Anybody with experience working for Marriott?

[mackeysmom]

Hi -

I have a job interview with Marriott on Tuesday . I've been researching the company so that I will have some background information and hopefully will be able to come across as having done my research.

Just wondering if anybody here has ever worked for Marriott? If so, what kind of company were they to work for? Good, bad, promote from within, etc. ? Just looking for any insight.

My background - for the last two and a half years I've been going to school part-time at night (while working full-time) for Hospitality Management. Lost my job over the summer, but took advantage of the time off and finished my schooling full-time for the fall semester. Graduated in December. So here I am, during one of the toughest economic times in recent history - not only looking for a job, but looking for a job in an industry that I have ZERO experience in.

I keep hearing the same thing - I'm overqualified for an entry-level position, but don't have the hotel experience for a management position. I fully understand that I will most likely have to take an entry-level position in order to get any sort of credibility in the industry - I just need somebody to give me that chance.

The job I'm interviewing for is an entry-level, slightly higher than minimum wage paying position. But hey - if it gets my foot in the door, I'll take it

Thanks,
Laura

 

[hereyago]

First of all: Good luck on your interview on Tuesday.

I am actually about to start back in the hospitality industry, my thing was timeshares, but there was no real promoting.

But I do know with hotels that it may say Marriott or Comfort Inn, but often times they are managed by different companies but have the brand name but have to keep up with the brand standard.

Say if you see 2 hotels directly from each other, 2 different chain names, but they could be managed by the same company.

Most hotel management companies do have the promotion benefits. With any job, you just have to have the drive and ambition. I am quite sure you will do fine at your interview. It is good that you have done research, that will show them you are interested in the company.

 

[mackeysmom]

But I do know with hotels that it may say Marriott or Comfort Inn, but often times they are managed by different companies but have the brand name but have to keep up with the brand standard.

Say if you see 2 hotels directly from each other, 2 different chain names, but they could be managed by the same company.

Its funny you mention that - I applied at two different Hilton branded hotels (blocks away from each other) - one was a "true" Hilton, and the other was owned by a management company.

The Marriott I'm interviewing with is a "Marriott Corporation" hotel - it is one of the largest in the area (huge convention area, adjacent to a sport's complex).

Good luck to you, too in getting back in the industry. All reports I've been reading indicate that hospitality jobs are on the rise. Hope that bodes well for us!

 

[PixieDust32]

Well, depending on how owns the company, if the hotel is own by Marriott International that would be OK, of its own by another company I don't know.

I worked for a Marriott a franchise Marriott owned by Barcelo Crestline Hotels and it was a nightmare, my DH still working there because he had no choice right now with the situation, but they cut his position and demoted him to a lower position, still have to do all his duties, the cut the employees in his department from 20 to 6. The Management sucks, but again the property is not Marriott Int.

I had worked for Ritz Carlton (own by Marriott Int) and a totally different experience, the company benefits are great, they do work by the Marriott standards of service, it was a pleasure to work for them, unfortunately we moved to another state and the Ritz here was to far, I found that other 'marriott' instead but nothing like the real company, I felt so bad for the guest paying outrages rates for such a crappy service.

 

[hereyago]

Thanks. If I may a suggestion, but sure you have all ready learned this with taking Hospitality Management.

When you are interviewing, be sure to let them know that even though you are applying for such and such position, let them know that you are very flexible and would welcome being cross trained in order to reach your goal as well as understand the different departments.

They will more than likely ask you where do you see yourself going with the company,etc.

I have all ready started with the resumes myself. I have had to wait because it isn't quite tourist season,but can't wait too late or other people will scoop up the jobs.

But I have also been looking into the retirement communities and starting out at entry level, because unlike tourist season, there will always be a need in a retirement community setting.

Once again, you will do fine.