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I am moving to Raleigh at the end of July or early August. I have been working as a full-time night manager at a Fairfield Inn & Suites for the past 3 years, and I also have over 3 years of retail experience.
I went down to Raleigh to look around for jobs 2 weeks ago. Working for a Marriott property, I felt that should be my first stop. I went to the Marriott across from Crabtree Valley Mall, and they told me to save time and just go to their website and apply there, and that I could see any positions open at any of the other Marriotts in the area as well. So, that is what I did.
Three hotels came up with a position that I was looking for (full-time front desk/management), so I applied. A day or two later, I called each hotel back to make sure my application was received. One of them told me that their applications go directly to another department and that they would contact me, another hotel let me leave a voicemail for their hiring manager (I've left him two voicemails so far, over the past two weeks, only one voicemail after applying), and another one said they would send their GM a note and she would call back. I have not heard from anyone yet and I'm starting to get worried.
I know I have 2 months until I move, but I'd like for this to get settled, as it would be one less thing to worry about. Does anyone know of any other hotel chains that are looking to fill positions? I know there are two new Marriott properties opening soon (one in July, and one in September) but I can't seem to find a way to contact anyone for those properties.
One of my brother's friends used to work for several of the hotels around here (kind of a job hopper, he went through 3 different hotels in less than 3 years...). He never seemed to have any issues getting a job but he actually live here, I would be clear you are actually moving here in July and it's not some tentative thing.
Also since Fairfield is owned by Marriott can you not do a transfer? It seems like since you work for the company there should be a way for you to find out about internal openings or how to get contact information for hiring managers. But I have no idea how the hotel industry works.
The unique thing about my current job is that the hotel I work at is actually a franchise, so it is not a "real" Marriott property, we just carry the name. Because of this, I can't do a transfer. One of my ex co-workers actually had the same thing happen to him, but he got a job out in Texas.
I think that is my main drawback right now is that I'm not actually in town. But I'd still like to have something lined up for when I get there, since my bills won't stop coming just because I don't have a job.
It also hurts that a lot of companies are doing online applications now, so the face-to-face aspect is thrown out the window.
That may sound like the best advice, but it may end up biting you in the you-know-where.
Employers like to hire people who can follow directions. These days, nearly every company accepts applications and resumes online. Companies are not set up to receive and process hard copy resumes and may resent receiving them from someone who has been told to apply online.
The "in person" approach may work better with smaller companies but not large conglomerates, which most hotel chains are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanielleNC
After applying online I would still stop by, introduce myself, and drop off my resume and cover letter.
That may sound like the best advice, but it may end up biting you in the you-know-where.
Employers like to hire people who can follow directions. These days, nearly every company accepts applications and resumes online. Companies are not set up to receive and process hard copy resumes and may resent receiving them from someone who has been told to apply online.
The "in person" approach may work better with smaller companies but not large conglomerates, which most hotel chains are.
It may not work for all industries, but it has certainly worked for me. I believe it's a good thing if it's a job where you would actually get to meet the hiring manager in person. Many people still would like to see people in person. It leaves a lasting impression and shows you're a go getter, especially in the customer service industry. Unless the company states not to come in person and apply online only, then I would definitely go in person and do anything I could to get the job.
It is a strange experience to apply for jobs now. About five years ago, I thought I was having more luck if I faxed my resume, rather than emailed it. But it seems rare to see a fax number now.
You see more restrictive statements in job ads ("no calls, please") and more unique requirements ("resumes without salary history will not be considered", "local candidates only"). There are more blind ads, and more staffing company ads.
It seems harder to stand out, and show that you are interested in a particular job. We all know how many applicants there are. I have felt for a while that if I were unemployed, I might just mail a cover letter and resume to every company in my industry. Basically make a spreadsheet and mail merge, and look up something about that company to insert in the letter. That might lead to contacts, or source some unadvertised openings. I don't know.
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