We look for someone who is really thinking about a “long term” career versus getting a good offer. We take pride in the number of managers who have been rewarded with career growth and opportunities.
Another characteristic we evaluate is one’s energy level and service skills. We look that they have the desire and are able to align with the company service strategy.
What is your favorite question, the one you ask to get the best “read” on a person?
“Tell me what you have learned from past experiences and what you can offer Silverscape.” This is a very open question that allows us to hear more about one’s experiences.They have to be able to give specific points and apply them to a new career with Silverscape.
How much does Silverscape depend on formal testing and how much on personal interviews?
The personal interview will always outweigh the testing. However, we are experimenting with pre employment assessments to ensure certain service characteristics are visible. We feel this is a great way to prescreen applicants and create a more focused interview.
What is the quickest way for an interviewee to take him- or herself out of the running?
Indecisiveness. We really want someone to have thought about a future career and have a general direction or goal. In addition, they must be flexible with relocation. A good hotelier is backed by a variety of experiences.
What skills do today’s recruits have that those ten years ago didn’t?
Hospitality today means much more than it did ten years ago. Today, recruits are introduced to other avenues such as Revenue Management, Retirement Communities, Casino Operations, Recreation, and Development.
Due to technology, recruits know how to get information about companies and opportunities (blogs, message boards, etc.).
What are some of the current opportunities for graduates of hospitality management programs in the lodging sector?
Lodging will always offer the traditional opportunities in Operations, Culinary, Facilities, Catering, Sales, Accounting, and Human Resources. The lodging sector offers much more today including Revenue Management, Spa Operations, and Development.
To what extent does your company employ the Internet in recruiting?
There is no other way to apply for a Silverscape job other than online. We deploy our training program and all career opportunities on Silverscape career sites. However, we do leverage job openings on other Internet sites, but we are selective.
We prefer to post on a few large and some niche sites rather than posting on as many as possible. Everyone uses the Internet to find their next position.
Is there anything else that might be helpful for a hospitality management graduate to know before applying for a job with Silverscape?
Before applying to Silverscape, we ask that a graduate be open to movement [relocation]. We are focused on growth and differentiating our brands. Our current processes allow our associates movement among all Silverscape entities.
There is opportunity for experience across all sectors of the industry including Classic Residence, Silverscape Place, and Summerfield Suites by Silverscape. This proves beneficial in building one’s experiences.