Declining An Employment Offer

A few months ago, I blogged about rejection and the various reasons why a recruiter may reject a candidate, this time around I'm discussing rejection from a different perspective, the recruiter perspective, because rejection is a two way street.

Not every candidate that I offer accepts. I made three employment offers to candidates I loved last month, who unfortunately declined. Their reasons for declining varied and you may one day be like them, on the receiving end of a job offer that unfortunately you don't want to accept. If that happens to you, may I suggest you:

Call Your Recruiter
If you've advanced to the offer stage, then I assume you've probably built a strong relationship with your recruiter. Respect that relationship and give them a call. I recognize that telling a recruiter that you don't want the job they offered may be intimidating, but I encourage you to choose to deliver the news via phone instead of email. This action will ensure that the relationship between you and the recruiter remains positive. You never know what the future may hold and you want the relationship to be one where either party would feel comfortable reaching out to each other if a future opportunity presents itself.

Be Honest
I appreciate those candidates who are honest with me regarding the reason they're declining an offer. You may be surprised to hear that a recruiter wants to know why you're declining, but the reason for the decline is valuable information. This feedback can help a recruiter and the company they work for be even more attractive and competitive in the future. Most recruiters and companies keep track of these reasons and consider them when modifying programs, benefits, or compensation structures.

Consideration Time
A company will give you a certain amount of time to consider their offer. If possible try to make your decision within that time frame. It's acceptable to ask for more time to decide if needed, but if you know that the overall offer doesn't meet your expectations or the position doesn't interest you, let your recruiter know!

Don't keep them waiting because you're afraid another offer or better offer from a different company won't come along. Recruiters are responsible for filling open positions and the longer you wait to notify them of your decision, the harder it may be for them to find another candidate for the role. Stringing a recruiter along will only create bitter feelings. Refer to Lebron James and his prolonged decision not to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers if you need an example.

Say Thank You & Keep in Touch
It's always a nice touch to tell the recruiter how much you appreciate their consideration. Although the opportunity may not have been the right one for you at this time, I'm sure there were merits to the company or reasons why you felt the company interested you. Referencing these reasons, expresses to the recruiter how seriously you considered their offer and I'm sure they would appreciate knowing that your decision to decline the offer wasn't an easy one.
Lastly, keep in touch with the recruiter. Send them an email every once in a while or connect with them via LinkedIn. Keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you may prove to be beneficial in the future.

How adaptable are you?

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a former Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York and current Assistant Front Office Manager.

When I was interviewing for my first internship with Hyatt I was asked to describe myself in three words. One of the words I used was "adaptable." I went into detail about going to college in the South knowing nobody and nothing about it, but really flourishing in the environment. I loved the feeling of starting fresh and having the ability to make the best of an unfamiliar situation. This made me stand out from other interviewees because it's not something most people would think to say.

Adaptability is an important attribute to have when working in this industry — mainly because of the ever-changing work environment, but for a number of other reasons as well. I don't go into work expecting normalcy, nor do I go into work with a set plan of action. Sure, I have my to-do list, which I may or may not get to, but for the most part my job involves living in the moment and handling each situation as it comes. This is probably terrifying to some people who need structure, but that's something you must factor in when thinking about career options.

Another major reason adaptability is so important has to do with the need to relocate. Relocation can happen for a number of reasons, and at times the notice isn't all that great. The industry professionals I see move quickly through the ranks usually have a number of properties under their belts. Different properties make you more dynamic and therefore more desirable. Some companies can you move you as often as yearly if conditions permit. Does this type of rapid movement sound exciting, or does it overwhelm you? Maybe a better question would be: Does it sound great and overwhelming at the same time?

The good news is this is something you can experience before getting into the real world. I knew I was going into an industry that would require me to relocate fairly often, so I did things to help me prepare. Whether it was going away to college, studying abroad or interning in another city, all of these helped me grow and experience the joys and pains of moving out of my comfort zone. All of these experiences helped me grow tremendously both personally and professionally, not to mention the advantages for my resume. Recruiters want candidates with life experiences under their belts because, bluntly put, they don't want to worry about them once hired. Recruiters hire candidates who they feel confident about. The idea of putting a recent grad or current student in a different location for the very first time could be something they see as risky. I'm not saying this is always the care, but it's something to consider.

Once again, I offer these ideas to my fellow young hoteliers because these are things that have helped me get to where I am. I always encourage feedback from all industry professionals to help our future generations succeed.

On a side note: I encourage you all to check out a recent blog from one of our corporate recruiters, Ronisha Goodwin, who shares a great story relating to this subject.

Yes, I Said Wichita

I had just offered a graduating senior, who requested Philadelphia, Miami, or New York, a position in Wichita, KS and she responded with.....silence, polite silence, but silence none the less. I'll be honest, I wasn't surprised! When I applied to Hyatt my choices were New Jersey, California, or Ohio (I'm a Buckeye). Ultimately when I received my offer, it was for Orlando, FL. Lucky for me, I had a patient recruiter who pointed out all the great reasons Orlando was ideal for me and now I had the opportunity to "pay it forward" and do the same for someone else.

Consider Cost Of Living

Although my candidate was shocked by the idea of Wichita, I asked her to consider the benefits. I feel this is important whenever you are considering an offer. Many college graduates want to live and work in major cities within the United States directly out of college. However, when you consider that with graduation often comes the repayment of student loans and diminished financial support from family, it may be wiser to consider some secondary cities where the cost of living is much less. It's affordable to live in Wichita and my candidate, if she accepts the offer, will most likely have more discretionary income and be able to contribute into a retirement savings account much sooner living there than if she lived in one of her initial top three cities of choice.

It's Not Forever

Sometimes candidates are hesitant to move to a location because they don't want to "get stuck there", my response is to consider a company's growth, size/number of locations, and the career path of the position you're accepting. Also don't be afraid to ask a recruiter how quickly promotional opportunities could become available. For example, our company has a culture of promoting from within, my candidate could be eligible for a promotion or transfer to another location or city within 2 - 3 years, accepting this opportunity is just the beginning of what will hopefully be a long successful career and perhaps next time a move to one of her preferred locations.

You Make Friends

Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from moving somewhere new. You may be surprised by how quickly you can actually adapt to a new location. I've moved to three different cities since I graduated from college and lived in nine different cities so far in my lifetime. I can attest that in each city I've made friends, found someone awesome to cut my hair, located the nearest Target store, and found my way to the closest airport when I wanted to fly home. When I've talked to recent college graduates who have moved to new locations for our company, they created a social life for themselves in their new cities by joining intramural teams, meet up groups, alumni organizations, and reconnecting with old friends living in their new locations via Facebook.

My candidate took a few days to consider the offer, but ultimately she accepted! Although Wichita was not the location she expected, she's seizing the opportunity and ready for a new adventure!

When it Gets Personal

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a former Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York and current Assistant Front Office Manager.

Does anyone else feel it should be mandated that every person works in a service-related field as a prerequisite for life? It can’t be just me … and everyone else I’ve ever posed that question to.

I must say, nothing bothers me more than when a person is looked down upon because of their profession. This happens a lot in the service industry, and it’s unfortunate, because we truly work our butts off. A lot of our jobs require long shifts, short breaks (if any), working holidays, limited time off and obscure hours.

Plus, our jobs are not brainless by any means. Whether someone is a server, agent, reservationist or manager, a constant thought process is occurring to ensure the operation runs smoothly. We thrive in fast-paced environments, where decisions have to be made quickly, people must be managed properly, inventory requires constant maintenance, finances call for checking and guest satisfaction remains a top priority. All this, and we make it look easy!

Now listen, I’m not a sensitive person by any means. I’m naturally easygoing, and a number of years in the hospitality industry creates pretty tough skin. If you are a highly sensitive person this probably isn’t the industry for you, at least when it comes to operations.

I must say, though, being looked at as intellectually void is pretty infuriating. This doesn’t happen often to me since being at my current position, but there was a time when it occurred almost daily. I was a guest services rep at a very well-known budget hotel chain in Greenville, North Carolina. Mind you, this was my first position at a hotel. I didn’t expect a multitude of riveting conversations about politics and finances, but I also didn’t expect to get treated as if I were a moron. This was the case, though.

I was patronized and demeaned often. This usually stopped when someone heard my New York accent or found out I was actually in a reputable university. I thought this to be so unfortunate, because so many people walk into hotels with this mentality.

The worst experience I ever had was when I was working a night shift by myself at this hotel and a lady came to the desk and asked me to help her turn the lights off on her rental car. I reluctantly said yes, being that I was the only one to cover the operation, but we were slow, and I figured I would do something nice. After I did this, which only took about two minutes, she thanked me, and I went back inside. Minutes later she came storming back to the desk demanding I give her cell phone back. I was confused and asked for her to elaborate. She stated that her cell phone was in the car when I went in to turn her lights off and now it was gone. I obviously denied this, which started her on a rant about how she was a doctor and “people like me” steal from “people like her.”

Oh man, I could not believe what I was hearing. She went as far as to threaten to call the police, so I just went ahead and called the police for her, being that this situation was getting beyond ridiculous, and I couldn’t convince her that I, in fact, did not steal her cell phone. To make a long story less long, the police got there, heard both sides of the story and went to the guestroom to look for the cell phone before launching an all-out investigation. Lo and behold, they found the cell phone, which fell behind her nightstand. I must say the look on her face and the officer’s face was just priceless! I, of course, smiled, and said that it was an honest mistake. Ah, the masks we wear in the name of service.

Like I said, this is not something I see often in my current property, but I do see it happen to my staff on occasion, and I cannot help but feel the need to protect them from such insinuations. If I see a situation escalating to a point where it is getting personal, I want to be the first to step in and either diffuse it or take the brunt of it.

I encourage new managers entering the field to not only take pride in what you do, but take pride in the people you work with. Let staffers know how vital they are and how essential their jobs are to a successful operation. I’m lucky to work with exciting, bright and unique people who I become more and more intrigued by every day, and I hope when you take a look around you feel the same way.

Mark Your Calendars! Earth Hour 2011 is tomorrow, 3/26/11

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 26th, is the 5th Annual Earth Hour that will be celebrated across the globe. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), individuals and businesses are asked to turn off non-essential lights and electricity for an hour starting at 8:30PM (local time zone) to raise awareness around the importance of taking action against climate change.

The growing participation of Hyatt Hotels in this awareness campaign mirrors the exponential growth of the Earth Hour itself. Started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, the first event involved 2.2 million individuals and over 2,000 businesses turning off lights to demonstrate their commitment to mitigating climate change. Last year's Earth Hour was the largest so far, with participants from over 128 countries, including individuals, businesses, and iconic landmarks.

Whether you are able to join in Earth Hour at your hotel or at your home, we encourage you to take this opportunity to consider the important of simple actions such as turning off lights. To learn more about Earth Hour, please visit http://www.earthhour.org/

Editor's Note: Thank you to Marie Fukudome who authored this piece.

The Young Hotelier

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a former Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York and current Assistant Front Office Manager.

A couple weekends ago I had the privilege of attending the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality National Conference along with some of my colleagues on behalf of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. We are an industry partner with this amazing organization that not only promotes diversity and inclusion within our industry, but also offers a number of valuable resources for all individuals within the field of hospitality, especially college students looking get into the workforce. Since I am an alumnus of the organization I went to speak on a panel about "Managing Different Generations" of people, as well as assist in our recruiting efforts.

Being that I was at this conference a year ago as a student it was very interesting to have a different perspective. One thing I really wanted to gauge was the mindset of the students that were attending and how attainable their goals were coming out of college. As expected, I met a lot of students who want to go into sales, marketing and PR (the glamorous side of our industry, as I like to call it). When they would tell me that I would always ask them the same question: "How do you expect to get there?" The majority of the time I received a blank face and a lot of stammering. Companies don't just hire these managers out of college like some students would like to believe. My advice to them was to broaden their horizons in terms of short-term career options. I tried to explain to them that moving into positions in sales and marketing is much easier when you are already in the position within the organization rather than entering as a new manager. Some understood; others, I'm sure, didn't want to hear it.

I encouraged open-mindedness being that our industry offers an array of possibilities and options in terms of career choice — from accounting to engineering to MIS to sales, just to name a few. Once people realize how broad this industry truly is, they start to do their research and figure out that it can be a great fit for many career choices.

Of course, I met a lot of students who wanted to own their own business, and I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit. I encourage it in every way possible, because I too have a goal of opening my own property or properties, but knowledge and experience are keys to success, and I wanted to make that very clear to them. The majority of students who wanted their own business had F&B concentrations. I was glad to hear that many of them knew how tough it was to run a profitable restaurant and also how many of them knew the failure rate for restaurants. Kudos to the professors who drill this information in!

To relate to them more personally I shared my own career goals. The part of this industry that intrigues me the most is the real estate and development side. This is because I began investing in real estate in college and saw how lucrative it could be if you are smart about it. Although I had some experience in the area I did not expect to hop out of college and start conducting feasibility studies and consulting about the next great travel destination, because I simply do not know enough. I need to take steps to acquire the knowledge to get there. This involves going to grad school, studying the real estate market, keeping up with the latest trends and news involving the industry and, most importantly, staying determined. Right now the best way to get to where I'm heading is by understanding how this industry operates through operational experience.

For example:

• How can I determine how many keys a property should have if I do not know how a hotel operates once built?
• How can I gauge a certain market if I do not know what it values?
• How can I devise a strategic comp set if there's no substantial knowledge of how different segments of the hotel industry operate?

Answer: I can't.

Everyone knows that operations can be very discouraging, but nobody starts at the top. I plead with my fellow young hoteliers to be determined in the present, focused on the future and vigilant in your efforts to achieve your goals while still being a realist. We are the next generation of hoteliers, and we have a bright future ahead of us, but only if we take the steps to create it!

Connecting Before Your Interview

A few weeks ago, I attended the national conference of a student organization. This conference is supported by many companies who participate in various professional panels, and perhaps most importantly to the students, conduct interviews at the organization’s career fair for internships and entry level management opportunities.

In route to the conference, I noticed a group of students on my flight. One of the students was assigned the seat next to mine and confirmed that the group was indeed traveling to the same conference as me. The student asked which university I attended, of course I accepted that compliment, and identified myself as a recruiter. I immediately felt empathy for this student, a graduating senior, who now appeared nervous at the thought of spending the next two hours in such close proximity to me. I silently wished that the student would welcome this opportunity and make such a strong impression on me that he would depart the flight with a scheduled interview and a new industry contact. Although the student attempted to engage me in conversation, his nerves ultimately got the best of him and unfortunately he was silent for the remainder of the flight.

Throughout the weekend, I witnessed similar behavior from other student attendees. They simply didn’t take advantage of being together with company recruiters in casual settings such as the hotel lobby, elevator, or during the short walk to the nearby convention center. I fought the urge several times during the conference to climb on my “soapbox”, get parental, and say the following:

Capitalize on the Opportunity
The host hotel for the conference had just two restaurants and only seven guestroom floors. Recruiters and students were often co-mingling; in fact the majority of the guestrooms on my floor were occupied by student attendees. The students that stood out to my peers and I were the young men and women who separated from their friends, gathered their confidence and introduced themselves to us. These were the same faces that offered friendly greetings throughout the weekend or inquired about how I was enjoying the conference when we were next to each other in the coffee bar line. As a result of their efforts, they were more relaxed and comfortable during the interview because they had already built a rapport with me.

Drive the Conversation
Although it can be uncomfortable to initiate and drive the conversation, when networking with recruiters, feel free to do so. I’m more than willing to ride in the “conversation car” with you, but you should take responsibility for keeping me engaged. You could do this by asking a question or expressing your interest in the organization I represent. One memorable student opened the conversation by telling me she followed our company on Twitter and then chatted about a recent tweet announcing our newest property. In just five minutes she demonstrated her interest and level of preparation.

Remember You’re Always Interviewing
Although interviews were conducted on the last day of the conference, they actually began upon arrival at the hotel. My peers and I were able to observe students interacting with the hotel staff and each other. We overheard conversations and took note of those that chose to skip the professional panels and instead hang out in the hotel lobby. The manner in which the students conducted themselves and represented their universities, in my opinion, was indicative of how effectively they would one day represent our company and our brand.

It’s easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed at the idea of interacting one on one with the recruiter of a prospective company, but you’ll see greater results if you gather your courage and make the connection! If the recruiter is anything like me, deep down they’re rooting for you to be successful!

Thinking Outside the Box

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a former Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York and current Assistant Front Office Manager.

First of all, where is this box, and why is nobody looking inside of it? When it comes to service, I think we should be looking inside this box. We are an industry that provides the simplest thing in its most authentic form: service. This is not something that can be purchased or attained; it is something that we all possess. We possess the power to provide excellent service. Some are more gifted at the delivery than others, but it is something we all CAN do. We generally don't like complicated things, so why make service complicated? Just do it! Authentic Hospitality (our company mission) is what brings people to our hotels. Just like the clothes and the jewelry that our guests wear are not their greatest assets, our flat-screen TVs and fancy restaurants are not ours. Our people and our guests are our greatest assets.

Hospitality starts with the basics of human emotion. I feel that the people who go far and the companies that succeed understand that. Sure, thinking "outside the box" is great, and by no means am I knocking creativity, but creativity needs to stem from somewhere. In our morning meeting last week our assistant rooms exec said it best: "We need to get back to basics."

We need to get our customer service surveys and contact the people who respond to them and ask why they scored us the way they did. What could we have done better? At a recent training I attended, our instructor read some guest surveys with negative comments relating to our facilities. To our surprise, the guest still gave us 5s (the highest rating) on customer service. Even though things went wrong, we provided excellent service, which results in delighted guests. Sure, not everybody will like their room, but we have the opportunity for everyone to enjoy their service.

Try thinking back to something that was your best — your best pizza, vacation, flight, anything. What made it your best? My best burger was not in an upscale restaurant — it was in a hole-in-the-wall Irish pub. My best steak was not at Ruth's Chris — my father made it. My best vacation was Beaches Turks and Caicos when I was 10 years old. It was the most amazing place I have ever visited. Besides the natural beauty, I could not believe how genuinely kind everyone was. Yes, I noticed this at age 10. They were delighted to help you with anything at any time. Can I tell you what the room looked like? No. Do you see my point? Simplicity is underrated.

So, next time you're looking for the next best service initiative, try starting inside the box, and see what you find.

Finding The "Fit" That's Perfect for You

We kicked off the spring recruiting season last week and surprisingly so many of the students we met wanted to know why Hyatt was my company of choice after college. Although I could have easily told them I chose Hyatt because of the great benefits, potential career growth, or industry reputation, I honestly chose Hyatt for two different reasons.

The first reason was the Hyatt Recruiters I met while attending the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) national conference. These individuals conveyed such passion for both the industry and Hyatt as a company. They seemed to truly love their jobs. While interacting with them, I found myself thinking, “I want what they have”, I want to be just as ecstatic about the company I work for and if they feel this way about Hyatt then that’s where I have to be!

The second reason, I chose Hyatt may seem like a small detail, but ultimately it solidified my feeling that Hyatt was the perfect fit for me. At the NSMH national conference, I interviewed with several different hotel companies. During my interview with a particular company, the recruiter discussed the company’s culture and their practice of calling people by their proper title and last name. For example if I were hired with this company, the staff in the hotel would call me Miss Goodwin and I would refer to my peers as Mr., Mrs., or Miss accordingly.

I was 22 years old at the time and really not comfortable with being called Miss Goodwin. Honestly, I’m 33 years old now and still not comfortable being called Miss Goodwin. “Miss Goodwin” is just too formal and seems like a foreign person to me. I have no idea who Miss Goodwin is, then again, I take that back, I do know who she is…..Miss Goodwin is my mother!

Hyatt’s mission is “to provide authentic hospitality”, in order for me to be authentic, to be my authentic self; I need to be Ronisha, not Miss Goodwin. I don’t want that barrier between me and those I work with or the guests that I serve. Hyatt encourages me to be my authentic self and this small component of Hyatt’s culture and our value of mutual respect on all levels, ultimately is what made the difference for me.

My advice to students, really to all job-seekers, is to pay close attention to a company’s recruiter or hiring manager, this person represents the company and its culture. Determine if the recruiter’s body language, tone of voice, and spoken words convey to you both pride and satisfaction with their organization. When you interact with them, ask yourself if you would want to work alongside them? Would you choose them as a member of your team? Do you feel comfortable when you’re speaking to them? Do the words they say align with or contradict the company’s public image or information given on their website? Does the company’s mission, goals, and values, align with your own? More importantly, do they make you feel welcome to join their organization?

No matter where I am or where my fellow College Recruiters, Brook and Heidi, are, we are always more than willing and excited to tell you about the company we all work for and love. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions about our organization and hope that you’ll feel comfortable to call us by our first names!

Resume, Networking, and Interview Recommendations

We're less than two weeks away from the NSMH (National Society of Minorities in Hospitality) national conference in Atlanta! I'm sure student attendees are polishing their resumes and brainstorming the most effective answers to popular interview questions.

Last month, I shared the following links with the HBCU students we're sponsoring and thought perhaps other students would also find them useful. Just so you know, I have a strict policy on never recommending anything I haven't read and found valuable myself, so you can all trust my recommendations will be worth your time! =)

1st - Here's a link to an article on YouTube resources, which is excellent for visual learners. I've watched the resume videos by Catherine Byers Breet. She offers great tips on resume writing. http://tinyurl.com/4uqoo6e

2nd - Many companies, including Hyatt, are hosting "Networking Suites" during the conference. Recognizing that networking can be a little stressful, the link below is to an article entitled "Networking Survival: Tips for Introverts"http://tinyurl.com/4gldn4f

3rd - Many applicants find it difficult to answer the question, "What Are Your Strengths?", this link is to an article that offers tips on how to most effectively answer that question. http://tinyurl.com/4qzkts3

Our team is looking forward to traveling to Atlanta! Safe travels!

Through the Obvious

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a former Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York and current Assitant Front Office Manager.

From the outside looking in I don't think many people view the hotel industry as a very dynamic industry. This could be because our guests only see the end product (their stay). We do a great job at hiding how we actually create the guest experience. Think about it: The reservation process is so simple on the guests' end. Little do they know how intricate reservations systems can be and how many channels they go through before the check-in process. The guests get to the front desk, and a check-in can take less than two minutes. Think about what occurs in that two-minute process: inventory, revenue, forecasts, relationships and opportunities are all altered with a few clicks of a mouse.

Most guests I run into do not become fixated on the multimillion-dollar PMS system that is running 24/7 to ensure the property runs smoothly. Not to mention all the interfaces that have to align with the operating systems. They don't ask because, let's face it, they don't care ... until something goes wrong, of course. Truth is, they shouldn't have to care. It's our job to prevent a breakdown in service. When a breakdown in service does occur, it is our burden to recover. Trying to explain to a guest why somebody was checked into his or her occupied room due to a systematic error is like trying to explain atomic physics to, well, me. Mostly because I just don't want to hear it, and neither do they.

For those of us who see what goes on in the back of the house of an operation, we know that it's not nearly as smooth and serene as the ambiance we so discreetly create.

Digging deeper into the whole process of creating the guest experience, we can ask so many other questions to gage how dynamic this industry truly is:

Why does the guest choose a particular hotel?
Why are they paying that rate?
Why is that hotel located where it is?
Why does the property have as many rooms as it does?
These are questions we as hoteliers think of, but a typical guest does not.

These are questions I asked myself before I started my career in the hospitality industry, which led me to where I am now. Our guests only see what we want them to see (for the most part). They see operations, but not much else. This can lead to one-dimensional views of our industry. What goes on behind the scenes is what makes this industry multi-dimensional. My hotel employs about 1,000 associates, but my guests only see a fraction of them. Yet each and every one of them is critical to our success.

What I would like to see is a more open BOH operation within the business. For example, having BOH tours for guests or shadowing programs for local students. This would be a great way for people to see how a hotel operates in a new light. Also, it would be a great way for someone who might be interested in the industry to see what's it's all about. On an employee engagement front, I truly believe associates would like to have their duties witnessed and acknowledged by their guests.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

Hyatt Community Awards more than $700,000 to Charities around the Globe

With a focus on environment or youth education and development, Hyatt Community grants are awarded to charities providing meaningful and vital services to the communities in which our associates live and work.

Since the program’s inception in 2008, Hyatt Community has awarded more than $700,000 to 62 charities in 57 cities across 16 states and 24 countries. Projects ranged from large-scale development programs to localized grassroots initiatives. At the end of December 2010, Hyatt Community in partnership with 19 hotels awarded more than $270,000 in grants to 20 noteworthy nonprofits around the world. From Atlanta to Berlin and Jakarta to Mumbai, Hyatt properties nominated incredible causes for support.

At the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, a $15,000 grant will be used to rebuild a youth shelter near the hotel, allowing local students, who currently travel 3 hours to and from school each day, to spend weeknights at the school instead of having to return home. Other Hyatt Community projects include Park Hyatt Saigon’s support of two early childhood education centers and Hyatt Regency Bellevue’s environmental cleanup and restoration efforts along the Cedar River Watershed.

With the ongoing success of this grant program and the growing desire of our hotels to give back, Hyatt remains dedicated to this philanthropic initiative to build and support vibrant, healthy communities.

Georgia on My Mind

Although the holidays have passed, the Hyatt Team is “making a list and checking it twice”! Preparations are underway for us to attend the NSMH 22nd Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA next month!

NSMH’s Annual Conference is one of our favorite events to attend each year! Not only do we have the pleasure of meeting our industry’s future leaders, we also have the privilege of sponsoring, through Hyatt’s continued partnership with the HBCU Consortium, over 150 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the country. Many of these students are attending the conference for the very first time and we’re happy to be sponsoring them.

On a personal note, my return to the NSMH Annual Conference this year is even more meaningful because ten years ago, Hyatt Hotels Corporation recruited me at the NSMH Annual Conference in Chicago, IL. My decision to accept Hyatt’s offer to become a Corporate Management Trainee is one that I’ve never regretted! I’m excited to now be part of Hyatt’s College Relations team and one of the individuals responsible for bringing new talent into our organization!

I look forward to meeting everyone in Atlanta next month!

Walking on Glass

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

One of the biggest challenges that I was met with when entering the workforce as a manager was managing my elders. All of a sudden I was expected to be a figure of authority to people who are old enough to be my parents and even my grandparents. This can be very overwhelming, especially if you've never had experience managing others.

My first experience managing my own staff was during my second college internship at the Grand Hyatt New York. This situation was unique due to the strong union that represents the employees at the hotel. I had the opportunity to work in the housekeeping department. I remember walking in the first day before the staff pre-shift and seeing a sea of room attendants. The housekeeping department at the property staffs 250-plus. I was definitely taken back a bit. This is the department where you will find most of the hotel veterans as well. It's funny/scary when you are standing in front of the room with the rest of the managers, and you have the entire department eyeing you. I still can feel the stares burning holes through me. Any new face in management is approached with caution.

So, there I was, a 19-year-old college punk acting as a housekeeping manager for the summer at one of the busiest hotels in New York. I knew that I could not come in with a superiority complex. I smiled so much the first day my face hurt. I also made a point to say hello to everyone EVERY TIME I saw them. This was some of the advice the floor managers gave me at the beginning of the day. I did not want to get on anyone's bad side.

I felt like I was walking on glass for the first month. Ask anyone in the hotel business, and they'll tell you that the housekeeping department is the one department whose good side you want to be on. At this hotel the staff has seen literally hundreds of managers over the years come and go for a number of reasons. This can make it difficult to have the staff take you seriously. I knew I was not there to tell them HOW to do their jobs. I was there to HELP them do their jobs and do whatever was in my power to make it easier on them. I was definitely being tested on a daily basis. It was a thin line I had to walk between being stern and respectful. Luckily, It didn't take long for workers to warm up to me and understand my management style.

As I started working my own floors, which gave me about 15 housekeepers under my direct supervision, my main focus was building a trusting relationship with the room attendants on those floors. If the workers on my floors liked me, it would ripple through the rest of the department, and I would be in good standing. Also, this would make me look good to upper management, because shy is one thing these workers were not. If they did not like you, they had no problem going to the most senior person at the property and letting them know. Since the SVP of eastern operations worked and lived at the hotel, I obviously did not want this to happen.

My main focus was working hard for my staff and just hoping for the same in return. Another tip I received, which helped gain the respect of my staff a great deal, was taking an interest in their personal lives. Simply asking how their kids were doing or remembering a special occasion went a long way.

When I returned to the Grand Hyatt New York as a corporate management trainee this past June (two years later) I was surprised to see how many of my former staffers remembered me and were happy to see me. It was a great feeling, which really helped me transition back into that management role.

How did the rest of you out there handle your first management roles?

Not Home For the Holidays

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

(The views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of the author).

Nobody enjoys working on the holidays, but unfortunately in this industry it's inevitable. This was my first holiday season working full time, so I tried to cope with it the best way possible. I'm lucky enough to be close to my family, so when I get off work I have the opportunity to spend time with them. Others do not have this luxury. Still, working a 10-hour shift during the holiday season can put a damper on your mood. For you young hoteliers entering the industry, let me share with you how I coped:

1. I took comfort in my fellow co-workers spending the holidays at the hotel with me. They have become my second family, after all.

2. The nostalgia of my property during the holidays is very elevating. It was nice to be in such a festive atmosphere.

3. I had a tendency to live vicariously through my guests. I found myself getting excited about their holiday plans, even though I wasn't partaking in them.

4. I took the opportunity to truly delight some of my guests staying with us for the holidays, and they were so grateful that I took the time to make their holiday extra special.

5. Holiday parties!

6. I never forgot it was the holidays, and I had A LOT to be thankful for.

Here are a few neat ideas I heard from guests and friends that were away for the holidays:

1. Eat with your family via webcam.

2. Have your family send you all the ingredients for their holiday dinner and instructions on how to make it. Then (attempt to) make it.

3. Spend the holidays with the family of a friend or co-worker.

4. Go out to dinner and treat yourself.

5. Volunteer your time to help the less fortunate.

6. Try celebrating with a different custom to broaden your horizons.

Hope you had a happy and safe holiday season!

Nineteen Hyatt Hotels Named to Travel + Leisure 500: World's Best List

Each year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to vote on their favorite hotels around the globe. The 9th annual compendium of the 500 top-ranked hotels in the world named 19 Hyatt hotels to the "World's Best" list.

Congratulations to the following hotels:

• Park Hyatt Aviara (88.85), Carlsbad
• Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa (86.77), Beaver Creek
• Park Hyatt Chicago (87.80), Chicago
• Park Hyatt Toronto (87.33), Toronto
• Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme (91.33), 2nd Arrondissement
• Park Hyatt Zurich (87.20), Zürich
• Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (92.00), Recoleta
• Park Hyatt Saigon (87.72), District
• Park Hyatt, Sydney (87.68), Circular Quay
• Park Hyatt, Melbourne (87.06), Melbourne
• Hyatt Carmel Highlands (87.58), Carmel
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (88.41), Koloa
• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (87.20), Lahaina
• Grand Hyatt Seattle (87.29), Seattle
• Grand Hyatt Beijing (86.42), Beijing
• Grand Hyatt Tokyo (86.82), Tokyo
• Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (87.25), Bangkok
• Hyatt Regency Auckland (86.02), Auckland
• Hyatt Regency Kyoto (86.60), Kyoto

For current job opportunities at any of these properties visit hyatt.jobs.

Top 10 Things Companies Look For When Making Hiring Decisions: Part 2

When interviewing candidates on campus for open positions there are several things we look for when determining whether or not we will move forward with an offer. To give you a competitive edge I would like to share the remaining top 10 characteristics with you. Please see my last post for the first half.

6. Interpersonal Skills
It is important to prove to any employer that you have strong interpersonal skills. This means, having the ability to create an atmosphere of openness and trust. If you are unable to project a team mentality and give the impression you are only focused on yourself and personal gain this will likely turn most employers away. Giving examples of how you have contributed to creating a positive work environment will prove to your potential employer that you possess strong interpersonal skills. For example, I’ve interviewed students before who looked appalled when I told them as a manager you are expected to jump in and help out your staff whether it’s cleaning rooms, washing dishes, etc. I’m impressed with the students that respond with,” Well of course! You can’t be a great manager if you don’t know how to do the job of your employees and you aren’t willing to be hands on.”

7. Enthusiasm
Bringing enthusiasm to an interview is key so get the coffee brewing! Having a laze faire attitude will cause the employer question your commitment, interest and drive. You can show your enthusiasm with a big smile, energy and through your non-verbal actions. For example, Leaning back in the chair with your arms crossed and legs up tells us you could care less. Having good posture and leaning slightly forward tells us you are not only interested but engaged. Enthusiasm tells a recruiter you are truly interested and passionate about the company and position you are applying. Being able to articulate your career aspirations/goals as well as your accomplishments will confirm you are a self-starter and can bring something to the table.

8. Maturity
Being sure of yourself and reflecting confidence will most definitely help you land the job! However, confidence is good and arrogance is not. There is a fine line. No one knows everything and you should never assume you know more than the person sitting next to you. However it is important to show you are confident in your skills and abilities based on your previous experiences and accomplishments. On the other hand, coming across completely unsure of your self may result in the Recruiter questioning your knowledge and ability to be a future leader in the company. Maturity also means showing professionalism throughout the interview and never talking poorly about previous employers. We have all had jobs that weren’t our favorite and that’s ok, but how you spin it will prove your level of maturity. Tell your recruiter what you learned from your experience and how it shaped the person you are today and the manager you will become.

9. Tenacity
Providing examples of how you have stayed positive during times of adversity whether in your school or work experiences tells a lot about you. It lets us know whether or not you can handle challenging situations and tough times or whether you need direction and coaching. For example what did you do when you had a guest or customer who was upset? Did you stay calm and figure out the problem or were you quick to get a manager so you didn’t have to deal with the problem?

10. Flexibility
An ideal candidate to most organizations is someone who is committed. A candidate who understands the industry they are applying and what it takes to succeed in that industry. Someone who is so committed they are willing to go anywhere and do anything to get the job done. Someone who is flexible and a team player is deemed an asset to almost all businesses.

Think about these 10 things that recruiters look for before your next interview and try to think of experiences you have had so that you can articulate these experiences in your next interview.

Discovery

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

My GM often speaks about "discovering" the guests at our property. It's strange how different wording can make you think differently about the things you do everyday. When a guest approaches me I immediately begin to read, or "discover," them. Do they look mad, confused, happy, indifferent? I then prepare myself for the interaction. Sometimes this means putting my guard up; other times it means loosening up. I then hear the compliment, statement or concern and react. There are so many factors, both internal and external - your mood, their mood, the surroundings, the situation - that influence these interactions every day. Unfortunately, there is no calculation to deliver the perfect result. You must rely on your social, persuasive, intellectual and - let's be honest -BS skills.

These interactions usually lead to two outcomes: negative or positive. For the most part, I understand that the outcome lies about 75 percent on my shoulders. When I'm delivering negative information, the outcome is usually negative. This does not always have to be the case though. Simple empathy and sincerity can go a long way. Sure, the outcome might not be positive, but it does not have to be overwhelmingly negative. Just like a good joke, delivery is key.

This goes hand in hand with the discovery process. Understand the guest's situation, evaluate it, deliver your response and focus all your attention on putting it into the most positive light possible. Let the guest know that you care, and hopefully you do.

I love when I see my fellow employees take pride in their guests. I see some of my agents come into my office every day at the end of their shifts and take the time to handwrite a personal letter, read it out loud for whoever is there to listen, take their advice, and send it up to the room with a special amenity. It's truly awesome to see how much effort they put into discovering their guests and delivering an experience to them. I challenge everyone out there to discover their guests and, more importantly, discover themselves in the process.

I'm currently in the phase of discovering my management style. From what I've been told, this is an ever-changing process. As I grow, experience new situations and ideas, and mature, I'm sure the way I way I manage will change. It's my job to make sure I am progressing and changing for the better.

I'm one of those people who love change. I think it's important to renew yourself every so often. That is one of the main reasons I decided to work in the hospitality industry. You have the opportunity to be renewed almost every day because no day is like the one before, for the most part. I like to think that I change in a small way every day. Whether it's an interaction with a co-worker or guest, I try to take something out of each individual situation.

People are fascinating. There are times when I go into the lobby and just people watch. Now that we are in the holiday season, it's especially entertaining. A lot can be taken in from watching and "discovering from a distance." Maybe you see someone who looks confused or lost. This is a great opportunity to take the initiative and offer assistance. This is especially fun because we have these nifty iPads with helpful apps that the guests love (and so do I.)

So please take it upon yourself to discover your guests and discover yourself in the process. Find ways to renew your outlook on life and your career. Be open to the smallest change, and don't forget how important YOU are to the success of your operation.

Top 10 Things Companies Look For When Making Hiring Decisions: Part 1

When interviewing candidates on campus for open positions, there are several things we look for when determining whether or not we will move forward with an offer. To give you a competitive edge, I would like to share these characteristics with you. I can’t imagine that across industries/companies the general qualifications are very different. Happy interviewing!

1. Presentation
The first thing a recruiter notices when you show up for an interview is your overall presentation. Are you prepared? Do you exude a professional image? Are you wearing professional attire? In order to meet the presentation requirements you should be able to answer yes to all of these questions. Arriving to an interview late and/or wearing inappropriate clothing, piercings, etc. will not give you a top ranking in this category.

2. Work Experience
Most positions have a minimum work experience requirement. It is vital to display your level of knowledge for the industry you are applying as well as being able to back that up with your experience. This will show you are well versed.

For example, the seniors we interview interested in our Corporate Management Training program need to have a minimum of 9 months hospitality experience. Understanding the work experience requirement prior to applying will help you avoid wasting your time as well as the Recruiter’s.

Being honest about your previous experience is also important. You don’t want to get yourself into a situation where you are not qualified as it may hinder your future success. Thoroughly read the job description and ask questions prior to applying/setting up an interview. By doing this the Recruiter may determine there is another opportunity that is a better fit for you.

3. Service Orientation
In the hospitality industry service is extremely important as it is our job to provide service excellence to our guests. This is the same for any company that provides customer service to clients. Being able to provide examples of times when you went above and beyond for a guest/client is key. This demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the importance of service. Also being able to explain situations where a guest/client was unhappy and how you were able to turn things around through service recovery will really help you shine in this area.

4. Communication Skills
The way you speak throughout an interview can make or break you. Speaking grammatically correct and articulating your thoughts with confidence and poise will put you on the top of the Recruiter’s list. Communication is so important to any organization. The inability to communicate effectively is unacceptable. Choosing your words wisely and speaking in a professional manner is a must. Using swear words or slang can really turn off the Recruiter. Also using words/phrases such as “like,” “um,” “ya know,” etc. can come across as immature, making the Recruiter question your ability to lead. Practice makes perfect, so if you are having difficulty with this area sign up for mock interviews or other programs through your Career Services department to help you prepare.

5. Organizational Skills
Many positions require you to be organized, so you need to be able to communicate to the Recruiter examples of how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Think back on a group project that you had for school. What was your role? What was your plan for completing the project? How did you come up with it? What challenges did you face? How did you overcome these challenges? What was the final outcome? Looking back, what would you have done differently? Showing your ability to prioritize, multi task and ultimately be successful through real life examples will help you during this portion of the interview.

Stay tuned for my next post where I will be revealing the remaining top 10 attributes a company looks for when making hiring decisions!

My (first) "I Made It" Moment

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

This past week was particularly exciting for me due to the International Hotel, Motel, & Restaurant show. What made it so significant to me was that I had the chance to be on the other side of the educational experience. I was the one giving the property tours, providing the insight, and I was the one being hounded about internship, CMT and career opportunities -- instead of the other way around. I have to say it felt pretty good. I can’t believe it was only a year ago that I was in their shoes!

The best part of the week was meeting up with students from my alma mater, East Carolina University. It was great to see my old professor and some of my old classmates in this type of setting. I felt proud to show of my property and introduce my fellow colleagues to them. I was recently promoted out of my training program to “assistant front office manager,” which felt great to finally introduce myself as such. I was able to give them a tour of the property and even got them all a free meal at New York Central, our new restaurant, before it even opened.

Another highlight was getting to see my college recruiting manager, Brook, who gave me the opportunity to prove myself over 2 years ago as an intern and pave the way to my current position. At one point Brook and I were counting people she hired and I believe we counted about eight people she has hired at this property alone. It really goes to show how dedicated our college recruiting team is. We spent Sunday night grabbing dinner at New York Central with a couple former CMTs (current managers) and some other colleagues chatting and enjoying the atmosphere and the company.

It was fun to finally hang out on a non-recruiter to recruitee basis. We were friends and colleagues, which felt so fulfilling. It reminded me of why I love this industry so much. The majority of the people you meet are fun loving, energized and outgoing.

The most significant aspect of this weekend was having my first “I made it” moment (one of many I hope). I had it when I was giving my tour and I saw how interested and anxious the students were to see how I had come to get my job and what it entails. I kept getting the question, “How do I get here?” It reiterated my sense of gratification for my job. The fact that people want my position makes me want to work even harder. When did you have your first “I made it” moment?

Ten Things I Wish Knew Before I Entered the “Real World”: Part 2

Cassandra Hale, Hyatt Recruiting Manager, recently conducted a presentation titled, “What I Wish I Would Have Known Then” at Oklahoma State University. This presentation was well received and I felt it would be perfect to share with all of you. Thanks for sharing this with us Cassie!

5. Have Integrity
A moral compass is necessary to thrive in any industry. Knowing the difference between right and wrong and priding yourself with morals and values will get you far. Every decision you make has an effect on you and/or someone else. Being honest and ethically minded are attributes of a true leader. Remember all of your actions can potentially put your reputation on the line.


4. Be Engaged
Immerse yourself in your industry and surround yourself with positive people who share your passion. It vital to learn the lingo and stay up to date on current events that pertain to your field. There are many ways you can do this. Set up RSS feeds, or use Google Alerts, to be constantly in the know. Read periodicals, blogs and attend conferences and training sessions that pertain to your field. Connecting and networking with others is also essential and can help you achieve this. Participate in Social Media networks that your company is involved with and even get involved with your competitors networks. Become a Facebook fan, follow them on Twitter, view videos on You Tube and join Linked In groups that are relevant to learn and build relationships. Your next career move may be a result of your engagement.

3. Respect Others
Cassie shared a great story with me regarding our CEO, Mark Hoplimazian. Mark invites a small group of Hyatt employees at the Corporate Office a couple times a month to meet with him and ask him questions regarding the company or even of a personal nature. Cassie participated in this and one of the things that Mark said really stuck with her. He said, “I never assume I know more than the person next to me.” This is a great quote from our CEO that drives home the importance of respect. In order to gain respect it is essential to give it. Respecting those around you no matter at what level they are within a company is crucial. You never know who you will work with in the future or who you will be working for. Some of the best ideas at Hyatt come from our line level associates. By listening to and learning from your fellow associates you will earn their respect and those experiences may even help you become stronger in your industry.

2. Living In a Fishbowl
You’ve gotten a job offer and are ready to start your career. But what you need to know is the interview isn’t over! Throughout your career you will always be watched. We Recruiters tell this to students all the time. We are watching how you act with us, on campus, to faculty, etc. This does not change once you are working in your industry. Although you have the job, remember there is always someone out there vying for your job. Whether you are an intern or working full time you should think of your experience as an extended interview. Your co-workers, your boss, and even your boss’s boss have their eyes on you. How you handle yourself both at work and outside of work will determine your future.


1. Find Balance
When first starting out in the “real world”, it can be difficult to find balance. Although work and your career is important, it is even more important to make sure that it does not consume you. Finding balance can be difficult and something that even seasoned professionals struggle with. If you make a conscious effort, right off the bat, to find this balance you are ahead of the rest. Finding interests outside of work whether it is a hobby, sports, spending time with family and friends, traveling, etc. will help you maintain a healthy work/life balance. The last thing you want is to have only work in your life. Take it from someone who works in Hospitality which is a 24/7 business. Not having this balance can actually hurt your career in the long run as it can cause burn out.

Now what?

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

So you're an entry level manager working in the hospitality industry, but now what? If you’re one of the few, you have landed a job that you enjoy and you’re content with how things are going. If you’re one of the many, you have settled for a job probably not in your ideal field of interest or location. That is ok because you have a job and any experience is good experience.

We young hoteliers cannot be picky these days. Remember the job you are in now will not be the job you are in forever. It quite possibly won’t be the job you are in a year or even six months from now. If you are not in the job you love right now, work to get into the job you love.

I encourage you to branch out of your daily job function and see what other departments you are interested in have to offer. Say you have an interest in event planning, but you had to settle for a outlets position. Go ahead and speak with the banquet, convention services and sales managers. Ask them about their job functions and offer to shadow them. Show them you have an interest in their department. Just as important is to speak with the line employees. Show them you are involved in what they do and they might make recommendations to their managers about bringing you on board.

One of the biggest concerns when bringing on new managers is getting them acclimated with the staff. If the staff already has trust in an individual a major hurdle has already been surpassed.

Also, offer up assistance. Say they are short handed one night, maybe you can offer to do some work outside your department if applicable. Even if it's just serving for a night, management notices these things. Keep your HR department aware of your desired path staying aware that you don't want to seem unhappy with your current position. Slacking in your current position to try and get a transfer will NOT help! Instead of getting transferred you will probably get fired!

Staying vocal is very important though. Besides HR, it is important to keep your upper level management conscious of your career goals. I’m lucky enough that my Rooms Executive has already sat down with me twice and inquired about where I see myself in the future. He knows what I want, and he knows how to get me there. Even more important he has expressed interest in helping me get there.

Career goals are something that needs to be expressed at all levels. If you feel like you’re fading into the background do something to stand out (maybe start a blog!). Set up an appointment with your division head or even your GM and ask them about the path they took to their positions. See if they have any suggestions/comments/concerns and actively listen to them. This will show tenacity, drive, a willingness to learn and, most importantly, succeed.

Do the same with you co-workers, associates, even your guests! Who knows where these people will be down the road? Network, network, network! I feel like my professors now, but I can really see where their coming from while writing this. The point is that everyone needs a little push to get to where they want to be. Sometimes these pushes can come from a very unlikely source, and other times they can be right under your nose.

College is...Over

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York.

Oh, the dreadful transition from college to the real world. Is it really as daunting as some make it seem? My answer is: maybe. Sorry I cannot be more definitive, but it really depends on the person. I knew what to expect coming out of college and starting my career in the hospitality industry: the long hours, working weekends and holidays, and the fact that I wouldn't be doing the most glorious of work. Like I said, though, I expected that because I had past experience. This transition could be a real shocker for someone coming straight out of the blissful ignorance of college.

But, please, do not fret! The real world is very rewarding and, yes, it is still fun. It is all about how you choose to make the transition.

Coming out of college with a negative attitude will translate into negative experiences. Personally, I was ready to get out of college once graduation came around because I did not waste those years. I had the best time of my life in college, and I have plenty of friends that can vouch for me on that subject. (I won't go into details.)

Please, if you're still in college, live it up to its fullest potential. If you do this, when it is time to graduate, you will feel ready, prepared and excited for the next chapter of your life. So, right now if you're feeling like you have missed out on something, there's still time! Enjoy these years and the freedom that comes with them.

Getting back to the transition into this wonderful industry: It is extremely important to not give up the things you love. Whether it's reading, singing, dancing, drawing ... please find time to keep these activities in your life. I was nervous that my gym regimen was going to take a serious blow when I started working. Luckily, this was not the case. I rely heavily on time-management skills (something I lacked in college) and determination to stay on a steady gym schedule. This usually means getting up earlier, which is not easy (especially for a 7 a.m. shift), but it is well worth it for my overall sanity. Keeping these hobbies in your life will help make the transition much easier. Continuity on some levels is key.

Second, work and fun are not two separate realms. After all, this industry is all about fun! I can honestly say I do have a lot of fun at work. The back of the house can be a very entertaining place. And trust me, some of the things you will witness in the front of the house will make for some excellent stories. Remember, it is all what you make of it.

Another thing you will find is a larger appreciation for the little things in life. Sleeping in on your day off, getting a card or gift from a happy guest or going out to a great lunch with a coworker can be so uplifting. Don't let the kid in you die when you start to be a "grown-up."

Finally, it is so easy to lose touch with friends from college, but I cannot stress enough how important these relationships are. A couple weekends ago I had the opportunity to go back to college for the first time since graduation for a home football game. All my good friends and I coordinated the outing, and we had a blast! It was so great to hear what everyone was doing with their lives and reminisce about old times. Plus, you have money now! Spend it (wisely) and enjoy the financial comfort of a career.

You will spend a lot of time at your property, but there is still a world outside to be explored and experienced. Try to stay in the mindset that you are working to live, not living to work.

Ten Things I Wish Knew Before I Entered the “Real World”: Part 1

Cassandra Hale, Hyatt Recruiting Manager, recently conducted a presentation titled, “What I Wish I Would Have Known Then” at Oklahoma State University. This presentation was well received and I felt it would be perfect to share with all of you. Thanks for sharing this with us Cassie!

10. Experience it all

No matter what industry you enter into there are many facets. Take the Hospitality Industry for an example. Hospitality encompasses not only hotels, like Hyatt, but also free-standing restaurants, hospitals, retail and other customer service related businesses. When I was in college the thought of working for a hotel company never even crossed my mind. Most of us start in one area with a specific career goal and end up on a totally different path. The moral of this story is to try anything and everything, and to not shut out certain opportunities that you don’t think you would like or want to do. You will never know what you like unless you try. Be open minded and you may come across something that ends up being your dream job just like I did.

9. Be Marketable

Developing your personal brand is like running your own business. It involves a business plan which includes your personal goals and mission statement. Make sure you are marketing yourself towards the target market in which you want to be known. This way the people you want to make an impression on know who you are and what you have to offer. Figure out your best characteristics and continue to work on these in order to for them to become a part of your personal brand. Determine what you are naturally good at and what comes easy for you. Finding a job that allows you to utilize these strengths will help you achieve the goal of never working a day in your life.

8. Speed Dating

First impressions have a major impact and you can’t take them back. When meeting fellow associates, clients and/or others in the industry for the first time, it is important to remember to put your best self forward. Your best self should include how you present yourself in regards to your professional dress, demeanor, mannerisms, actions and words. Have your elevator speech prepared at all times to give you the confidence for these situations. Ask yourself, “Is what I am about to do or say how I want to be remembered?” If you are questioning yourself in any way then that should be enough to stop you from making a comment or action that will not put you in the best light. There is a time and a place for everything and understanding what is appropriate and what is not in each situation is key.

7. You are What You Eat

Just as you should be involved in extracurricular activities during your college career, you should be involved in activities both within your company and in the community during your professional career. What you involve yourself in and attach your name to, speaks to who you are.

Most companies are involved in community efforts and have committees within their organization. Raise your hand and volunteer to be a part of these opportunities! Not only do they look good on your resume, and help you to move forward in your career, they are also great ways to network. At Hyatt, many of our entry level managers are involved with the hotel’s Green Team and Safety committee. In addition they are an integral part in the coordination and participation of community events.

6. Be True to Yourself

Finding a company that is the right fit for you is similar to Greek Rush. During Rush you visit all the sororities or fraternities on campus in order to determine where you belong. This process should be similar to your job search.

Look at every option in the industry that you want to work. Meet and interview with company representatives conduct research on the company and job opportunities. The people who make up a company and the culture it creates is what really sets it apart from others.

Being your true self and finding a place where that is not only appreciated but encouraged will help you find a company where you can learn and grow. The saying “fake it to make it” should not apply. Putting on an act may get your foot in the door but ultimately will not make you happy in the long run. By being your authentic self from beginning to end and exploring all of your options you can’t go wrong!

The Young Hotelier

The following blog appeared in HOTELSMag.com and features our own Joseph Hayes, a Corporate Management Trainee in the Rooms Division at the Grand Hyatt New York. Great advice to all who are seeking out a Hospitality as a career.

You're so lucky!” I heard this phrase countless times when I received my job offer a couple months before graduation. I still hear it now, especially from my recently graduated peers and even more so from my fellow hospitality graduates. The truth is luck has very little to do with it. I have a good job because I worked hard to get it. Professors, advisors, faculty and recruiters stressed the importance of gaining experience and doing internships early on and, unlike a lot of my peers, I listened.

We, as a generation, are known for taking the easy way out and having everything handed to us. Sure, go ahead and blame the economy, but the fact is businesses are hiring. The difference is they are now more selective in their hiring process. So, either you are not looking hard enough or maybe you just don't deserve the job.

But you have a college degree. How could you not deserve the job? What does a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management really mean without any experience? Put someone in a big box hotel on an oversold night with a short staff (aka, last Saturday) and see what that degree does then. Better yet, show your degree to the guest whose waiting for their room at 11 p.m. and I’m sure they will understand.

I’m obviously being sarcastic, but I’m also very serious. No class ever taught me how to handle that. Working and gaining the experience needed to handle the unforeseeable day-to-day operations in a hotel is what helps me get through situations such as the one I just mentioned. The degree seems like more of a formality.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking higher education by any means. I’m also not putting down Hospitality Management programs. I know that combined with hands on experience these programs can be very rewarding. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my college education and my program of choice. What I am saying is that there is a lot more that needs to go along with a degree, especially in this industry.

It really boils down to the person, though. Certain people are built for this industry and many are not. Another important part of gaining experience is to see if this really what you want to devote your life to. I’ve seen friends graduate and hate the industry once they broke into it after college. My personal suggestion is to get a taste of the industry and see how you feel about it before you spend US$100,000 dollars getting a degree in it. Take it from me… I’m one of the “lucky ones.”

5 Must Have Mobile Apps For Job Seekers

Recently I switched from a Blackberry to an iPhone. I must say, the iPhone is a lot of fun especially the apps. Whether you are looking for the perfect nail color or a restaurant nearby there is an app for that. You can also use your iPhone apps to learn more about a company, view current opportunities and even apply for a job. Please find some recommended apps for job seekers listed below. These apps are all free and uncover the largest variety of jobs available.

Indeed: Indeed’s tag line is “One Search, All Jobs”, and it’s pretty much true. Indeed searches the web for jobs posted on company career sites and job boards so that you can find just about any job that is being posted. Not a bad place to start your search.


LinkedIn: LinkedIn is often referred to as the business lunch of social networking, and like other social networking sites, you need to keep in contact with your network. This is a social network that is the primary focus of many recruiters. The LinkedIn application for iPhone is a great way to stay connected and expand your network.

Twitter: We know Twitter isn’t designed as a job database, but we also know that quite a few companies are finally getting on board with Twitter and recruiters are diving into the network in a big way. There are also several services such as Tweetmyjobs now tweeting job opportunities as they become available. Most importantly, Twitter may be one of the best ways to get some personal attention from a company recruiter. This how to article from Mashable, How to find a job on Twitter, is a great resource. Try tweeting that you are interested in working for one of the 50 companies listed in this article and you may be surprised how quickly you are contacted, Top 50 recruiters on twitter.

Facebook: Yes, we know you have an account and this was probably one of the first applications you installed. The reason we like facebook as a tool for finding jobs is very similar to the benefits of using twitter. Many companies now have fan pages dedicated to their talent acquisition efforts. These fan pages can tell you a lot about the culture of companies you may be interested in working with as well as give you the capability of connecting directly with current employees and the recruiters that manage these pages. Become a fan and start connecting.

Gist: Gist describes themselves as an online service that helps you build stronger relationships. By connecting your inbox to the web, you get business-critical information about key people and companies. What we love about Gist is that it connects you to the most popular social networks and your own contacts. It’s a great way to follow what’s happening with the people that you want to follow and/or work with.

I hope you find these free applications helpful with your job search. They can help you find the job you’re looking for and connect with the right people. If you are interested in connecting with Hyatt we have an app for that too, Hyatt Job Search! You can also find Hyatt on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube.

Phone Interviews Out, Video Based Interviews In

Interviewing is one of the biggest parts of my job. Normally these interviews take place in-person and on-campus. There are times, however, when I have candidates that I am interested in interviewing but unable to meet on-campus and/or in-person. In these situations instead of scheduling a phone interview, I turn to my web cam. Web cam interviewing has become more common as most computers now have built-in a web cams and great free two way video applications exist, like Skype and oovoo.

I have been conducting video interviews for a while now and I love it! Video allows both verbal and non-verbal communication, where as phone interviews only allow you to express verbally your interest and why you should be chosen for the position. Video interviews provide all the same benefits of a face-to-face interview with the added benefit of being in the comfort of your own home, office, dorm room, etc. With that being said, you would be surprised as to what I have seen during these web cam interviews! So, let me take this opportunity to provide you with some web cam interviewing etiquette so you don’t become a recruiter’s “what not to do” story.

Video interview preparation should be very similar to how you would prepare for a face-to-face interview. Although you may feel more comfortable at home in front of your computer versus across the desk from a recruiter, web cam interviews should be treated with the same level of formality and professionalism.

First and foremost, make sure you have a web cam and know how to use it. Just as you wouldn’t be late to an in-person interview, don’t cause delays to your video interview due to your lack of technical preparedness. This is probably one of the most frustrating things from a recruiter perspective when it comes to video based interviews.

Make sure the application your recruiter is using for your interview is downloaded on your computer and working properly. Test out your web cam via this application adjusting your lighting, audio, etc. I would strongly encourage you to contact a friend or family member who also has this program and a web cam so you can practice. By the time you have your interview you should feel completely comfortable so if there are any technical difficulties you feel confident fixing them.

Where you set up your web cam for your interview is also important. If you have ever chatted with someone via web cam you know that the video will show your face as well as everything behind you. If you are in a messy room or have inappropriate pictures hanging in the background this can be distracting and leave a bad impression. Not only should you choose a location that presents a professional image but also one that is quiet. The last thing a recruiter wants to do is fight to hear you amongst your wild roommates or noisy pets. Pick a place that is a comfortable setting for you but also appropriate.

Lastly, it is important to dress professionally even when doing a video interview. As previously mentioned, you typically can only see the person’s face, however that doesn’t mean it’s ok to interview in your underwear! Make sure you are in business attire from head to toe. If you wouldn’t wear what you have on to a face-to-face interview then you shouldn’t be wearing it for your video interview!

I’ll admit it, I work from home and my typical uniform is a tank and yoga pants. When I have a web cam interview scheduled I just throw on a suit jacket. Well one time I wasn’t thinking and the candidate asked me a question that I needed to grab paperwork for in order to provide an answer so… you know where this is going. Don’t make the mistake I did, the last thing you want is for a recruiter to see you in your flannel pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. Take it from me, the comfort is not worth the embarrassment.

So next time a recruiter asks if you are willing to do a video interview versus a phone interview, remember to get accustomed to using the computer program and web cam, create a professional setting and dress to impress. With these tips you should always say no to the phone interview and yes to the video interview!

Season is off...Purdue!

It's that time of year again when its getting a little colder outside, football has begun and we all start traveling! Yes, its College Recruiting season! It feels like its been forever since I last traveled to a school which is why I was so anxious to get to Purdue this week. The picture is me holding my iphone trying to get the famous 'P' and me all at once! At 7:30 AM not many people are on the Purdue campus available to take people's pictures. :)
I drive to Purdue because it's so close to Chicago. It was the first time I have driven to West Lafayette in sunny weather; actually it was the first time I have ever seen Purdue University when it wasn't raining, snowing or sleeting. It was beautiful! When I arrived it was still somewhat daylight so I decided to investigate Lafayette. I was shocked to find so many restaurants, malls and one of my favorite fast food joints...Chick-fil-A!
The next day it started with the career fair which was very busy. I don't remember ever being that busy at Purdue before but I guess thats because I usually have an ambassador with me at the booth and this is the first year without an ambassador. I sure do miss Mallory; but she is now doing very well with Hyatt Louisville! :) After a four hour career fair it was off to the information session.
The information session was great with a packed classroom! The energy in the room was contagious with students talking about their impression of Hyatt and loving the new videos we showed. After the information session, I have to admit I was exhausted. It takes a couple schools to get back into the recruiting season so I was off to my hotel and ordering in. The following day it was interviews beginning at 8AM until 4:30. It was great to be back at Purdue and see everyone! After interviews I was back on the road to Chicago. Except this time on the way home I did stop at my favorite Dairy Farm and went to the cheese tasting and also had ice cream! Nothing is better than yummy cheese and ice cream!
So, the season is off and we are on the road. Stay tuned...next week UW Stout!
Cassie