Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that's asked of everyone. The best way to answer this question is to focus on your strengths and try to avoid bringing up any weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I'm a very hard worker and I'm always looking for ways to improve my job performance. My biggest weakness is that I'm not the most punctual person, but I always make sure to get the job done.
Question Overview: A front desk agent will often be the first person a guest sees when they enter the building. This means they will need to be able to handle angry guests and respond to them in a calm and professional manner.
Sample Answer: When dealing with an angry guest, I always want to use a friendly but neutral tone of voice. I'd try to solve whatever problems they were having to the best of my ability and validate their concerns, asking if there's anything else I'd be able to do after the issue is resolved to hopefully leave a good impression. If they had any complaints or advice on how to improve in the future, I would make a note of them and pass them along to whom it may concern.
Question Overview: Planet Fitness is a popular gym chain that has a location near the hotel. Asking for knowledge of the gym chain will give you an idea of the candidate's interests and how well they know the area.
Sample Answer: I've been a member at Planet Fitness for about a year now. I like it because it's close to my house and they have a good selection of equipment. I also like that they have a lot of classes and personal trainers to help you get started if you're new to working out.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how a candidate would handle a difficult situation at the front desk. This can range from a guest being upset to a coworker having a bad day. The ideal candidate will be able to keep their cool and use their communication skills to diffuse the situation.
Sample Answer: A few weeks ago, I had to deal with an upset guest who was trying to check in but couldn't find his reservation. After checking the computer, I discovered that someone had accidentally cancelled his reservation without notifying him. I apologized for the mistake and offered him a free upgrade to a suite for his troubles.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how honest a candidate is in their interview. A good answer will be something that the candidate is actively working to improve upon, such as a lack of attention to detail or a tendency to be too friendly with guests.
Sample Answer: I'm not the best at remembering names. I'm working on it though and I've been trying to keep a list of names of people I meet to help me remember them later.
Question Overview: Front desk agents will often have to deal with problems that arise at the hotel. Asking a candidate how they would handle a specific problem is a good way to gauge their problem solving skills and their ability to think on their feet.
Sample Answer: If a guest was having trouble with their room key, I would first try to determine if the issue was with the key itself or the lock. If it was the lock, I would try to find a way to get the guest into their room as quickly as possible. If it was the key, I would ask for a picture ID and call up the guest's room to see if they could come down and let them in.
Question Overview: Front desk agents will often have to deal with unhappy guests, whether it's due to a problem with their room or a complaint about the hotel. A good answer will show you how they handled the situation and what they did to make the guest happy.
Sample Answer: A guest came up to the front desk complaining about the size of their room. I apologized for the inconvenience and offered to see if we had any other rooms available. After checking, we found a larger room available and offered it to them at no extra charge.
Question Overview: This question is meant to gauge how willing a candidate is to go the extra mile for a customer. A good answer should show that they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the customer's satisfaction.
Sample Answer: I once had a guest who was staying at the hotel for a week on business. He had a lot of work to do and needed a quiet place to work. I offered him the use of one of our conference rooms for the duration of his stay so he could have some privacy.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge how ambitious a candidate is. It also gives you a chance to see if they have any plans for the future that may conflict with their duties at the front desk.
Sample Answer: I'd like to be promoted to a supervisor position within the next few years. I think my experience as a front desk agent would make me a great candidate for the job.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that's been asked for decades. The answer to this question will give you an idea of how a candidate handles responsibility and leadership.
Sample Answer: I was in charge of my high school's student council for two years. I was able to organize events and activities for the student body and make sure they were all executed well.
Question Overview: This is a simple question that can be used to gauge a candidate's experience in the hospitality industry. It's also a good way to see if they have any experience in the type of hotel you're hiring for.
Sample Answer: I've been working at hotels for the past three years. I started off as a front desk agent and worked my way up to the position I'm in now.
Question Overview: This is a question that can be asked of any candidate for any position. It's a good way to gauge a candidate's interest in the company and their knowledge of the brand.
Sample Answer: I chose Sheraton Chicago because I've always been a fan of the brand. I've stayed at many Sheraton hotels in the past and have always been impressed with their service and quality.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how a candidate will respond when they don't have the experience or qualifications for a job. It will show you how they will handle themselves in a situation where they are not the most qualified candidate for the job.
Sample Answer: I'm confident that I can do this job well. I've had plenty of experience dealing with customers in my previous jobs and I know I can use that knowledge to help guests feel welcome and comfortable here.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge a candidate's interest in the position. A good answer should show that they are enthusiastic about the job and have a desire to make a positive impact on the company.
Sample Answer: I'm very excited to be applying for this position. I've always wanted to work in the hospitality industry and I think this would be a great opportunity for me. I'm very eager to learn and I think I can bring a lot of enthusiasm and positivity to the team.
Question Overview: This is a simple question that gives you a chance to get to know the candidate on a personal level. It's a good way to gauge their personality and see how they present themselves.
Sample Answer: I'm a friendly person who's always willing to help others. I'm also very organized and have a knack for keeping track of things. I've been working in the hotel industry for [X] years now and I'm looking for a new challenge.
Question Overview: A good front desk agent will be able to get to and from work on time, every time. This is especially important for those who work in areas with limited public transportation.
Sample Answer: I have my own car and I'm able to drive to work without any problems.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well a candidate can think on their feet and come up with new ideas for how to improve the company. It also shows how they think about their own work and how they can improve it.
Sample Answer: I once came up with an idea for a new way to keep track of our inventory that would make it easier for us to keep track of what we have and what we need. I created a spreadsheet that would automatically update itself with our inventory levels and let us know when we were running low on something.
Question Overview: Front desk agents will often need to use computers for tasks such as checking guests in and out. Asking about computer skills will show you how capable they are of using the computer for their job.
Sample Answer: I'm very comfortable with computers, having used them for most of my life. I'm familiar with Windows and Mac operating systems and can use a variety of programs including Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask because it gives you an idea of what the candidate is looking for in a job. A good answer will give you an idea of what they want to get out of their career and how they plan to do it.
Sample Answer: I've always had a passion for working with people and helping them. I've worked as a server before and really enjoyed the experience. I want to work in a department that allows me to help people and make their stay as enjoyable as possible.
Question Overview: This is a fun question that will give you an idea of the candidate's personality. It's also a good way to see how well they can think on their feet and come up with creative answers.
Sample Answer: If I were a car, I'd be a sports car. I'm sleek and stylish, but I also have the power to get things done.