Creating A Mindset For Mindfullness In The Culinary & Hospitality Industry. By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef
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The Hospitality industry as we all know is one of a very inclusive nature and it also has an evolutionary perspective looking at it from the growth and development point of view. The world today has changed post covid times and the recovery phase of this industry marks on top of the charts. The fact that a lot of people believe that there is plentiful opportunities available to choose from, not to forget that an able mind needs to work towards being a capable mind as well.
Hotels today are seeing a by far faster number of growths all across the country. The number of keys being turned out every single day is huge and incredible. International brands and local big names too are in the line of competition when it comes to checking on their feasibility and business strategies to attract the guests from all sectors and various walks of life in order to earn some good revenue to be able to withstand the market pressure and be able to sustain.
Hospitality as a sector is much more than just hotels, restaurants, entertainment and luxury. It is now involving a lot more than just accommodation and food. The verticals today being created under it are also including facility management and retail business too. Market today is volatile and is able to attract revenue from these segments too which need trained and expert manpower from hospitality background. Today’s training & coaching centres, professional institutes, colleges & universities offering hospitality education have become well aware that this one course has become so universally accepted & recognised that it has amplified the number of recruitments, job offers and openings to level next.
*What is the Mindset required to be successful in today’s hospitality industry?
The word mindset is an established set of attitudes of a person or group concerning culture, values, philosophy, frame of mind, outlook, and disposition. It may also arise from a person's worldview or beliefs about the meaning of life. While the meaning of same varies from person to person, the perception of looking at life too would be different for each individual depending on his level of ambition, goals etc. it is however important to note that this industry does require a few basic essentials which one must possess or be able to adapt to before taking a step into it or towards this dynamic sector. Let us also look deep within into the word mindset as I apply a few interesting qualities and traits suiting the same.
M- Maturity
I – Intelligence
N- Nurturing
D- Determination
S- Sustainability
E- Education
T- Talent
While on one hand the industry experts, human resource departments, hiring professionals and counsellors advice that one should be able to present themselves well in the interviews as first impression remains to be last impression, the fact of the matter also includes that at times first impressions should not be considered everlasting ones and can be varied and subjective since candidates facing interviews for the first time are often nervous, a little scared and at times even forget how to introduce themselves in the very first round of selection. At times it has also been observed that some of the best candidates are not able to speak in group discussions as well which often have them left out from the list of 2nd round which talks about their area of interest and talent, due to which they often feel depressed and low and their morale goes for a toss. However, in my personal opinion one must not take this otherwise but continue and try again next time with more confident approach.
Why do Rejections take place when applying for Jobs?
The word Rejection is looked at in a very negative way as a perspective by candidates especially freshers who are applying for jobs in the hospitality industry. There are various factors which are linked to rejections from the industry point of view which must be well known to all seeking suitable positions leading towards their dream destinations.
Personality Speaks: While personality has its own implications to an interviewer it has a lot to speak non-verbally as well even before the candidate speaks a single line. Judgements are often based on experience of the interviewer and at times are laid down by the brand which is selecting or recruiting as well.
Being Yourself Matters: At times it has been observed that a few candidates while appearing for interviews carry a mask over them and try to cover up their flaws and some even speak with foreign accents and want to showcase their English to be over polished and internationally governed which doesn’t work for many.
Not Mentally Prepared: While some candidates apply for job interviews out of pure passion and interest some do it in peer pressure and some of them are just there for mere formality.it must be known to the applicants that your mind and thoughts need to be aligned with your speaking abilities and body language which is all looked at and evaluated no sooner you are sitting on that hot seat. Make sure you are well aware and alert about the why’s & what’s.
Technical Glitch Factor: Applying for technically governed jobs like front office, food & beverage service, housekeeping & food production calls for a complete check on basic knowledge department wise. The interviewer often has a list of FAQ’S which are a part of his/her questioning process. The candidate is quite often told about this much before the interview but at times the memory doesn’t support the occasion and the momentary dis-illusion turns out to be a mess for the offer.at times the interviewer also twists & turns the basic question just to see the responsiveness and clarity of thought in the candidate but quite often it has been seen that the results are not too positive.
Not Being a Good Story-Teller during the Interview: this industry is all about experiences & sharing of thoughts, views and opinions. While the candidate expects to get a job by just having an impressive format of his/her resume, it calls for much more. there are observers too in an interview and while one is asking a question one is watching upon the candidate as well trying to read between the lines and gauge the exactness and or imperfections. Some interviewers are not convinced with the way the candidate speaks or shares experiences as asked by them and therefore do not wish to see them in the next round and while some are expressive and outspoken and are able to create a sense of interest in the interviewer with their telling skills.
A Mis- Match Effect of Dilemma: At times all seems to be going well for some candidates in the interview round after round and there seems to be a ray of positive hope being developed in the mind that yes, I am able to make it further. While some properties do have multiple rounds going upwards the hierarchy following protocol for selections at times certain candidates do have a hick up there at the finale rounds and while meeting with the boss too things and situations have been found getting bad to worse. What matters here is that the self-presentation & confidence needs to be maintained and thoroughly exhibited in front of the ultimate decision maker or head of the organisation. Confidence often makes life easy than complicated.
What should be done ideally before appearing for Hospitality Industry related Interviews & allied applications?
Being Well Prepared & Aware: It is important to not just have an active mind towards making a decision to apply for a particular job which attracts as one of the best brands in town but to also have a mindfulness towards being practically being able to suit the same in terms of basic requirements. Some candidates do not look at their own basic traits, qualities and or requirements which the job offering party will not be able to compromise with. For instance, height factor for certain jobs calls for a certain figure on the scale which must be met up with. Similarly, there are some companies who are little particular on the overall pleasing aspects of a candidate’s personality to the effect of physical fitness, looking your age factor, being able to do justice to the job etc. all these small aspects are sometimes ignored by the candidates.
K Y C – Know Your Candidature: As a very important piece of advice which we wish to extend to all candidates from the industry point of view is to know why you wish to join a particular department or section in the industry. For instance, a very common experience we face is the candidate says I like food production or kitchen & bakery as my area of interest. The next thing we wish to hear from him/her is that why kitchen? What is so fascinating in kitchen for you? What makes you feel that you are the right candidate to be joining us for kitchen? These are some of the finer aspects of the job and the candidate which we assess at times and we take a call whether or not to take him to the next round of selections. Similarly, it applies to front office as well when asked about walking a guest and walking away a guest from the hotel. We expect that these basic facts are well said and proven to the interviewer.
Read up the facts & figures beforehand: Every hiring company or team of recruiters would wish to see the interest level in the candidate who is aspiring to be on board the brand. It simply starts from checking the facts and figures well in advance before the interview. Putting the important facts and names of important people in that protocol on your writing pad, keeping note of how many rooms does the hotel have, which all outlets are available, who is the director or general manager of the hotel etc. it is also imperative to know the contact number of the property, the website address to make an impressive remark if at all asked and verified during the interview process. It not only shows your real interest in the company but also displays a fact that you like to get into details and understand the finer aspects of the company you are applying for.
On a Concluding Note, on Mindfulness:
Interviews and selection process is not just offering a job and selecting a candidate for the same anymore, it is also creating an atmosphere of inclusiveness and participative development of the brand and self too. Being mindful also applies to the fact that one needs to be receptive, open to feedback, accepting change and also presenting a sense of self-improvement too. Keeping an open mind towards not just sharing your perspective towards the interviewer but also making an ever-lasting impression on his/her mind would help in securing better marks and a faster offer letter rolling out coming your way to embark upon a new journey towards your aspirations and ambitions in the hospitality industry.
