The announcement of Dubai Expo 2020 has had numerous positive effects on the economy in the Middle East region in general and the UAE in particular, especially on the hospitality industry. With the anticipated arrival of millions of visitors, Dubai is expecting a spike in the demand for hotel rooms, which is going to boost the hospitality sector and create several new job opportunities. In fact, 39% of professionals in the Middle East feel that the hospitality industry is one that is attracting top talent (according to the Bayt.com Job Index Survey , July 2014).
In light of the above, we thought it necessary to find out what employers in the hospitality sector look for when hiring candidates. Five regional employers were asked to determine the most important quality they look for in a candidate when making a hiring decision. Here’s what they had to say:
Bruno Cruz, Group Recruitment Manager, JA Resorts & Hotels: “When we receive applications, we look at various factors which help us come to a final decision. The CV has to be precise, with the candidate having an apt background in the particular field that we are looking for. Once we set up the first interview, we try to analyse and observe how the individual would fit into our company structure and culture, first and foremost. Two factors that are tough to assess in the first encounter is dedication and honesty, but these are two elements that are absolutely necessary, and sometimes it is possible to catch a glimpse of these qualities in potential candidates. However, there isn’t a particular quality I search for in new hires, as it differs from position to position. JA Resorts & Hotels welcomes candidates wholeheartedly. Even if they may not fit the exact criteria, we take them through an induction program and provide training avenues where they can further explore their capabilities.”
Zeyad Alswailim, Country Recruitment & Localization Manager, Hilton Worldwide, KSA: “At Hilton, great guest experiences begin with team members who feel appreciated, valued and respected. That’s what our team members expect, and we have created a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and innovation that helps employees reach their full potential. We work hard to attract and select the right talent at the right time. Our goal is to hire people who share our passion for hospitality and want to further their careers while remaining committed to our vision, mission and values. Our values include hospitality, integrity, leadership, teamwork, ownership and ‘now’ where we operate with a sense of urgency – and any candidate must be able to display these values.”
Aline Barhouche, Area Director Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group: “The Rezidor Hotel Group prides itself on delivering a unique guest experience, and we recruit using a series of behavioral interviewing techniques. We prefer that candidates who come to us are warm and welcoming and have the ability to solve problems. Most importantly, we prefer to recruit candidates who have a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and for interacting with guests. We are passionate about our ‘Yes I Can’ spirit, the ethos that guides our every action within our hotels, and we look for that attitude when we are talking to potential candidates. The hospitality industry is a highly rewarding industry with many opportunities for career development. We believe in our people, and so the drive to succeed and grow within the organization is important. We look for those who are keen to make a difference and we provide them with all the tools and training necessary to do this. We hire new people with the right ‘Yes I Can’ attitude, and then train them for skills.”
Robert Gary Dodds, VP Human Resources, Marriott & The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company MEA: “I could go on talking about the qualities that we look for when hiring candidates, as there are so many things to consider. No single word comes to mind, and this question certainly deserves more. However, the most important attribute, according to us, is having a highly positive attitude. Having a happy personality must come naturally to that person along with being genuine, sincere and honest. We admire people who have the knack for seeing the glass half-full. Another important point is the difference between managing and leading. When I hire someone, I look to see if they can demonstrate leadership. Leadership is about guiding others to do the job, not simply telling them what to do. It is about nurturing other individuals with dignity, respect and motivation and allowing them to grow.”
Angela Williams, Senior Manager Recruitment, Armani Hotel Dubai: “Having a positive attitude, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the three main things that we look for when hiring people. We come across a lot of people in the hotel industry, and the ones we hire should know how to deal with our clients in the best possible way. We can train anyone to do jobs in this industry, but those who truly stand out are individuals who want to genuinely be there, and are helping customers enthusiastically.”
