Top 9 Best Western Interview Questions & Answers (2024)

Best Western, a renowned midscale hotel brand, is known for providing comfort and essential amenities to travelers seeking reliability and convenience. The company has an extensive network of hotels across the globe, offering promising career opportunities in various roles like hotel management, guest services, and event planning. In the New York City metropolitan area specifically, Best Western is a significant employer, with several hotels providing numerous job options to residents.

Given the competitive nature of the hospitality industry, Best Western continually seeks out individuals who are passionate about customer service and can contribute positively to enhancing guest experiences. This article will help you prepare for an interview at Best Western, equipping you with potential questions and insights to increase your chances of landing your dream role.

If you're considering a career with Best Western and looking for guidance, we've gathered some useful insights in our articles on how to land a job at Best Western, along with tips on how to write the perfect resume and advice for crafting how to write a great cover letter. For more insightful reads to aid in your job search or career development, explore our full suite of resources tailored to help guide you every step of the way.

Common Best Western Job Interview Questions

Based on our research and experience, we have compiled a list of typical questions you might encounter during a Best Western job interview. These questions are divided into three categories: background-related questions, skill-related questions, and personality-related questions.

Background-Related Interview Questions

1. Could you tell us about your previous experience in the hospitality industry, and how it makes you a good fit for Best Western?
2. What attracts you to the hospitality sector, and why have you chosen Best Western for your next career move?
3. How would your background allow you to contribute to the delivery of excellent guest service that Best Western values?

Skill-Related Interview Questions

1. Can you describe a time when you effectively managed a difficult situation with a guest? What was your thought process, and what was the outcome?
2. Best Western prides itself on efficient event planning. Can you share an instance where you organized an event successfully?
3. Given the fast-paced environment of Best Western hotels, how do you prioritize tasks to ensure that all responsibilities are handled effectively?

Personality and Culture Fit Interview Questions

1. How do you handle stress in a customer-facing role, especially in situations where guests may not be satisfied with the service?
2. At Best Western, we value team collaboration. Can you share an experience demonstrating your ability to work well within a team?
3. How do you align yourself with Best Western's commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences?

These questions aim to assess your suitability for the job role at Best Western. Preparing structured responses to these can significantly improve your performance during the interview. The next sections will provide you with tips and guidance on how to approach these questions and articulate the best answers.

Question: Could you tell us about your previous experience in the hospitality industry, and how it makes you a good fit for Best Western?

This question aims to gauge your past experiences and your understanding of the demands of the hospitality industry. With this inquiry, interviewers want to ascertain whether your skills, accrued from prior roles, can be valuable to Best Western's operations.

Example Answer 1: "I have worked in the hospitality sector for about five years, focusing on customer service roles. I began my career as a front desk representative at a local hotel before becoming a guest relations manager at a larger establishment. This progression has given me a comprehensive understanding of guest services, which I believe aligns well with Best Western's commitment to superior customer satisfaction."

Example Answer 2: "My career in hospitality started while I was student - I worked part-time at a boutique hotel. After graduation, I took up a full-time role as an event planner in a city hotel where I successfully coordinated numerous events. With these experiences, I understand the need for meticulous planning, strong communication, and exceptional service, which are all crucial aspects of serving guests at Best Western."

The two example responses give different insights into the applicant's background but demonstrate key aspects valued in the hospitality industry such as customer service, event planning, and communication abilities. The first response focuses on growth within guest relations roles, showing a steady increase in responsibility and dedication to customer service. In contrast, the second response highlights versatility in handling different roles within the industry, demonstrating adaptability—an invaluable trait in the changing landscape of hospitality. Both answers address the candidate's fitness for Best Western by tying their experiences back to key competencies required in the hotel chain.

Question: What attracts you to the hospitality sector, and why have you chosen Best Western for your next career move?

With this question, hiring managers aim to assess your passion for the field and your understanding of Best Western's brand. Demonstrating your alignment with the company's vision can highlight your potential as a cultural fit within the organization.

Example Answer 1: "I've always been drawn to the hospitality industry because of my passion for meeting new people and creating memorable experiences for guests. I believe Best Western, with its global reputation for exceptional customer service, provides an excellent platform for me to make a significant impact."

Example Answer 2: "The hospitality sector appeals to me because it combines two things I love - problem-solving and direct interaction with customers. Considering a move to Best Western is motivated by its commitment to innovation in guest services. I am excited about contributing to this innovative environment and enhancing guest satisfaction."

The first response indicates the candidate's intrinsic motivation toward the hospitality industry and aligns it with Best Western's emphasis on stellar customer service. The second answer goes beyond personal interests and identifies problem-solving as a crucial skill in hospitality. It also mentions innovation, showing that the candidate has done their homework about Best Western's values. These responses indicate that the candidates not only have enthusiasm for the field but also understand the specific qualities that make Best Western a unique employer.

Question: How would your background allow you to contribute to the delivery of excellent guest service that Best Western values?

This question aims to understand how your previous experience can translate into success in a new role at Best Western. By asking this, interviewers want to see if you can apply past learning to their specific context while maintaining the brand's commitment to superior guest service.

Example Answer 1: "In my previous role as a hotel manager, I led initiatives aimed at improving guest services, including training programs for staff and feedback systems for guests. I believe these experiences equip me to contribute positively to Best Western's customer service approach."

Example Answer 2: "During my tenure as an event planner, I learned to anticipate guest needs and create satisfactory solutions in high-pressure scenarios. This experience, coupled with my dedication to excellent service, will help me uphold Best Western’s standards while providing memorable experiences to guests."

The first response focuses on the candidate's strategic implementation of initiatives in a previous managerial role, indicating their ability to lead and improve guest services at Best Western. The second answer showcases the candidate's skills in anticipating customer needs, a vital aspect of providing excellent service in any hospitality setting. Both responses effectively show how the candidates' backgrounds can support Best Western's commitment to exceptional guest services.

Question: Can you describe a time when you effectively managed a difficult situation with a guest? What was your thought process, and what was the outcome?

This question aims to assess your problem-solving and customer service skills. Interviewers want to understand your approach to handling challenging situations, how well you can think on your feet, and if you have the resilience necessary for the role.

Example Answer 1: "At my previous job, a guest arrived late at night and their reserved room wasn't ready due to an unexpected delay. I immediately apologized for the inconvenience, offered them complimentary refreshments, and ensured the room was prepared within half an hour."

Example Answer 2: "In one instance, a guest was unhappy with the noise level from a nearby event. I listened to their concerns, empathized with their situation, and swiftly arranged a quieter room as far away from the noise as possible."

The first response showcases the candidate's ability to provide immediate solutions in the face of unforeseen problems, demonstrating excellent decision-making and customer service skills. The swift action taken to rectify the issue and the added touch of complimentary refreshments show a commitment to going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction.

The second example highlights both effective listening and problem-solving skills. By moving the upset guest to a quieter room, the candidate not only solved the immediate issue but also demonstrated empathy and understanding—key components of excellent customer service. This proactive approach signals a readiness to tackle challenges in a way that aligns with Best Western's customer-centric values.

Question: Best Western prides itself on efficient event planning. Can you share an instance where you organized an event successfully?

The goal of this question is to evaluate your event management abilities and how they correspond with Best Western's standards. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate organizational competencies, detail orientation, and resourcefulness.

Example Answer 1: "At my last role, I successfully planned and executed a 200-guest wedding in less than two weeks. We received positive feedback on the seamless service and beautiful setup."

Example Answer 2: "I organized an international conference at a previous job involving over 500 participants. Despite logistical challenges, we managed to ensure smooth proceedings praised by clients for efficiency and professionalism."

The first example points to the candidate's ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines—skills that are highly relevant in the fast-paced world of event planning. It also highlights their ability to manage large-scale events, which is a critical aspect of Best Western's operations.

In the second response, the candidate shares a different type of event, expanding on their versatility as an event planner. They mention overcoming "logistical challenges," pointing to problem-solving skills, a key competency required in any hospitality role, especially at a global brand like Best Western that hosts various types of events across different locations.

Question: Given the fast-paced environment of Best Western hotels, how do you prioritize tasks to ensure that all responsibilities are handled effectively?

This question aims to gauge your time management and organizational skills. The interviewer wants to know whether you can maintain efficiency and productivity in a busy workplace like Best Western.

Example Answer 1: "I use project management tools to set priorities and deadlines. This approach helps me track progress and ensures that I meet expectations without overlooking anything."

Example Answer 2: "I create a daily task list and categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. I tackle high-priority tasks first but ensure even the small details aren't left behind."

Both responses display a structured approach to managing tasks, suggesting that the candidates possess strong organizational skills—an essential attribute for any role within the fast-paced environment of Best Western.

The first response highlights the candidate's expertise in using project management tools—a valuable asset in keeping track of multiple tasks and deadlines. This suggests they can manage their workload efficiently, which is crucial in a busy hotel setting.

The second answer introduces a more traditional but effective method of managing tasks. The prioritization strategy outlined caters to the dynamic hospitality industry's unpredictability, ensuring that the candidate can adapt to any changes in task importance or urgency during a shift. These skills align well with Best Western's need for employees who can maintain high service standards, even under pressure.

Question: How do you handle stress in a customer-facing role, especially in situations where guests may not be satisfied with the service?

This question aims to gauge your resilience and coping mechanisms under pressure. As hospitality is often fast-paced and fraught with unexpected challenges, Best Western wants to ensure you can calmly and effectively deal with stressful situations.

Example Answer 1: "In high-stress situations, I take a step back, breathe, and focus on the issue at hand. My goal is always to understand the guest's concerns and find an efficient solution."

Example Answer 2: "I keep my cool under pressure and remain professional. I listen carefully to the guest's complaints, empathize, and then propose viable solutions."

The first response emphasizes the candidate's ability to stay calm under pressure. They highlight their quick thinking and problem-solving skills, crucial traits for working in a demanding environment like Best Western, where guest satisfaction is a top priority.

The second answer further highlights the same qualities but adds an important element—empathy. This quality shows that the candidate not only addresses the problem at hand but also acknowledges the emotional aspect of the situation. This approach reinforces Best Western's commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

Question: At Best Western, we value team collaboration. Can you share an experience demonstrating your ability to work well within a team?

The objective of this question is to assess your teamwork skills. In the hospitality industry, collaboration among staff is essential to provide seamless service, and Best Western requires employees who can work effectively in a team environment.

Example Answer 1: "While coordinating a large conference in my previous job, I worked closely with various departments. Our collaboration ensured the event ran smoothly and received positive feedback."

Example Answer 2: "In my current role, I'm part of a diverse team. We have different strengths that complement each other well, making our guest service highly effective."

The first response demonstrates the candidate's experience in performing collaborative tasks, particularly during high-stakes events. Such skills are valuable to Best Western, as teamwork is essential to manage their events and overall operations efficiently.

The second answer highlights an understanding of diversity within a team—a key concept in the global hospitality industry where workplaces are often multicultural. This shows the candidate's adaptability and readiness to collaborate with diverse groups, aligning with Best Western's inclusive workplace culture.

Question: How do you align yourself with Best Western's commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences?

This question seeks to understand your dedication to customer service and how you incorporate it into your professional approach. Best Western prioritizes outstanding guest experiences, so they're looking for candidates with a similar focus.

Example Answer 1: "I always prioritize the guest's needs and aim to exceed their expectations. Whether it's resolving issues promptly or adding a personal touch, I strive for exceptional service."

Example Answer 2: "By continually enhancing my knowledge about the industry and customer preferences, I can provide more personalized and efficient services."

Both responses highlight the candidates' commitment to providing excellent guest services. The first answer emphasizes proactive problem-solving and the personalization of service, mirroring Best Western's customer-centric values.

In the second response, the candidate focuses on continuous learning as a strategy to improve service delivery. This shows initiative and the willingness to adapt and grow, resonating well with Best Western's emphasis on employee development and its mission to offer superior service based on a deep understanding of guest preferences.

Additional Tips for a Best Western Interview

Preparing for a job interview at Best Western involves more than just rehearsing potential answers to common questions. You might consider delving deeper into understanding the hospitality industry and Best Western's unique place within it.

Firstly, you can familiarize yourself with Best Western's history, values, and recent accomplishments. Comprehending the brand culture and aligning your aspirations with those of the company can help you stand out as a promising candidate.

Secondly, sharpen your knowledge about current trends in the hospitality industry. Staying updated on innovations or shifts in guest expectations can demonstrate your proactivity and commitment to staying relevant in your field. This could strengthen your application and show your dedication to delivering high-quality service.

Lastly, role-playing typical situations in the hospitality industry might be beneficial for your preparation. From handling an upset customer to coordinating a team during peak hours, imagining such scenarios can enhance your problem-solving skills, showcasing your readiness for real-life challenges that may arise while working at Best Western.

Mastering Your Best Western Interview

In this article, we have embarked on understanding the types of questions typically asked during a Best Western interview. We have outlined how you might approach answering these from a standpoint of showcasing your experiences, skills, and alignment with Best Western's values. Additionally, we’ve discussed some extra tips to help you prepare beyond just rehearsing answers.

Remember, the intent behind most interview questions is to assess your fit within the company culture, gauge your abilities in handling various situations, and understand how well you uphold the principles of excellent guest service. Tailoring your responses to reflect these qualities can increase your chances of standing out as a strong candidate.

Navigating through an interview process might feel challenging. However, with comprehensive preparation and a clear understanding of what Best Western seeks in their employees, you will be better equipped to highlight your strengths effectively and confidently handle any question posed. The journey to securing a role at Best Western begins with understanding the interview landscape and adequately preparing for it.