Two leading hotel companies are augmenting the traditional hiring process by having job applicants perform comedy sketches, a cappella performances and role-playing scenarios, among other things.
Skift.com reports that Hyatt Hotels Corporation and AccorHotels have been testing the new hiring methods, which are quite a switch from the standard resume, cover letter and interview screening process. They’re designed to allow applicants to display some unique qualities that could be major assets for a particular position.
In most cases, an interview eventually is included in the hiring process, but this “casting call” approach enables employers to quickly identify some of the top candidates—and weed out others.
After Accor posted a novel video about employment opportunities at its Ink Hotel Amsterdam, the company received 400 applications in two weeks, many of them in the form of poems, videos and even newspaper articles. On its casting day, 125 people participated in interviews, group tasks, stand-up comedy and developing mood boards.
Also, Hyatt’s first Andaz hotel in Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, has been requiring applicants to go through role-playing auditions in which they complete tasks that are essential to the position.
Hyatt has also altered its three-minute staff orientation videos to teach employees holistic responsibilities regarding the guest experience, rather than how to fulfill specific tasks.
The early results? AccorHotels and Hyatt have found that the new hiring process has helped them to better identify prospective employees who are closely aligned with their brands.
