“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle

In the Gaming/Hospitality industry, Employers seek excellence in servicing their clients. They know that this can only be accomplished by employees who day in and day out believe in doing the best they can in their current position.

Recruiters are very selective and evaluate a candidate first by his/her resume or employment application, and then on the results of the interview.

Talent comes by introduction, through a response to an ad, a referral from an acquaintance, recruited with the assistance of a search firm, or through the recruitment efforts of a Human Resources Department.

How do you ensure that you make the right impression and are recruited, “Against All Odds”?

Demonstrate Why You are the Best Candidate

Specify where your skills, knowledge and technical talent meet job description requirements and specifications.

• Address clearly where you have the required years of relevant experience
• What skills/knowledge have you continued to improve upon as you transitioned from one job to the next, which aligns with this position?
• If relevant, do you possess regional experience, or knowledge of the local competitive market place?
• If appropriate, do you possess experience in different gaming environments (i.e. riverboats, land based, racinos, and Native American enterprises.
• Do you have a proven track record in a highly regulated gaming environment?
• Does your resume include the size and scope of the facility where you worked, or are currently working? This is relevant and useful information since many recruiters may not know about the size of other facilities unless it is a direct competitor
• Specify where you have led an initiative, improved operations, received recognition for an accomplishment, etc.
• Demonstrate your accomplishments in each of the positions; do not provide a litany of job tasks.
• Be very clear on why you transitioned from each job to the next in the resume, leaving no question in the mind of the employer.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific systems, software, equipment, any other information that demonstrates your technical skills relevant to the position.
• If seeking a managerial position make sure to include your leadership qualities, number of direct reports, budget and other references to the size and scope of your job that directly equates to your ability to do the position you seek.
• Make sure your cover letter succinctly connects your skills to the Employer’s requirements.

Once your resume and cover letter has attracted the Employer to your credentials, you need to be prepared for the next contact from them.

Be Prepared for a Phone Screen

Phone screens are the most difficult to prepare for since you cannot anticipate how your response is being perceived. You cannot see the body language. But you can pay attention to their listening skills, their pause (which suggests they may need further clarification) and their voice inflections. You have all of the first five minutes to make a lasting impression and to get to the next level.

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” —Benjamin Franklin

·        Be prepared with a quick and fluid summary of your background and experiences that flow with a natural and clear understanding of your transitioning from one job to the next.

·        Be prepared to respond to any questions regarding your strengths and weaknesses

·        Rehearse answering a question, which might be asked about the most challenging and frustrating situations that you have experienced

·        Provide insight into your work ethics  

·        Answer all technical questions clearly and concisely

·        Possess a sense of humor, where appropriate, but maintain a level of professionalism

·        Demonstrate by asking questions that indicate you have researched their company and its competitors

 "Judge of a man by his questions rather than by his answers." —Voltaire

At the end of the phone interview make sure you know when they will make their decision for a personal meeting. If given that personal interview, now is the final opportunity to complete selling yourself for that golden opportunity. How do you prepare for that?

The Final Interview

Understand what you are looking for so that you know when you have found it.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”

Your hard work on your cover letter and résumé and perhaps the successful phone screen, has finally been rewarded, you have the face to face interview. Congratulations!

Now is the time to plan, rehearse and execute, so that when you walk out of that interview you have the choice of considering, taking that job. Self confidence and having a professional image at all times is the ever lasting picture that will be remembered when the Employer meets you. 

So preparation means knowing what to wear, what to say and how to close.

Dress for success - a suit / sports jacket & dress slacks or professional dress, polished shoes, groomed hair and coordinated accessories are essential. 

Recognize that the Employer is assessing you using the following criteria, so consider how you can present yourself in the best light. Study your audience, listen to the questions, and respond with confidence.

Review potential interview questions and prepare possible responses. Consider how you might demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Level of Flexibility
• Dedicated Work Ethic
• Team Player
• Common Sense and Realism
• Customer Service Attitude
• Perseverance
• Healthy Perspective
• A Desire for Continued Learning
• Leadership and Delegation & Employee Relations Skills (for management position)

·        A Future Vision and Awareness of the Change in the Gaming and Hospitality Industry

The above are true indicators of the anatomy of a successful employee in an innovative, complex, and technically advanced business, which the Gaming Industry has become. The top candidate should have the breadth of experience, tenacity and understanding to communicate effectively and with an air of confidence and sensitivity.

In summary, know the company, practice your delivery, look the part, be prepared to ask questions, take notes, have all documentation ready including references, and close the interview knowing the next steps. Lastly, follow up with a thank you note to all that you met.

Remember, every interview is a valuable learning experience. Remember to reflect following the interview and assess what went well and what you might have done differently. You may not be the only candidate, but do your best to leave a lasting impression, and when you do you will know, since it will be you that is offered the job!