Hotelies

<p>Hey, I am scheduled for an interview on the campus the 28th. What can I expect? My brother said I should have done an interview with an alumni nearby because they tend to be more easygoing and remember you better since they don't have as many interviews. What do you guys think? Should I be nervous? What were the interviews on campus like?</p>

<p>The interview for the Hotel School is important. Very important. And it's good you decided to take an interview on campus. Not only does the school encourage on campus interviews, but I believe they are mandatory (or close to it).
Unlike most interviews, the Hotel School interview is not an alumni interview; I believe all interviews are with professors of the school. The professors I have met are extremely friendly and generally laid back. Interviews are not intense, just nerve-wracking.
In addition, you won't get generic questions.
Be prepared to have a resume. I don't think the interviewer normally requests one, but offer it just in case. Sometimes it's good to get a conversation started.
Speak professionally. Be professional. This is the top hotel administration school in the world.
Dress professionally as well. First impressions are always remembered.
Don't be nervous. Be friendly, outgoing, ask questions about Cornell. Be yourself.
Good luck to you :)</p>

<p>I couldn't offer better advice, Cornell Hotelie! :)</p>

<p>I also brought a resume and it made me feel more comfortable walking in there. In addition, I typed a list of questions ahead of time so I didn't forget what I wanted to say. You definitely made the right choice to have your interview on-campus. An admissions officer or professor is going to have much more clout in the admissions process than an alum would have. Let's just say there's some question about your acceptance - If the person who interviewed you is in the room, and can put in a good word for you, that will DEFINITELY be to your advantage. (As opposed to an alum who is miles away.)</p>

<p>Hope that helped, feel free to ask anymore questions you might have.</p>

<p>thanks a lot ...sorry i posted twice by accident. oops. Um when you say they aren't generic questions...then what kind of questions are they, if you don't mind me asking?</p>

<p>indiegal76- can you post back after your interview with some reflections and advice for future students. My D finally got her info. on the person to contact for her interview. She will do an off campus interview since she is in Ca. I can't imagine that it will hurt her to not have an on-campus interview due to the distance. I also think that the alumni interviewer will have some insight for her in the adjustment that she would have going to Ithaca from where we live.</p>

<p>Aside from asking the typical questions about your courseload and interests, be prepared to be grilled about all of your previous hospitality experience. My interviewer asked very specific questions concerning my catering jobs. i.e. How many people were at the parties, what types of events, most exciting part of the job, how many hours a month.</p>

<p>OMG...my only hotel experience was at a hospital where I worked in the cafe. AHHHHH am i screwed?</p>

<p>Just give an honest answer to whatever they ask. I think they go into a ton of detail in the questioning to make sure your experience isn't a bunch of BS. Don't panic now, there's really nothing you can prepare for in the interview except dress nicely, prepare questions, and be genuine about your interest in hospitality.</p>