Recent research has revealed that the Hospitality and Tourism Industry wants experienced graduates. This industry wants graduates who can also think critically and reflectively, who know their
strengths and can use them effectively in the workplace. It is also important to become aware of your ‘areas for improvement’ also known as ‘areas for growth’ and to work toward improving these
skills. Knowing and embracing your character strengths and skills and using them in your career can lead to rewarding outcomes. Take the VIA Character Strengths Survey now
https://www.viacharacter.org/www/The-Survey.

critically reflect on this topic and discuss in relation to your study, career and Work Integrated Learning
experiences.
1. Demonstrate understanding of effective opportunity-search strategies;

How are you likely to learn about job/career opportunities? Think about traditional (advertisements) and non-traditional methods (networking). Think about the most effective methods relating to
your own career and the positions you are seeking. For example, visiting small restaurants and handing in your resume in person may be effective in this casual environment but may not be suitable
for more professional roles in 5-Star Hotels.

2. Apply understanding of recruitment/selection methods to applications;

What do you think that recruiters are looking for in prospective employees? How would you customise your applications accordingly? Think about the cover letter/resume and interview. Consider the
size of the organisation as well as the perceived brand or culture. Think mission, vision, values.

3. Demonstrate ability to use relevant vacancy information, including ways of accessing unadvertised vacancies;

How would you pursue these vacancy opportunities once you know about them? How would you find unadvertised vacancies? (think networking via peak bodies, family and friends, colleagues, referrals).
For example, think about an employer like Crown who is the largest employer in Melbourne. If you have visited their careers website, not a lot of positions are advertised considering the size of
their organisation. Why? How can you access these positions.

4. Identify challenges and obstacles to success in obtaining suitable opportunities and strategies for addressing them;

For example, you may have a lack of experience? Offer to shadow another employee or work/volunteer in another department after hours/on days off.

You may undertake professional development courses, seek a mentor, consult with supervisors or managers (if appropriate) and discuss goals…

5. Demonstrate capacity to vary self-presentation to meet requirements of specific opportunities;

This could relate to cover letter, resume, physical presentation and interview style. For example, would you wear a formal suit to a job interview? In many cases, this is essential to your image
and presentation. However, in some workplace cultures, this may not be an appropriate fit (eg. for a small restaurant kitchen role)

6. Demonstrate ability to present oneself effectively in selection interviews and other selection processes

What information are employers looking for? Research and preparation are very important. Use VIA Character strengths and even explain that according to the VIA character strengths survey (taken by
2.6 Million people in 190 countries) your top strengths are…. and you use them in your work to enhance the customer experience…