The Germain Hotels way to succeed at a job interview in 4 steps

1. The art of being well-informed

First, make sure you have a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the position you are applying for. Review the main tasks and key skills required and carefully read the details of the job description.

A quick visit to our Careers page or a chat with our talent acquisition team can give you a clear picture of what to expect from the job and our work environment.

Find out more about who you will be meeting. Learn more about their respective roles and backgrounds, this will help you create a more tangible connection with the recruiter(s).

Listen to our À la Germain podcast to discover the company's values and culture. Another way to clearly highlight your interest and increase your knowledge of our organization is to subscribe to our various communications platforms.

Facebook: Le Germain Hotels, Alt Hotels, Escad Hotels

Instagram: @legermainhotels, @althotel, @escadhotels

LinkedIn: Germain Hotels

Connect your experience to the job requirements

To arrive prepared for an interview, think carefully about the work experiences that showcase your skills related to the role you are applying for. You can also prepare concrete examples of projects that are relevant to the role you are interviewing for: reflecting on your experiences will help you be clear and convincing during the interview.

2. Elevate your game for the big day

There are some key tips for a job interview that you should always remember:

Read the confirmation email you received a second time to make sure you note the date, time, and location of the interview.

Plan your schedule to make sure you are on time, which means being ready in advance. In person: Make sure your travel plans are accurate. Knowing your route will give you a sense of confidence. Virtual: Test the software you will use for the interview: open the app, the camera, and the microphone. Check the Internet connection. Have a backup plan (cell data, neighbour, etc.).

Choose your outfit carefully: opt for clothes that are both professional and comfortable and that express your style and personality. A little extra advice: How you dress is part of the presentation, even during a virtual interview! Changing out of loungewear and slippers is, in our opinion, a simple must-do tip for a successful interview.  

Make sure you have these essentials on hand: a copy of your resumé, and a notebook and pen to write down your questions and any information you want to take away from the interview.

Limit distractions as much as possible. For example, it might be a good idea to turn off your phone or put it on mute. Virtual: Choose a place where you feel comfortable speaking without being disturbed: a calm environment will help you concentrate.

Be in the right frame of mind: prepare to actively listen so you can respond to the questions asked. Smile. Use a clear and calm tone. Pay attention to body language.

Let your personality shine through. You don’t have to try to be someone else, your personality is what interests us the most. This is definitely the most important point!

3. Shine during the interview

We really want to get to know you! Our interviews are much more than a simple discussion! Our goal is to understand if we can be a good fit. Feel free to ask us any questions that come to mind. You are the centre of the conversation, so take the space you need to introduce yourself and chat with us.

Are you familiar with the STAR ( Situation - taks - Action - Result) method? This model, created to help develop clear and structured answers during an interview, is very interesting. It ensures that you make the most of your past experiences, by focusing on:

Relevant aspects : Focus on experiences directly related to the position you are applying for.

Recent experiences : Highlight the current or most recent position with the help of concrete examples.

Transferable skills : Emphasize past tasks relevant to the new role.

4. Maintain post-interview momentum

Did you enjoy the meeting? Send us a thank you message and keep in touch with the people you met. Who knows, this might come in handy later. It's a great way to stay on the lookout for other interesting projects or opportunities.

By this point, the hardest part will be over. If you have implemented all of these recommendations, we are confident that your interview will have gone wonderfully and left you with a positive experience, regardless of the outcome.

To give you a little boost, we had a chat with our Talent Acquisition Manager, Virginie Lebrun. She shares her perspective on interviews, along with some great tips!

What is the first thing you notice as a recruiter?
The first thing I notice is how a candidate presents themselves - both in their communication style and body language. A confident, authentic, and respectful approach leaves a strong first impression.

What is your favourite interview question, and why?
I love asking "Can you share a moment when you made someone’s day better?" It’s a great way to understand how someone naturally cares for others, whether it happened at work, at home, or in their community.

Name a practice that impressed you in an interview and would be worth sharing.
A candidate who thoroughly researches the company and connects their answers to the company’s values and mission.

Name one thing to avoid in an interview.
Avoid giving answers that sound too scripted. We value genuine, down-to-earth people, so being yourself goes a long way.

What is the best question you have ever been asked by a candidate, and why was it a good question?
"How does your team celebrate individual and collective successes?" This question stood out because it showed the candidate cared about personal growth and being part of a supportive team environment.

What are interesting topics to get to know a candidate that are often overlooked in an interview?
Passions outside of work – whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or a personal project – often reveal qualities like creativity, dedication, and compassion, which are highly valued in our industry.

Give your best piece of advice to help future candidates stand out.
Be yourself, show enthusiasm for the role, and demonstrate how your unique experiences reflect who you are. Specific examples that highlight your skills and character, authenticity and a genuine desire to connect with others always stand out.

RECRUITMENT

Exciting Opportunities Await!

Are you eager to grow and ready to take your career to the next level? Check out the careers section on our website to uncover the amazing opportunities that await you.