A wise businessman once told me, “A happy staff makes happy customers, which brings in more money.” It’s a simple mantra that rings loudly in my head when I’m hiring new staff members.
I work hard to provide an environment where people feel safe, secure and happy to be at work. So when it comes time to hire someone, I take it seriously.
In fact, I’m sure most hiring managers take it seriously. In tourism, we have jobs that run the gamut — from entry level that requires an application to upper-level management positions that require a hiring committee with layers of interviews.
Right now, I’m hiring for an operational position at the Tourism Leadership Council, a mid-level position. The job advertisement outlines the organization, states who the position will answer to and asks potential candidates to provide a resume and cover letter.
Of nearly 100 applicants for the job, more than half did not provide the basic requirements, both a resume and cover letter.
Of those 50 who did, only about 10 wrote a cover letter that seemed to be for this particular position.
All of this has reminded me that sometimes we need a refresher course on how to really apply for a job.
Entry-Level Positions
For most entry-level positions in tourism, meaning a dishwasher at a restaurant or a housekeeper at a hotel, you will be required to fill out an application in person or online.
Be sure to dress nicely if you’re going to the business. A first impression will tell a lot about who you are and how seriously you will take this job. Even if the person you talk to is not the hiring manager, he or she will likely tell the hiring manager what kind of impression you left.
While you’re there, ask questions — if the person has time to talk. If it is the hiring manager, you could ask when they are planning to hire someone. If the person who takes the application is not the hiring manager, you could ask what it’s like to work here.
This is your time to find out if the business is a good fit for you, and this is a good time to set yourself apart from others who are applying.
If you do get to talk to someone, get this person’s name and email address. It will be a good idea to follow up with an email to say thanks for taking the time to talk. That can make a big impression.
If you are filling out your application online, be sure to get every detail correct and fill out as much of the application as you possibly can. If there’s a space to write a note, take this opportunity to write why you might be right for the job — just be sure to check your spelling and grammar. It’s still the first impression that you will get to make.
Mid-Level Positions
These jobs generally require a cover letter and resume sent electronically to someone who may be the gatekeeper.
For this level, you should definitely research the business. Go online and find out what they do. If they don’t have an online presence, ask around to see what the business is about. Before you apply, make sure this is something you want to do.
When you get ready to write a cover letter, use the knowledge about the organization to write a brief letter about how your skills will match the business’s need.
If the advertisement includes the person this position will answer to, use that name in the greeting and address line at the top of the letter.
Check your spelling and grammar. Check how you spell and reference the name of the business. Check and double-check the letter for any mistakes. If you write that you have attention to detail, yet you misspell words, then your actions will tell a different tale. And humans are more likely to believe the action over the word.
For your resume, be sure to highlight relevant work experience. Use the skills listed in the job advertisement to showcase how your skills match. It should be neat and easy to read.
Upper-Level Positions
These jobs are scarce and take a competitive edge when applying. You definitely want to do your homework. Find out all you can about the position and tailor your application packet to the business. Chances are if you’re applying for a job at this level, you’ve had to apply for many mid-level jobs. Take all of those tips and anticipate the needs of the committee trying to hire you.
Even though all of these tips require a lot more time than just sending in a resume, the payoff will be that you’ll find a better fit. If you’re happy at your job, the customers are happy. They come back again and again, spend more money — and the business thrives.
When businesses thrive, our community thrives. It’s definitely worth the effort.
Michael Owens is president/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, the largest nonprofit trade organization that supports and represents the tourism industry. Contact Owens at michael@tourismleadershipcouncil.com or by calling 912-232-1223.
By Michael Owens