Using Realistic Job Previews (RJPs) in Job Interviews

Realistic Job Previews (RJPs) are a recruitment tool that offers candidates a taste of the actual job through simulated scenarios during the interview process. Unlike traditional interviews, RJPs involve exercises such as situational judgment tests, role-playing, or live problem-solving situations. This approach provides candidates with a clearer understanding of job expectations and gives employers a more accurate assessment of the candidate’s abilities, soft skills, and decision-making processes.

In the hospitality industry, where service delivery is key, evaluating a candidate’s response to real-world scenarios is crucial. RJPs can significantly enhance the recruitment process for roles such as front office managers, restaurant supervisors, or guest relations executives. By simulating situations like guest check-ins, complaint handling, or managing a busy service period, recruiters can gauge how candidates handle pressure, multitask, and communicate. RJPs can prevent mismatches between candidate expectations and job realities, ultimately reducing turnover and fostering a stronger fit between the candidate and the company culture.

We suggest:

1. Develop Role-Specific Scenarios: Create a set of RJP scenarios tailored to the job role. For instance, for a front office manager:

• Example: Simulate a guest check-in during peak hours. Include elements like multiple guests waiting, a phone ringing, and a VIP guest with special requests. Observe how the candidate prioritizes and handles these simultaneous demands.

2. Incorporate Role-Playing in Video Interviews: During video interviews, include role-playing exercises that reflect typical challenges the role might face:

• Example: For a restaurant supervisor position, ask the candidate to handle a situation where a guest has received the wrong order and is visibly upset. Assess their approach to customer service, problem resolution, and communication.

3. Use Feedback for Improvement: After implementing RJPs, gather feedback from both candidates and hiring managers to refine scenarios:

• Example: If a candidate finds the exercise too challenging, it may indicate the scenario needs adjusting to accurately reflect on-the-job realities. Alternatively, if hiring managers feel the RJP lacks certain elements, like managing online reservations, consider incorporating those aspects.

Enhance your hiring process by partnering with Eclat Hospitality! Our expertise in creating tailored Realistic Job Previews for interviews will help you select candidates who truly align with your hospitality brand’s standards. Contact us today to refine your interview strategy!

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