Interpersonal skills that notl workers searched on NC Career Fair

Trust, professionalism, enthusiasm and other social-emotional qualities topped surprisingly job-specific skills for most business represented at Niagara College’s career fair at Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake this week.

“Customer service is number one,” said Peter Vorias, front officer leader for Vintage Hotels. “A smile goes a long way.”

Vorias, who attended an ambassador. You need to be able to listen and find solutions when there are challenges so you need to be able to think about your feet. “

Bricks and barley chef Shane Martin-Vank said they prefer to “hire people with experience in the industry.” He was ready to “meet culinary students who want to grow in the culinary field.” They are looking for “line chefs, dishwashers, good back-of-house things,” he said.

Tofino, BC was represented by Melody McLorie, director of human resources for the Wickaninnish Inn. She told the locals that they visit hospitality programs in colleges and universities throughout the country and even internationally, “so we can find the best and the brightest to join our team, whether for internships or co-ops.”

Some hospitality experiences are preferred, she said, even if it works at a gas station. “Some people are born with the natural hospitality character where they will welcome people. Others go to school, learn theory and then use it in practical use. “

“We have been lucky to hire candidates and students here in the past,” McLorie continued, “and they have been very successful.”

Madison Stevens, Key Holder and Senior Wine Consultant at Konzelmann Estate Winery, has a few positions open.

“Our most important position is our wine consultant,” where one would work with the public, serve customers and be “a one-on-one connection to the guests.” They are also looking for concierge and treasurer. For all positions, Stevens says that interpersonal skills are highly valued.

“Wine education is not the most important thing,” she said. “We are really looking for someone who wants to work and are good with people. It gets pretty busy in the summer, so it’s really important to be able to deal with this stress and keep a smile on your face. “

Tiffany Macleod, Human Resources Manager at Vintage Hotels and Niagara’s finest inns said they are looking for “a little of everything.”

“Servers, buses, household, culinary” and more in both part and full-time roles.

While they currently have approx. 10 jobs, Maclead said that when April arrives and they move into the tourist season, they will have another 140 roles to fill across 14 properties.

“First and foremost, we want to see people who are passionate about hospitality,” Macleod said. “We will see some customer service skills, and of course culinary skills if they are in the kitchen.”

Niagara College’s Career Fair continues February 5 and 6 with a step to the Welland Campus Campus from 1 p.m. 10 to 15.00 All current Niagara university students and recent alumni are encouraged to participate.