14 Reservationist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various reservationist interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Reservationist Interview Questions
- How do you deal with difficult customers?
- What are your availability like?
- How do you stay organized when dealing with many reservations?
- What is your experience with various reservation software?
- What methods do you use to remember important details about each reservation?
- How do you handle changes or cancellations to reservations?
- What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful reservationist?
- What do you do to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends?
- How do you deal with conflict within the reservation team?
- How do you prioritize your work when there are many demands?
- What do you think sets your reservation skills apart from others?
- What are your thoughts on upselling and cross-selling hotel services?
- How do you handle irate or dissatisfied guests?
- What are your plans for career growth within the reservation field?
How do you deal with difficult customers?
It is important for a reservationist to be able to deal with difficult customers because they are the first point of contact for many customers. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the reservationist's customer service skills and ability to deal with difficult situations.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult customers will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult customers include remaining calm and professional, being patient and understanding, and taking the time to listen to their concerns. Additionally, it can be helpful to offer solutions or alternatives, and to thank the customer for their business.”
What are your availability like?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the reservationist is available to work the hours required for the position. It is important to know the availability of the reservationist because the position requires working with customers and taking reservations. The interviewer wants to make sure that the reservationist is available to work when needed.
Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.”
How do you stay organized when dealing with many reservations?
An interviewer would ask "How do you stay organized when dealing with many reservations?" to a/an Reservationist in order to gauge their ability to handle a high volume of work and stay organized. This is important because it is a key skill for a reservationist, who must be able to handle a large number of reservations and keep track of them all.
Example: “There are a few things that I do in order to stay organized when dealing with many reservations.
First, I create a system for myself in which I keep track of all the different reservations that I have to deal with. This usually involves creating a list or spreadsheet in which I input all the relevant information for each reservation.
Secondly, I make sure to communicate regularly with the people who have made the reservations, in order to ensure that everything is still on track. This way, if there are any changes or problems, I can deal with them as soon as possible.
Finally, I always try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to accommodating changes or requests from those who have made reservations. By being flexible and accommodating, I find that it is much easier to keep everything organized and running smoothly.”
What is your experience with various reservation software?
An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with various reservation software?" to a reservationist in order to gauge their technical skills and knowledge. This is important because it allows the interviewer to get an idea of how the reservationist would be able to handle tasks related to the software, such as making reservations or cancelling reservations. It also gives the interviewer an idea of the reservationist's customer service skills, as they would need to be able to communicate with clients about their reservations.
Example: “I have experience with various reservation software, including but not limited to:
-Concierge
-RoomKeyPMS
-Hotelogix
-RDPWin”
What methods do you use to remember important details about each reservation?
An interviewer would ask this question to a Reservationist to gauge their organizational skills. It is important for a Reservationist to be able to remember important details about each reservation in order to provide the best possible service to customers.
Example: “There are a few methods that I use to remember important details about each reservation. I always make sure to write down key information in a notebook or on my computer so that I can refer back to it later. I also try to keep a mental note of important details, and if necessary, I will set reminders on my phone or in my calendar. Additionally, I always make sure to follow up with guests after their stay to get feedback and ensure that everything went smoothly.”
How do you handle changes or cancellations to reservations?
There can be many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a reservationist. It is important to find out how the reservationist handles changes or cancellations to reservations because this can affect the customer's experience. If the reservationist is not able to handle changes or cancellations well, it could lead to the customer being unhappy with their experience.
Example: “If a customer needs to change or cancel their reservation, I always try to accommodate them as best as I can. I understand that things come up and plans change, so I am always flexible and willing to work with the customer to find a solution that works for both of us. If a customer needs to cancel their reservation entirely, I refund them in full.”
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful reservationist?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the reservationist understands what it takes to be successful in the role. It is important to know what qualities are important for the role in order to be able to effectively perform the duties. qualities that are important for a successful reservationist include being able to handle customer inquiries and concerns, being organized and detail-oriented, and having excellent communication skills.
Example: “The most important qualities for a successful reservationist are:
1. The ability to stay calm and collected under pressure: A reservationist often has to deal with last-minute changes and cancellations, as well as irate customers. It is important to be able to stay calm and collected in order to effectively handle these situations.
2. Good customer service skills: A reservationist needs to have good customer service skills in order to effectively deal with customers. This includes being able to answer questions, resolve problems, and provide information in a clear and concise manner.
3. Attention to detail: A reservationist needs to be detail-oriented in order to accurately input information into the system and make sure that all reservations are processed correctly.
4. Organizational skills: A reservationist needs to be organized in order to keep track of all the different reservations and ensure that they are all processed in a timely manner.
5. The ability to multitask: A reservationist often has to juggle multiple tasks at once, such as answering phone calls, inputting data into the system, and dealing with customer inquiries. It is important to be able to multitask in order to effectively handle all of these tasks.”
What do you do to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask a reservationist how they stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the reservationist's professional development and is looking to see if they are taking steps to improve their skills. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the reservationist's level of industry knowledge and see if they are keeping up with the latest trends. Finally, it gives the interviewer insight into the reservationist's work habits and whether they are diligent about staying informed of industry changes.
Example: “There are a few things I do to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. First, I read industry-specific news sources and blogs on a regular basis. This helps me to understand what new products or services are being introduced, and what changes are happening in the industry. Additionally, I attend industry conferences and networking events when possible. These provide great opportunities to learn about new trends from experts in the field, and to connect with other professionals who can offer insights into the latest developments. Finally, I make sure to keep up with any new technology that could impact my industry, such as advances in reservation software or online booking platforms. By staying informed about these kinds of changes, I can be sure that I'm providing the best possible service to my clients.”
How do you deal with conflict within the reservation team?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the reservationist's ability to handle conflict within the team. It is important to be able to handle conflict within a team because it can lead to better communication and collaboration.
Example: “There are a few ways to deal with conflict within the reservation team. The first way is to try and resolve the conflict between the team members. This can be done by talking to each team member individually to try and understand their perspective on the situation. Once both sides have been heard, it is then up to the team members to come to an agreement or resolution. If the conflict cannot be resolved between the team members, then it may need to be escalated to a manager or supervisor. The second way to deal with conflict within the reservation team is to avoid it altogether. This can be done by having clear expectations and guidelines for the team to follow. Team members should also be encouraged to communicate with each other openly and honestly. If there is a problem or issue, it should be brought up right away so that it can be dealt with before it becomes a bigger issue.”
How do you prioritize your work when there are many demands?
There are many demands on a reservationist's time, including taking calls, responding to emails, and inputting data. Prioritizing work is important to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Example: “There are a few ways that I prioritize my work when there are many demands. The first way is to prioritize based on deadlines. If there are multiple tasks that need to be completed, I will start with the task that has the nearest deadline. The second way I might prioritize is based on importance. For example, if there are two tasks that need to be completed and one is more important than the other, I will start with the more important task. Finally, I might prioritize based on my own personal preference. If there are two tasks that need to be completed and I prefer one over the other, I will start with the task that I prefer.”
What do you think sets your reservation skills apart from others?
An interviewer would ask this question to a reservationist in order to gauge their self-awareness and customer service skills. It is important for a reservationist to have strong customer service skills in order to be successful in their role. Additionally, it is important for a reservationist to be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses in order to continuously improve their skills.
Example: “I believe that my reservation skills are top-notch because I have a lot of experience in the industry. I have worked as a reservationist for many years and have handled all types of reservations. I know how to handle customer inquiries, how to manage bookings, and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. I also have a strong attention to detail, which is essential in this role.”
What are your thoughts on upselling and cross-selling hotel services?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the reservationist's understanding of the hotel industry and how they would handle upselling and cross-selling services to guests. This is important because it shows whether the reservationist would be able to provide excellent customer service and increase revenue for the hotel.
Example: “I believe that upselling and cross-selling hotel services can be a great way to increase revenue and provide guests with additional value. I think it is important to be transparent with guests about what services are available and how much they will cost, so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase them. I also think it is important to ensure that any upsell or cross-sell offer is relevant to the guest's needs and interests, so that it feels like a valuable addition to their stay, rather than a hard sell.”
How do you handle irate or dissatisfied guests?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the reservationist's customer service skills. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the reservationist would handle a difficult situation. Finally, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the reservationist's personality.
Example: “If an irate or dissatisfied guest comes to my reservation desk, I will first try to calm them down and understand their issue. Once I have a clear understanding of the problem, I will do my best to resolve it. If I am unable to resolve the issue, I will escalate it to a manager or supervisor.”
What are your plans for career growth within the reservation field?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the Reservationist's long-term interest in the position and their commitment to the company. It is important to know if the Reservationist is looking to move up within the company or if they are just looking for a job to hold them over until they find something else.
Example: “I am looking to grow my career within the reservation field by continuing to learn and develop my skills. I am also interested in pursuing management opportunities within the field, as well as opportunities to teach and train others in reservations.”