After interviewing 15 candidates for an entry-level position last week, I realized that people kept asking me this question. I received 40+ resumes, met with 15 candidates, narrowed it down to a top five for my sales team to screen, then down to 3 for human resources to vet. Finally, my General Manager met the final "one".

Why did I hire her? Well, to start with, her resume was flawless. Her GPA of 4.0 jumped off the page. The lay-out, content and even the paper she used were all Class A. Also, she dressed the part. In hiring a sales coordinator for a fashion-themed hotel, I was impressed by her interview suit and the care she obviously took in getting ready for our meeting. You would be surprised how many people showed up in business casual clothing for an interview.

Also, she did her research. She studied our website, our social media pages, she even read up on me on Linked In. She let it slip to a member of the team that she even staked out the hotel the night prior to her interview - impressive undercover work.

I asked the top 5 to do a bit of homework for me to see samples of their writing and marketing prowess. She was the first to reply and take this assignment seriously.

Our new hire may not have had the most sales and marketing experience, but this is an entry-level role, so she didn't really need it. She simply took the interview very seriously, did her homework, primped and polished herself, her resume, and her conversation topics - voila she started yesterday.

During this process, I came across quite a few candidates looking for start in hotel sales, but with no experience (other than "loving hotels"). The best way to break into our industry is to take class or 2, show your interest more deeply than just words. Take a continuing education class to show your commitment at the same time invest in yourself.

I also came across some real faux pas:

•Gentlemen without a tie or jacket. This is the hotel industry, business casual may be okay once you are hired, but take the interview seriously.
•Forgetting a clean resume for the in-person interview. Regardless of an electronic application process, bring a nice printed version on good stock paper.
•Be on time, do not ask to reschedule an interview, and if you are hoping to relocate, be available to meet in person in a timely manner.
•Smile, be positive, have some good conversation starters, preferably about the hotel or neighborhood. This is the hospitality industry - full of fun, genuine, warm individuals.
•Lack of Follow up - a handwritten note, an email, even a phone call the next day will show your genuine interest.

Final word of advice; take yourself seriously, dress the part, smile, and bring you're a game. Good luck!

Deirdre Yack, Director of Sales & Marketing, Fashion 26 | A Wyndham Hotel
HSMAI HDOSM Special Interest Group Advisory Board member