Tough Interview Questions: The Country Club Question (VIDEO)
Tell me a little about yourself
Hiring managers often ask this question at the beginning of job interviews to learn more about a candidates work history, experience and personality. Keep your answer brief and focus on what makes you qualified for the role.
Example answer: “Im a recent graduate from GLF University with a bachelors degree in golf management. Last summer I interned at Lakeside Golf Course where I gained hands-on experience working alongside their operations manager and assisting professional golfers on the course. Before that, I worked as a golf caddie for five years and served as a brand ambassador for Sunny Hills Golf Course for two years.”
Read more: How to Answer “Tell Me about Yourself” (Tips and Example Answers)
How much experience do you have with golf?
Hiring managers may ask this question to determine whether youre an experienced golf player. Be honest and share how you got involved with the sport.
Example answer: “When I was 6 years old, I started going to golf courses with my uncle. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with him and learn the sport. Throughout high school I played golf with my friends and by the time I was in college I started a part-time job as a golf coach.”
Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
Potential employers may ask this question to determine whether you fit their company culture. Try to provide an answer that demonstrates you have the ability to perform individual tasks and collaborate with other team members.
Example answer: “It depends on the task. Im confident in my abilities and I enjoy being able to complete my job responsibilities on my own to stay productive, but I also enjoy collaborating with team members on larger projects. I also strive to make sure I communicate with my team members and supervisors by providing regular updates when I complete tasks.”
Interviews for Top Jobs at Congressional Country Club
Outside Services Staff Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Congressional Country Club
Interview
I enjoyed the interview, and I spoke with four different people. A lot of the questions seemed to gauge personal traits. You can tell that they care a lot about wanting the best people for the job!
- If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Summer Camp Counselor Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Congressional Country Club (Potomac, MD)
Interview
I was called in for an in person interview. I met with several of the staff including a tennis professional and the director of member events. It was relatively casual. The interviewees were patient and allowed me to take time to answer questions.
- Have you ever helped someone through a problem/how
Server Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Congressional Country Club in Nov 2021
Interview
The interview took about 2 hours long. Interviewed 4 different staff members from various departments of the club. They asked about 100 questions and wanted examples to be provided as well.
- How do you handle conflict with a team member.
An important part of research before the interview is what the company does and how the job role relates to that. This includes the company philosophy and working methods. Questions such as this seek to find out how a candidate will fit into the organisation In Riverside Country Club. Answer positively; including practical examples of how you anticipate you would perform in the new role.
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question-beyond identifying any major red flags-is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I cant meet a deadline to save my life In Riverside Country Club” is not an option-but neither is “Nothing! Im perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that youre working to improve. For example, maybe youve never been strong at public speaking, but youve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
If asked about plans for continued education, companies typically look for applicants to tie independent goals with the aims of the employer. Interviewers consistently want to see motivation to learn and improve. Continuing education shows such desires, especially when potentials display interests in academia potentially benefiting the company. Answering in terms of “I plan on continuing my studies in the technology field,” when offered a question from a technology firm makes sense. Tailor answers about continued studies specific to desired job fields. Show interest in the industry and a desire to work long-term in said industry. Keep answers short and to the point, avoiding diatribes causing candidates to appear insincere.
Do your research before answering this question – first, consider what the market average is for this job. You can find that by searching on Google (title followed by salary) and globalguideline.com and other websites. Then, consider this – based on your work experience and previous results, are you above average, if yes, by what % increase from your pay today from your perspective? Also – make sure if you aim high you can back it up with facts and your previous results so that you can make a strong case.
This is a common one at startups. Hiring managers want to know that you not only have some background on the company, but that youre able to think critically about it and come to the table with new ideas. So, come with new ideas! What new features would you love to see? How could the company increase conversions? How could customer service be improved? You dont need to have the companys four-year strategy figured out, but do share your thoughts, and more importantly, show how your interests and expertise would lend themselves to the job.
While some positions in private clubs may go to neophytes with little restaurant, greens caretaking or other service experience, most private clubs prefer to hire candidates with previous experience. Expect to have your references checked before you even get to the interview and asked about the levels of responsibility you had, the reasons why you left your last job and what makes you the best candidate for this position. Without rehashing your resume, talk about specific occasions when you overcame challenges at work to bring about satisfactory solutions or achievements you earned.
Managers for private clubs usually are interviewed by the club’s board of directors or a search committee elected by the board. The manager in turn hires a crew and other staff members. To attract and service members, private club management expects top-notch candidates with experience who also will make a positive impression on members.
It takes a while for staff members to learn members names and to settle into the culture of the private club, so hiring committees want to hire candidates looking for long-term commitments. They’ll look at how long you stayed in previous positions as well as what kind of professional activities you’re involved in that signal your career goals. Talk about your continuing involvement in industry groups and, if relevant, note if you have earned any professional certifications such as those available from the Club Managers Association of America.
Private club candidates who are only interested in talking about themselves quickly lose the confidence of the manager or hiring committee, according to private club recruiters Search America. While it is important to anticipate private club membership interview questions about your background, you need to demonstrate a real interest in the club and its membership. The interviewing committee will be focused on the types of questions you ask of them because they want to see how concerned you are about their needs, even above your own. Ask them about their expectations and how they perceive the ideal candidate so that you can best offer up examples of how your experience fits in with their requirements.
People join private clubs for a variety of reasons: They may want to use the golf course or bring guests to the private dining room, socialize with like-minded people or participate in community events. All members expect exceptional customer service because they typically pay a high price for it. Expect the search committee or manager to ask questions pertaining to your ability to provide that exceptional service. Prepare to share stories of how you’ve gone the extra mile for customers in the past or how you won awards for customer service in a previous position.
What Are Common Golf Club Membership Interview Questions
Before you begin answering any of the questions below keep in mind that honesty is the best policy. Do not say more than what you know or have done. These questions are very likely to be just formalities. They are probably judging your temperament. It will help them understand if you are someone who would abide by the etiquette of the golf club. Keep the environment friendly and helpful for everybody else who plays at the club.
FAQ
What questions do they ask in club interviews?
Gentlemen should wear a suit (not a sports jacket and slacks) with a white shirt and tie. Ladies should wear equivalent business attire with an appropriate length skirt and closed toed shoes. Please be conscious of trying to be relaxed and, most importantly, prepared for your interview.
What should I expect at a golf interview?
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why should we hire you?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- Why do you want to work in this field?
- Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate or supervisor.*
- What are your strengths?
- What are your goals?
- Why do you want this job?
How do you prepare for a golf course interview?