Confidence, professionalism, enthusiasm and other social-emotional qualities surprisingly topped job-specific skills for most business represented at Niagara College’s Career Fair at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake this week.
“Customer Service is number one,” said Peter Vorias, front officer manager for Vintage Hotels. “A smile also goes a long way.”
Vorias, who attended the four-day career fair to collect resumes from students and recent grads, added, ”When you're working at the front desk, you have to be able to problem-solve everything that trickles in. You need to be an ambassador. You need to be able to listen and find solutions when there are challenges, so you need to be able to think on your feet.”
Bricks and Barley kitchen manager Shane Martin-Bevan said they prefer to “hire people with experience in the industry.” He was on hand to “meet culinary students who are looking to grow within the culinary realm.” They are looking for “line cooks, dishwashers, good back-of-house stuff,” he said.
Tofino, BC was represented by Melody McLorie, director of human resources for The Wickaninnish Inn. She told The Local that they visit hospitality programs in colleges and universities throughout the country and even internationally, “so that we can find the best and the brightest to join our team, whether it be for internships or co-ops.”
Some hospitality experience is preferred, she said, even if it’s working at a gas station. “Some people are born with that natural hospitality nature where they want to welcome people. Others go to school, learn theory, and then can put that into practical use.”
“We've been fortunate to hire graduates and students here in the past,” continued McLorie, “and they've been very successful.”
Madison Stevens, key holder and senior wine consultant at Konzelmann Estate Winery, has a few positions open.
“Our main position is our wine consultant,” where one would work with the public, serve customers and be “a one-on-one connection for guests.” They are also looking for concierge and cashier positions. For all positions Stevens says interpersonal skills are highly valued.
“Wine training isn’t the main thing,” she said. “We're really looking for someone who wants to work and is good with people. It gets quite busy in the summertime, so being able to handle that stress and keep a smile on your face is really important.”
Tiffany MacLeod, human resources manager at Vintage Hotels and Niagara’s Finest Inns said that they are looking for “a little bit of everything.”
“Servers, bussers, housekeeping, culinary” and more in both part- and full-time roles.
While they currently have about 10 jobs posted, MacLead said that as April arrives and they move into tourist season, they will have another 140 roles to fill across 14 properties.
“First and foremost we want to see individuals who are passionate about hospitality,” said MacLeod. “We want to see some customer service skills, and of course, culinary skills if they're in the kitchen.”
Niagara College’s Career Fair continues Feb. 5 and 6 with a move to the Welland Campus Campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All current Niagara College students and recent alumni are invited to attend.