Seeking Excellent Recruits For Hotel Management Training: An Intercultural Comparative Study

Abstract

The degree of commonality between key success criteria, hence the employability profiles, of Bulgarian and Romanian hotel management graduate trainees, is determined. The opinions of 146 hotel managers were solicited; rated attributes ranged across: education and ability; work experience; interpersonal skills and competencies; intrapersonal qualities; prerequisite qualifications; work experience; and reasons for choosing this job. Key recruitment criteria and ‘ideal’ candidate profiles are identified. Passion for customer service and passion for work are amongst key indicators of excellence. Although substantial commonality emerged, a number of statistically significant national differences are apparent. Implications for applicants, educators, recruiters and trainers are discussed.

Key Words:

• Recruitment
• Hotel management
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Employability
• Training