20 Four Seasons Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And one of the best ways to prepare is to anticipate the questions you may be asked.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Four Seasons, you can expect to be asked questions about your customer service skills, your experience in the hospitality industry, and your ability to handle difficult situations.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Four Seasons interview questions and answers.

Four Seasons Interview Process

The interview process at Four Seasons can vary depending on the position you are applying for. Generally, the process will involve an initial phone screen with a recruiter, followed by one or more in-person interviews with a hiring manager and/or members of the team you would be working with. The difficulty of the interviews will depend on the role you are applying for, but they typically focus on your experience and skillset. Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward and efficient, and most applicants report having a positive experience.

1. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know what skills you have that will help you succeed in the role, but they also want to make sure you are aware of any areas for improvement. When answering this question, be honest and specific. Try to focus on strengths that relate to the job description.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very organized and always make sure everything is in its place. This has helped me stay organized at work and complete projects ahead of schedule. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on a task that I forget to take breaks. I try to remind myself to take short breaks every hour or so to keep up my energy.”

2. How do you handle stress?

Working in the hospitality industry can be stressful. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies for managing stress and remaining calm when things get busy. In your answer, share a few ways that you manage stress. Explain how these methods help you stay focused on the job.

Example: “I find that exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious about something at work, I take a short break to go for a walk around the property. This helps me clear my mind and think more clearly. Another way I handle stress is by talking through it with someone else. If I feel like I need advice or just want to vent, I call a friend or family member. They always give me great advice.”

3. Why should we hire you over the other candidates who have applied for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, review the job description thoroughly and highlight any skills or experiences that match what they’re looking for. In your answer, explain why you are a good fit for this role and provide specific examples of how you’ve helped other companies in the past.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive experience working with luxury hotels. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable skills such as customer service, organization and communication. These skills have helped me resolve issues quickly and efficiently, which has led to positive reviews from guests at all four of the hotels where I’ve worked.”

4. Do you have any experience with handling money or using a POS system?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with handling money and using a point of sale system. This can help them determine whether or not you are qualified for the position. If you do, share your previous experiences and how they helped you develop these skills. If you don’t have any experience, explain that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store throughout high school. I learned how to use a POS system there, which helped me understand how to enter orders into the computer system here. I also developed my math skills by counting out change and balancing my drawer each day.”

5. How would you respond to a customer complaint about their meal?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. Use examples from previous experiences where you were able to resolve conflict with customers and maintain positive relationships.

Example: “I once had a guest who was unhappy with their meal because they ordered the salmon, but it came out overcooked. I apologized for the mistake and offered them a free dessert on our restaurant’s dime. The guest accepted my offer and said that she would return again in the future. In situations like these, I try to make sure the guests are happy so they’ll come back.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an upset customer, how did you handle it?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle an upset client and whether or not you have the ability to diffuse a situation. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your communication skills to solve problems.

Example: “I once had a guest who was unhappy with their room because it didn’t have a view of the ocean. I explained to them that we couldn’t move them into another room at no extra charge due to our hotel policy. However, I offered to upgrade them to a suite for the same price as their original room. The guest agreed, and they were happy with the new room.”

7. Provide an example of when you went above and beyond for a customer.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you can help their guests feel welcome and cared for at the resort. In your answer, try to describe a situation where you went above and beyond for a guest and helped them have an exceptional experience.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a regular client who would come in every week to get his nails done. He was very particular about what color he wanted each time, so sometimes it took longer than usual to paint his nails. One day, when he came in, he told me that he was going on vacation soon and asked if I could do something special with his nails before he left. I stayed late one night after work to make sure they were perfect by the time he left.”

8. Give us an example of a situation where you were able to resolve a conflict between two team members.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. This is an important skill for any manager, as it shows you can help team members work together and resolve issues in a productive way. In your answer, try to describe how you helped the two team members communicate with each other and come to a solution that was beneficial for both parties.

Example: “In my last role, I had two employees who were constantly arguing about which software program they should use for their tasks. One employee preferred one software program while the other preferred another. They argued back and forth every day until I stepped in. I asked them why they liked each software program and what features of each they found useful. After hearing their answers, I realized there wasn’t much difference between the two programs. We decided to give the second software program a try.”

9. Would you be comfortable working holidays and weekends?

Working holidays and weekends is a common expectation for employees at Four Seasons. The company understands that some of its guests may be traveling during these times, so it’s important to have staff members who are willing to work them. Your answer should show the interviewer you’re committed to this type of schedule.

Example: “I understand that working holidays and weekends is part of the job when working in hospitality. I’m happy to do whatever is necessary to ensure our guests’ needs are met. I know that my hard work will make their stay more enjoyable.”

10. Four Seasons places a lot of emphasis on teamwork. Can you give an example of when you worked effectively as part of a team?

Teamwork is a key component of working at Four Seasons. The company wants to know that you can work well with others and are willing to do so. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to collaborate with others while also highlighting the importance of teamwork in the hospitality industry.

Example: “I worked as part of a team during my internship at a local hospital. We were tasked with creating an event for patients who had just been discharged from the hospital. I was assigned to be the lead planner on our group, which meant I needed to delegate tasks to other members of the team. I made sure everyone knew what they needed to do and when they needed to have their task completed by. In the end, we created a wonderful event for the patients.”

11. In what areas could you use improvement?

Employers ask this question to see if you are self-aware. They want to know that you can recognize your own weaknesses and actively work on them. In your answer, try to be honest about what areas you could improve in while also showing that you have a plan for how you will do so.

Example: “I am always trying to improve my communication skills with guests. I think it’s important to make sure they understand everything we offer at the hotel and feel comfortable asking me questions. To do this, I’ve been taking online courses on customer service and hospitality. I find these classes really helpful because they give me new ideas for improving my interactions with customers.”

12. How well do you work under pressure?

Working in the hospitality industry can be stressful at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work under pressure and still perform your job well. In your answer, explain that you are a hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Show them that you are able to stay calm when things get hectic.

Example: “I am someone who thrives under pressure. I know that sometimes there will be many tasks to complete within a short period of time. When this happens, I take a deep breath and focus on one task at a time. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I don’t rush through my work. I also find that working under pressure motivates me to do my best work.”

13. Are you available to work nights, weekends and holidays?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are flexible and willing to work when the hotel is busiest. They want to know that you can adapt to their schedule, so it’s important to answer honestly. If you have a busy life outside of work, let them know what your availability is.

Example: “I am available to work nights, weekends and holidays. I understand that these are often busier times for hotels, so I would be happy to do whatever is needed to help the team succeed.”

14. If you were dealing with an upset customer, how would you approach the situation?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. Use examples from previous experiences where you were able to resolve conflict with customers and keep them happy.

Example: “I would first try to understand the situation by asking questions and listening carefully. I would then apologize for any inconvenience caused and offer solutions or alternatives to help solve the problem. If it was within my power, I would make sure they left satisfied. In my last role as a concierge at a luxury hotel, I had a guest who complained about their room’s view. I apologized and offered to move them to another room if available. However, there were no other rooms available so I upgraded their stay instead.”

15. Describe your communication style.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you interact with others. They want to know if you are a good communicator, so they can decide whether or not you would be a good fit for their company. When answering this question, try to focus on the positive aspects of your communication style.

Example: “I am an extremely open communicator who is always willing to listen to other people’s opinions. I believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to a conversation, so I make sure to actively listen to what my coworkers have to say. This helps me understand different perspectives and find solutions that work for everyone.”

16. Tell us about your personality.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how it fits with the company culture. They want to know if you will be a good fit for their team. When answering, try to focus on positive aspects of your personality that relate to the job description.

Example: “I am an outgoing person who is always looking for new opportunities. I love meeting new people and learning about different cultures. This has helped me in my previous jobs because I was able to make friends with coworkers from all over the world. It also helped me understand what our guests were looking for when they came into the hotel.”

17. What is your favorite thing about being a server?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you enjoy working in this role. You can answer honestly and talk about what aspects of being a server make you passionate about your work.

Example: “My favorite thing about being a server is getting to meet new people every day. I love learning about my guests’ lives, hearing their stories and making them feel welcome at our restaurant. It’s also rewarding when I get to help someone have a great experience here by providing excellent service.”

18. Have you ever used Open Table before?

Open Table is a reservation system that many restaurants use. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the software and how comfortable you are with technology in general. If you haven’t used Open Table before, consider trying it out before your interview so you can discuss your experience with the program.

Example: “I’ve never used Open Table before but I am familiar with similar programs like Resy and Tock. These systems allow me to make reservations online or on my phone, which makes it easy for customers to book their tables without having to call the restaurant. This saves time for both the customer and the restaurant staff.”

19. Why do you want to work at Four Seasons?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the company and its mission. It also allows you to talk about what attracted you to this specific job opening. When answering, make sure to highlight how your skills and experience align with the position’s requirements.

Example: “I want to work at Four Seasons because I am passionate about luxury travel. I have been working in hospitality for five years now, and I feel like I would be able to bring my best skills to this role. I love that Four Seasons offers unique experiences while still maintaining an upscale atmosphere. I think my customer service skills and attention to detail will help me excel in this role.”

20. Which shift are you interested in working?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your availability. They want to make sure you’re available for the shifts they need to fill. In your answer, explain which shift you are most comfortable working and why. If you have experience in multiple positions, share what you enjoy about each one.

Example: “I’m interested in working the evening shift because I find it’s a great time of day to interact with guests. I love hearing their stories and helping them plan their vacations. The night shift is also when we get our highest volume of reservations, so I feel like I can really contribute to the team during that time. However, I am open to working any shift as long as it fits my schedule.”