VacantReady

They are building a new Hampton Inn in my city and I am more than interested in seeing what they have to offer, they are reportedly opening in about 3 months but so far there is nothing on local job boards, the Hampton Inn website, the newspapers, or hcareers. There is NO link on the page to apply for Canadian jobs, if you click on the “Outside US” option it takes you to European/Asian locations. I have combed the website, site map, followed every link in circles, etc-nothing. I would really like to find out more information and I know they should be hiring soon, I would think they would be interested in getting experienced staff quickly, with 19 years in the industry I would hope to god I am an asset to someone. I even emailed the Director of Regional Franchising, there was a contact list for that on the site- no reply. I’m just extremely frustrated, I need to make some career decisions ASAP and would like to know am I staying at or going from my current property, should I hang on another year and move out of the province etc, I know I want out but I want a logical progression upward in my career options, and I can’t really wait until the place is open to make my choices!

Hi edithann,

You’ve already done everything I would have thought of to do in terms of finding out about the application process for the new Hampton. It’s no secret that timing can have a lot to do with getting the job you want so perhaps you’re just a little bit too early(??). The GM and the HR manager for the hotel are probably already in place so perhaps you can find those contacts in a google search.

To your point, waiting for that particular property to post positions probably isn’t the best strategy to take control over your career. It might work out great, but if you don’t get hired for whatever reason then you have lost time, and perhaps another position that might be even better.

It’s good that you want your next move to be upwardly mobile, but I’d be mindful not to make rushed career-changing decisions when you’re frustrated. I say that because I have made a couple of fairly bad choices in my career when I was “escaping” a position (or a boss) that wasn’t the right fit. It’s also usually easier to get a job if you already have one...as long as your reference will be good.

If you have a specific hotel brand that interests you is it possible for you to schedule a chat with an HR manager at the nearest property? Sounds like you might be able to use some guidance to come up with a longer-term career strategy. And that is always easier to do if you work for a company that has opportunities for both development, and transfer!

I’m not an HR expert by any means....Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Looking for advice on where to go next… I applied for the job that I really wanted at the new hotel that is going up in my area. I had written to the company a few months ago and sent a resume, but was advised by them to wait for a job fair. I scoured papers for quite a while looking for the notice, but didn’t see it. Then suddenly it was posted on a job board and I applied again. This got me a telephone interview last week, which seemed to go quite well. At the end of the conversation, the GM asked me if I would be available for an in-person interview on Friday. I of course said yes, and we vaguely discussed a time frame, since I am working another job, two days was insufficient notice to take off work, so I indicated to her that I was available any time at or after 4 pm, and why. She told me that she would get back to me regarding when and where (since the property is NOT ready to receive visitors without a hard hat), but it is now 9 days later and I have not heard a word. My schedule changed slightly last week and I sent an email last Friday mentioning that I would be home and available at 3 (rather than 4) if she wanted. I sat home with cell phone on, home phone handy and my email open waiting for some reply. There was none.  During the phone interview, she indicated the property would be open by Nov 15, and that there was a 2-week training class on the PMS program they use. I again indicated that I felt I should give 2 weeks notice at my current job, although I am not required to do so as I am still under their 6 month probation period. My question is this: Do I email her again? Or sit and wait???

I just don’t know if emailing the GM again would seem too desperate? Too pushy? I just really want the job, and I know that given my experience, I am the best person for the job in this city-it is a small city (less than 70,000) and most people with my level of experience LEAVE the area. If there weren’t deadlines to meet of me giving two weeks notice, all potential employees getting the required two weeks training, and all this having to be completed withing the next 6 weeks before the official opening date, I wouldn’t worry so much. I wouldn’t want the chance to slip through my fingers through a misunderstanding, or by not seeming “hungry” enough.
I’m just frustrated- I KNOW the area, I KNOW our customer base, I KNOW our industry client base, I know which segment to go after and which to let well enough alone, I KNOW our competition, having worked for 2 of the top 3 chains(and there are only 4 chains with properties in the area-Hilton, Delta, Choice, and Holiday Inn) I KNOW I could be of assistance in selecting the best staff from the local area, if they are any sort of hospitality victim… I mean veteran LOL, I’ve probably worked with them. I know that I can’t keep working at my current employer, it does not pay nearly as much as my previous one- I am working 3 jobs to make what I used to make at ONE.

Edith AKA Night Manager

Edith, I hear you on this issue....obviously you’re somewhat frustrated, and most anyone in your position would be frustrated too.

You’re absolutely right that giving two weeks notice is the right call even if you technically don;t have to...especially in a small market where everyone knows everyone. A devil’s advocate would probably ask you if leaving your current employer after less than 6 months is the best idea (especially in the same city)...no matter how much better a new role is. Susan Strayer had some advice for one of our blog members in somewhat of a similar situation a few weeks ago:

here’s a quote:

“...you want to ask yourself if you are really being fair--to yourself, to your colleagues and to your company.  You send a strong message when you leave this early--that you are disrespecting the company and your colleagues who have likely worked to both train you, welcome you and onboard you.  You owe it to them to give it more time.  You also owe it to yourself.  You hurt your own career brand if you leave this soon, and people in the industry talk.  Is that a risk you really want to take? ”

This may not apply to you specifically, but it’s worth a mention… know you said that your current job is not ideal for you, but being a “serial job switcher” can really hurt your career.

If the G.M. of the new property hasn’t gotten back to you then it could be because he/she is super busy with the hotel opening, or doesn’t (for whatever reason) think you’re the right candidate. ...either way, I don’t see how contacting again will hurt your case under the circumstances.

Anyone else care to comment?

As far as leaving the job I have now, it is at a call center, not a hotel, so it isn’t like I would be leaving an unfilled position, they would just hire one more for their next training class. I don’t dislike it, but the last time I saw a full time, two-week paycheque that STARTED with a “5” it was the 1990s. I’m now working 2 other part time jobs on top of this one to make what I used to make at one, and I can’t keep that up indefinitely. As far as being a “serial switcher”, the only full time, non-student job in my life I held for less than 6 years was for 3 months and I got downsized, I would never have left. My other jobs I stayed 13 years, and 6 years (again getting downsized). Concurrently I have also been a substitute teacher for 14 years, so I don’t think that leaving a low paying job after only a few months should reflect that badly.

Any number of things could be happening that may account for why the GM has not responded. As Chris mentioned, she could be extremely busy in preparation for the opening; there are always delays with construction projects and the opening has been pushed back; the GM could be away or sick; or maybe she’s lost or misplaced your contact information.

At any rate, if you really want this position - go for it! Email the GM as a follow-up, reiterating that you are still very interested in the position. Ask again when might be a convenient time to meet and further discuss your interest. You’ve got nothing to lose except a shot at this job. Don’t worry about moving on from one job after a few months. If you do decide to keep it on your resume, have a constructive response prepared as to why this happened. This can say much about you as a person and can work to your advantage. Good luck!

Well, perseverance has paid off and I started last week.

That’s awesome edithann! -thanks for taking the time to touch back with the forum.