Hotels and Assisted Living  Interviews

Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts

Interview Questions

How would you describe your hotel and its location in a nutshell?

If you’re looking for a family getaway or couples retreat, Halekulani Hotel located in Honolulu near Waikiki Beach is the ideal place to escape the colder months.

Outside of the room, what features does the hotel have?

There is an outdoor pool, fitness room, business center, restaurant, shuttle, concierge, spa services, sauna, meeting rooms, banquet facilities gift shop, vending machines, and laundry.

How many rooms and types of rooms do you accommodate?

The hotel is 12 floors of varying options from a standard guest room to a royal suite.

What are the features of the room?

Rooms can feature a jacuzzi, desk, couch, wifi, balcony, fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, and cable including HBO. Suites can have a full living room, dining room, study, patio and balcony.

What conveniences are open nearby?

We are located directly on the beach which features boat and ski rental, tiki bar, and swimming. Within walking distance are dozens of restaurants, bars and convenience stores.

What are some of the most popular attractions, activities, scenery or events the city or area is known for?

Besides the beach, other nearby attractions include Diamond Head, the aquarium, zoo, museum and Polynesian cultural center.

What awards, accolades, or positive press has the lodging received?

Halekulani has received over 40 awards or accolades in 2015, ranking #1 hotel on Oahu, and #3 in Hawaii by US News & World Report.

Are there any additional perks?

While staying at Smith motel, enjoy airport transportation, private beach access, pool access, refrigerator stocking service before you arrive, daily housekeeping, an on-site concierge and pre-trip planning services.

Who owns and runs the property and what is the history behind it?

The original Halekulani was opened in 1907 as a residential hotel called Hau Tree and was owned by Robert Lewers. It was purchased in 1917 by Juliet and Clifford Kimball before being sold to the Norton Clapp family in 1962.

Give potential customers your name and invite customers to do business with you.

My name is Ulrich Krauer, general manager, and I invite you to come stay with us!

 

Optional Questions

  • Describe the theme, history and decor of the hotel/facility if applicable
  • How is your property different from others?
  • What is your philosophy, or key to providing a great stay?
  • How would you describe your customer service? (Knowledgeable, responsive, flexible, accommodating)
  • What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned while providing your service that helps you better service your customers?
  • How do you receive most of your customers?
  • What is one of your proudest achievements of your business?
  • What do you try to achieve for your customers?
  • What do you love about your job?
  • How does the reservation process work, is there a deposit?
  • Share some helpful advice.
  • Is the lodging child or pet friendly?
  • Talk about your staff.

 

Things You Can Say to the Owner Before the Shoot

Getting your business owner comfortable in front of the camera is one of the most important aspects of your video. Studies show that how you say it is more important than what you say. You want your subject to come across as relaxed, happy, confident, approachable, enthusiastic and eloquent. Move the camera back. Try to make the process fun for them. Shots of the subject smiling and laughing will be among your best shots. Show interest in what they are doing. Stay positive with yout feedback. Have them do an over the top take to help boost their enthusiasm if needed.

  1. Speaking on camera is easy. If you have experience speaking face to face at work, it will a breeze to look good on camera. And for any reason you don’t like the way you look, we can just use the audio.
  2. There is no reason to be nervous. Most of what we are shooting will only be used for the audio as shots of your business will be shown while you speak in the background.
  3. This should only take about 20 minutes, but there’s no hurry. We can redo it until we get you looking your best.
  4. Look at the camera person, not the camera lens. Imagine you’re having a conversation. Or if your marketing calls for a script that is geared toward speaking directly to your customer, and warrants looking directly into the camera, look past the lens. Visualize your audience.
  5. Answer interview questions off the top of your head. (If you are reciting a prewritten answer, or using the modified script approach, try to recite the lines to sound as if you are answering the questions off the top of your head.)
  6. Your first take is often your best take because it is the most natural. So if you make a mistake, or “um” or pause, just keep going as these can be edited out.
  7. While answering, if you think of a side point, talk about it even though it wasn’t asked. It is good to go off on a tangent.
  8. Include the question in the answer. For example, if asked, “How long have you been in business?”, instead of answering “6 years”, answer “Smith Roofing has been in business for 6 years.”

After the interview is complete, watch parts of it back, and show the client how they are coming across. This will help them do it again with more confidence and enthusiasm.