EMPLOYER
INTERVIEW TIPS 2023
1. Punctuality/Greetings:
It is critical that you show up 15 minutes ahead of time! For US employers punctuality
is very important. You must arrive early. The best way to make a good first impression
is to remember to greet the employer with a hello, a smile, and a handshake.
(In the United States we do not kiss people on the cheek as a greeting.)
2. Dress Code:
Dress in business casual attire. That means:
■ Jeans and sneakers are not allowed.
■ Remove all facial piercings.
■ Do not smoke. Employers do not like the smell of cigarettes.
■ Look presentable – brush your hair and tie your shoes!
■ Boys should wear nice pants with a polo shirt or a collared shirt and tie, and dressy shoes.
■ Girls should wear nice slacks with a blouse or a business skirt. Do not wear a lot of jewelry or make up.
3. Body Language:
■ Eye contact throughout the interview is critical.
■ Keep an upright posture and do not slouch.
■ Keep your hands folded in your lap, so that you are not fidgeting with things.
■ SMILE!!!
4. Attitude:
■ Act naturally try to make the interview more like a conversation.
■ Relax and try to be yourself.
■ Be confident.
■ Be positive, enthusiastic, interested and open to working different positions.
■ Sell yourself. What makes you different from the other candidates they are interviewing?
■ Never ask about money!!
■ Do not be afraid to talk!
■ Let your personality show! This is more important than your English Level. Employers can teach you the
skills for the job, but they can’t give you a personality.
5. Research:
Make sure you have some background information about the resort you are applying to. Read all
of the information we have in the office. Look the company up on the website. Have some
questions prepared to ask them that show you have read a little bit about the resort. The basic
things you should know about the company where you are applying are:
■ The Name and Location of the employer.
■ The type of business.
■ What positions they have available, which positions interest you?
■ The size of the resort/hotel.
■ Why do you want to travel to that employer? What specifically interests you about them?
■ Have you spoken to people who have traveled there? What did they say?
UNIVERSAL STUDENT EXCHANGE INTERVIEW TIPS
EMPLOYER
INTERVIEW TIPS 2023
6. Possible questions:
No matter what question the employer asks, always sell yourself. If you don’t know the
answer, be sure to say something! The worst thing you can do is remain silent.
Possible questions may be:
■ Tell me about yourself
■ Why do you want the job?
■ Why should we hire you / what can you bring to the resort?
■ Past work experience. (explain your job responsibilities, type of company, etc.) If you don’t have prior
work experience, talk about volunteer opportunities, school projects, etc.
■ What are your strengths (fortalezas) and weaknesses (debilidades)?
■ Examples from your life in which you have shown independence, maturity, responsibility, etc
■ What would you do if....?
■ What dates are you available to work?
Practice what you are going to say ahead of time, but don’t memorize answers.
Be prepared to talk about yourself and be prepared for anything!
7. Traveling with Friends:
It is ok to mention your friends! Let the employer know you are flexible and remember that the final decision
is theirs to make. Employers are looking for competent workers and being hired depends on the interviews
8. What to Bring
■ A pen and paper to take notes.
■ Questions for the employer about his/her resort.
■ Any recommendation or reference letters you might have.
■ Do not bring cell phones or gum.
9. Correct Terminology:
Make sure to know correct terminology associated with your major and potential career.
Examples of commonly misused terms:
■ Ingeniero comercial: Business Administration
■ Práctica: Internship
■ Promotora: Product promotion or event promotion
■ Administración Hotelera: Hospitality Management
■ Gastronomía: Culinary Arts
■ Carrera: Major / Field of study
■ Profesión: Career
■ Colegio: High School
■ Universidad: College or University
■ Trabajo Social: Volunteer Work
10. Final Advice:
Please do not get discouraged if you are not hired. Remember that the employers are interviewing several
candidates in each country for each position, and looking for the people who will be the best fit for their
resort. There are always other opportunities if you do not get hired this time around.
UNIVERSAL STUDENT EXCHANGE INTERVIEW TIPS
