’re most excited to do at this job and why—whether it’s reaching a personal goal or being able to help other people, for example—and explain how that relates back to your role at the company.
#Hard Question 9 - “What is your greatest professional achievement?”
This question is a great chance to subtly brag about yourself, but also remember that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position, not in general.
For example, if you are applying for a management-level position and have managed teams in the past, explain how many people you have managed, the largest team size you have led, and any notable achievements as a manager.
"I led a team who achieved an almost 20% boost in sales in just six months thanks to our new customer engagement strategy."
Pro Tip: Whenever possible - quantify. Numbers always add a layer of credibility. Plus, try to keep your face and tone professional whenever you say such a thing. It shouldn't come out like you are bragging, but at the same time, you should be proud of your achievements and not downplay it."
#Hard Question 10 - "Do you have any questions for us?"
Don’t say “no.” This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the position, so ask a good question — or several. Inquire about things like company culture, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within the organization.
However, save questions about salary and benefits for later in the process. Especially if you have a few interviews to crack, always ask about the salary in the final round.
Do not worry; you can always negotiate, and even if the salary is not up to the mark, you cannot always take that position.
Pro Tip: Come prepared with a list of questions to ask that demonstrates you’ve done your homework.
Here is a list of unique interview questions to ask the employer!
Professional Etiquette Tips for Interviews
Now that you know about the hard interview questions and the answers that are close to the appropriate ones, here are a few more items to remember!
1. Being Punctual is Non-Negotiable
Being punctual should be a non-negotiable when it comes to attending interviews.
Arrive on Time. It may sound simple, but arriving on time for an interview is critical. In fact, 10-15 minutes early is probably the best arrival time. However, not more than that, you wouldn't want to seem too eager or nervous.
2. Your Posture Speaks a Lot
Your non-verbal signals reveal a lot about yourself. Sit with your back straight, make eye contact, and smile with a firm handshake.
Don’t hold your arms or fidget, as the interviewer might take it wrongly as a sign of apprehension or disinterest. Instead, slightly lean forward and nod to show that you are engaged.
3. Listen – Do not Just Jump to Answering
The art of active listening is a must when giving an interview!
Allow the interviewer to complete his/her thoughts and then answer the question.
It helps you to frame your response in a better way and reflects your genuineness in the conversation.
4. Politeness is Given
Being polite also has a long way to go. Start and finish the interview by thanking your interviewer for their time. And send a follow-up thank-you email later too; to remind them how interested you are in this job.
5. Dress code
If you’re unsure what to wear, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Even if you’re not sure of the company culture, dressing a little more formally will give the impression that you take this opportunity seriously. Plus, who doesn’t look great dressed up? Look at some of the best interview attire for men.
Why a Good Cover Letter Matters as the Final Touch?
A strong cover letter for a resume can be the difference between standing out or blending in with the pile of applications. It’s your chance to showcase why you’re a perfect fit for the role beyond what’s listed in your resume.
A great cover letter adds a personal touch, offering data for your qualifications and highlighting specific achievements that match the company’s needs. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills.
Make it concise, focused, and tailored for each job. This effort shows you’re genuinely invested in the role.
Confidence is Everything!
Mastering hard interview questions and maintaining professional etiquette is essential for landing your dream job.
With the right preparation, you can confidently handle even the toughest questions.
Always remember to follow up after your interview, and don't overlook the importance of your cover letter as the final touch.
These small details will make a big difference in setting you apart from other candidates and getting you closer to that job offer.
Read Also:
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The remote work movement is here to stay. That’s something we can say with confidence at this point, following a rapid shift during the pandemic.
Even companies that at one point were very strictly against remote work now have hybrid options, or some are remote-first and remote-only.
As companies transitioned, perhaps not willingly, but because they were forced to during the pandemic, they saw real benefits. A lot of employers say that their employees were more productive than they thought they would be and happier in many cases too.
That doesn’t mean that it’s all smooth sailing, though.
Managers and leaders are still looking at ways to keep remote employees productive and engaged over the long-term with remote work, now that the newness has worn off and the reality of possible downsides has set in.
For leadership in 2022, the following are things to remember to keep your remote teams productive and thriving.
1. Give Them the Technology They Need to Succeed
You want your remote employees to feel like they can access everything they need to do their jobs quickly and easily. At the same time, in providing that access, you can’t sacrifice your cybersecurity.
Many bad actors have taken advantage of remote work over the past couple of years, wreaking havoc on businesses.
To keep remote employees productive but also to protect your data and assets, think about investing in an identity and access management (IAM) security strategy. IAM makes it easy for your employees to access everything required to do their jobs quickly and efficiently but simultaneously reduces the risk of an identity breach.
The more cumbersome your identity management or cybersecurity tools, the less productive and engaged your employees are going to be.
Similarly, ask your employees if there are other apps or resources they might require to be more productive. Using good project management software goes a long way in any organization.
Very little thought should be given to how they access the network and the resources they require day-to-day on their part—your focus should be on the provision of a seamless experience so this can happen.
2. Keep Your Employees in the Loop, No Matter Where They’re Working
There’s a term that you’re likely to hear more of in the coming months and years, which is remote-first. In a remote-first organization, there is still a physical office space, but it’s not a hub of communication or decision-making.
Instead, the online world is.
The office may exist as needed or when someone prefers to come in, but managers and leaders make an effort to ensure that everyone who works remotely is in the loop and the conversations are happening digitally first and foremost.
If there are any updates that need to be shared, or you need feedback or have company news, make sure remote employees have access to it. Even if you aren’t technically remote-first, keep employees connected through communication.
3. Rethink Your Onboarding Process
If you’re hiring new employees right now, how you onboard them is going to have a ripple effect on their productivity throughout the entirety of their time with your company.
Remote new hires tend to feel significantly less equipped to do their jobs. They need support, and your onboarding strategy should take into account the remote element.
Your employees need access to login credentials and documents, they need training and orientation, and they also need training on less apparent drivers of success. For example, your onboarding program should include things like how your organization members communicate with one another.
4. Recognize If You’re a Productivity Killer
Managers and leadership may be killing employee productivity, and they often have no idea they’re the problem.
If you’re constantly holding long-winded meetings on video chat, you are killing productivity.
Just like in the past few years there has been a big push away from pointless in-person meetings, make sure you’re not creating the same environment digitally.
If you don’t need everyone to attend a video meeting, then don’t have everyone participate.
Let your employees work in the ways that they think are going to help them meet goals and achieve, without trying to take up too much of their time or micromanage.
The real advantage of remote work is that you can think less about how employees get to a certain endpoint. Instead, it’s about results. You’re not monitoring everything they’re doing, so allow employees to thrive and be more productive by meeting objectives you set but doing so in the ways they think are best or most effective.
You’ll find if you set measurable, specific goals but then take a step back, it helps your remote employees thrive.
Read Also:
What No One Tells You About Working Remotely
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The Scrum Master is a bridge between a planner and an implementer. So, you can say everyone is on the same tier. But a software developer has some special technical skills that help him become a Scrum Master easier than others.
Moreover, an excellent Scrum Master has all the skills and capabilities to lead the team to achieve their goals effectively. Hence, if a Developer wants to become a Scrum Master, he/she needs to achieve the following things.
Scrum Master Training:
No matter how skilled a Developer you are and how much practice you have done as a Scrum Master, you still need to get the Scrum Master training.
The training will help you learn the basics of the Scrum Framework and other fundamentals that help build leadership quality. Being a Software Developer, you already have some skills. So, it will be easier for the Developer to achieve the training and be a Scrum Master.
Organization Skills:
Another essential skill that a Software Developer needs to gain to become a Scrum Master is organization skills. This will help to learn the strategy building and implementing the team in the right direction. Moreover, it helps the individual to keep everything organized and up to the mark.
A Software Developer cum Scrum Master will get the plus point in having these skills, so they do not need to pass through particular training to learn these skills. The Scrum Master will be responsible for leading the team and managing the projects easily. With these capabilities, you will be able to step towards the Scrum Master successfully.
Technical Formalities:
The most crucial role of the Scrum Master is to find real-time and better strategies to divert the team in the pathway of achieving the goals. That's why it is crucial to learn some technical formalities before you take your step towards the Scrum Master. But if you are a Software Developer, you already have the skills of technical formalities. The technical formalities will strengthen the team. This will also help learn how to develop the software that helps lead the Agile team more easily.
Soft Skills:
It's easy to keep a check on the hard skills. Soft skills are also essential for the Software Developer, from finding the right resume to building the characteristic that is difficult to define. Besides that, Soft Skills will also help in becoming the best Scrum Master. The skills may include the following things, which are as follows:
Coaching and Teaching Skills:
A large part of the Scrum Master is based on teaching and coaching skills. This will help the team learn the skills essential for leading the team which is new to the Scrum Master field. Learning the teaching skills will also help in understanding the weakness and strengthening point. Moreover, this will help me to become a great coach as well.
Conflict Simplification:
The Scrum Master can resolve the conflicts between the team. If any disagreement arises in the team, the Scrum Master will help to fix them on time. This will be potentially helpful in progressing the team and achieve the team goals accurately. With the right type of learning and coaching from the Certified Scrum Master course, a Developer can learn the skills and achieve the goals accurately.
Learn the Capability to Lead the Team:
The Developers who gain the Scrum Master training will have the best leadership quality in them. Moreover, they will be able to make a decision quickly and efficiently. This will help to keep things organized and improve the productivity of the team as well. Leadership is all about managing the entire team and implementing the skills to perform best. Being a Developer, you already have this quality in you. With these essential skills, you will be able to become a Certified Scrum Master.
Conclusion:
A Certified Scrum Master plays a unique role in leading business organizations. They have the capability of team development and are the Product Owner at the same time. It's a capability of self-management. That's why a Developer can also be a Scrum Master because they already have half of the skills, making them the best leader and leading the team productively.
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