Prepare for Your HMSHost Interview: 12 Common Questions and How to Answer Them

Interviewing at HMSHost can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As the global leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues HMSHost offers great career opportunities in the food beverage, and retail industries. However, competition is stiff for jobs at this desirable company.

Thorough preparation and research are key to acing your HMSHost interview. In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the most frequently asked questions so you can craft winning responses. Read on to learn more about what to expect, how to prepare, and tips for nailing your HMSHost interview.

Overview of HMSHost

Before we dive into specific questions, let’s take a quick look at HMSHost and what they’re all about. HMSHost operates restaurants, bars, cafes, stores, and kiosks in airports, motorway service stations, shopping malls, and tourist attractions around the world Some fun facts about the company

• HMSHost employs over 40,000 associates across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• They partner with over 350 renowned brands like Starbucks, Burger King, California Pizza Kitchen, and local concepts.
• HMSHost operates in more than 120 airports worldwide.
• They recorded sales of $3.5 billion in 2019.

HMSHost is a subsidiary of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of f&b services for travelers. Working for HMSHost means joining a fast-paced organization focused on customer service in unique environments.

12 Common HMSHost Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Now let’s get into the heart of this article – a breakdown of typical HMSHost interview questions with tips for crafting strong responses

1. Why do you want to work for HMSHost?

This is often one of the first questions asked in an interview. The interviewer wants to gauge your level of interest in and enthusiasm for the company.

• Do your research on HMSHost, their mission, values, and culture
• Talk about why you’re attracted to the fast-paced environment and customer service focus
• Mention relevant experience you have that aligns with the role
• Share what excites you about the opportunity and why you’d excel in the position

2. What do you know about our company?

HMSHost wants to know that you’ve gone out of your way to learn about them before you apply. Demonstrate you understand their business model and values.

• Highlight facts about their global presence, brand partners, sales volumes, etc.
• Talk about their commitment to customer service and travelers’ needs
• Mention their sustainability and community engagement initiatives
• Share why their mission and values resonate with you

3. Why do you want to work in a travel location?

HMSHost venues are situated in busy, fast-paced transportation hubs. Show you understand the unique environment and demands.

• Express your enjoyment of fast-paced, high-volume customer interactions
• Share how you thrive under pressure and can multitask efficiently
• Discuss how you build rapport quickly and deliver excellent service
• Talk about your desire to bring joy to travelers in the midst of their journeys

4. How do you handle upset or dissatisfied customers?

Managing upset customers is an inevitable part of working in hospitality and retail. Share your empathy and problem-solving skills.

• Express understanding of their frustration and willingness to help
• Remain calm and don’t take it personally
• Apologize for the issue and ask clarifying questions
• Offer options or solutions; involve a manager if needed
• Follow up to ensure satisfaction

5. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.

Storytelling is key for behavioral interview questions like this. Choose an example that highlights your customer service skills.

• Set the scene: when/where did this take place and who was involved
• Explain the situation
• Share the actions you took to deliver exceptional service
• Describe the positive outcome and how the customer responded

6. Why should we hire you?

Summarize your fit and enthusiasm for the role. Align your skills, experience, and work ethic with the company’s needs.

• Talk about relevant hard and soft skills or credentials
• Share examples of successes in similar roles
• Highlight your work ethic, passion, and cultural fit
• Express enthusiasm to bring your experience and dedication to their team

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The goal here is to show ambition while demonstrating intent to grow your career at the company long-term.

• Express interest in growing skills and expanding responsibilities over time
• Share desires for leadership roles if interested
• Discuss hopes to progress from entry level into management
• Convey that you see yourself still with HMSHost, contributing to their success

8. How do you handle stress or pressure on the job?

This fast-paced environment requires level-headedness under pressure. Share your strategies.

• Talk about experience thriving under pressure in past roles
• Discuss priorities and time management skills
• Explain how you stay focused on solutions, not stressors
• Share stress relief tactics you practice and value work-life balance

9. What are your strengths?

Pick 2-3 relevant strengths and provide examples of demonstrating these in past roles.

• Customer service, communication, and multitasking are great options
• Share a story showcasing one strength – the situation, actions taken, and results
• Discuss how you’ve developed and leveraged your strengths over time

10. What are your weaknesses?

Be honest while positioning areas needing growth as opportunities to improve valuable skills.

• Choose realistic weaknesses that won’t disqualify you
• Share what steps you’re taking to improve in these areas
• Discuss how you’ve improved on weaknesses in the past
• Frame it as an asset that you’re self-aware and working to improve

11. Do you prefer working alone or on a team?

HMSHost values collaboration. Highlight your teamwork skills, while noting you can self-manage too.

• Discuss enjoying both collaborative and independent aspects of work
• Share examples of successfully partnering with others at past jobs
• Talk about times you provided leadership and mentorship on a team
• Express that you find balance working alone but thrive collaborating with a team

12. Do you have any questions for me?

Always bring 2-3 thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

Potential questions:

• How would you describe the culture on your team?
• What are the possibilities for professional development and growth?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• What do you enjoy most about working for HMSHost?
• What are some of the biggest challenges facing your department right now?

Preparing responses to common questions is central to interview success, but don’t stop there. Follow these tips to get ready:

• Research the company, role, and your interviewers
• Practice aloud with a friend or in the mirror
• Prepare examples and stories to help you answer behavioral questions
• Review your resume and qualifications
• Prepare smart questions to ask the interviewer
• Ensure you have logistical details like time and location
• Rest up and eat well so you’re energized and focused

With diligent preparation using the guidance above, you’ll ace your HMSHost interview. Best of luck as you embark on an exciting career with this dynamic company!