The interview process is an interesting one, and a first for me. Few interviews are pleasant for anyone, but this one is right up there with the best of them so far.
You can start the process by going to the Hilton Worldwide website, filling out your profile, uploading a resume and a cover letter (as I did), and then move on to searching for jobs in your area. Reservation Sales Specialist jobs are only in Tampa and Dallas in the U.S. After the basic questions, there is a personality profile and a math test, which includes percentages - not tough, but a few layered questions that need a bit of thought. The personality profile asks questions like, "Do you like to be in a crowd of people," "Do you enjoy teamwork," and "Do you like art?" There are a few on anger management as well. In this section, I would imagine they are looking to see if you are the sort of person that would easily be sparked into an argument with clients. I was surprised that I passed this segment - not that it was difficult, but because there were a lot of questions - I think they can get a pretty good idea of the kind of person you are with your answers. This section on the Hilton website took me approximately two sittings. It is a bit tedious, but understandably so.
Unlike the previous reviewer, I received an email from their virtual interviewer, HireVue, the next day. It looks like as it gets closer to the Orientation date/Training schedule, the quicker you will hear from them. I applied for both the part time and full time position. The full time orientation is on July 7th, 2014, which is only a few weeks away.
I received three emails. One asks you to click on a link that will take you to a video of more about Hilton as a company and three call simulations, including up-selling. Sadly, the volume on call part of the video was so low, it was impossible to actually hear what was going on. There is also a link to a .iso image that they ask you to download and burn to a disc, then start up your computer from the disc. The disc you burn checks to see if you have a wired connection to the internet, how much ram, etc, and apparently sends Hilton an email letting them know that if your computer has passed this part of the interview. I think it also checks on exactly how computer saavy you are. Really, if you follow the directions, you should be fine. Mine went off without a hitch. They request you complete this step within 24 hours, however, if you are pressed for time, they suggest you do the HireVue interview first.
The next email asks you to take the virtual interview, and the third email is a reminder to take the interview;D.
The virtual interview is interesting. I had about 5 or 6 video questions in which they give you only 30 seconds to prepare, just like a real interview. One question was about do you, and how do you motivate people, another was asking the definition of integrity, and of course, explain which jobs in your past qualify you for this position, and why do you think you will be good at this job, and I think I remember one about teamwork and reaching goals...sorry, can't remember exactly. Once the interview is done, you get a thank you email stating "Thank you for completing your interview! A representative from Hilton Worldwide will contact you about next steps." And that's where I sit now. I will update if the interview progresses to the next stage.
Update: I had my phone interview today and was offered the job. Let me say that the interviewer, Tina, was wonderful. If you are nervous at all, she will make you feel at ease. I really can't say enough good things about her. As other reviewers have said, the questions are basic, however challenging if you are an optimist. "Give me an example of where you failed and how you fixed it" - sort of questions. I don't really wallow in failure, I think in terms of success, so it was tough for me to remember a bad situation - but Tina helped me through and I was able to think in a more detailed way. Make no mistake, this is a sales position, so if you think that way, you will be fine.
After the personality questions, we went through the mock call. Again, think sales. Start with the most expensive package and ask for the sale immediately after you explain the room - this is most important. You have to know how to close the sale.
Although this was the first time I have done online interviews, I must say it was a fabulous experience from beginning to end. So far, I am very impressed with Hilton and the entire interview process. If you really want the job, you will be prepared for the interview. All the answers are in the pages they send you. Take the time, prepare, and write out each scenario and your responses before the call and you will be fine. I am excited to get started!
