If you’re thinking about applying for a ski season job in the Alps this Winter, you could do yourself a favour by reading the tips we’ve compiled in this blog.
After years of employing hundreds of seasonnaires each winter we know a thing or two about what to look for when searching for the right candidate…
How to write a cover letter
- Your cover letter is so important. It tells us why you want the job and how you think your skills will help you achieve. It gives us an insight into your personality and how you see yourself. If you have limited working experience, your cover letter could make the difference. It should be concise, about half a page or three paragraphs, covering the content of who you are, why you want a ski season job and how you meet the role requirements.
- Giving us the dates and notice period of your current job is very helpful. It will allow us to judge where you’ll be when the season starts. In addition, you may want to join the season after January for example (it happens quite a lot!), and knowing this in advance will save us asking the question.
How to write a great CV
- Have an ‘’About Me’ section at the start of your CV. Just a paragraph describing yourself, giving an insight into your personality. Try to avoid superlatives such as “I am the best at…” but be confident.
- The main bit, your experience, should be broken down concisely for easy reading, including 1. Descriptions of the jobs you’ve had and what roles you performed, and 2. Brief description of the companies you have worked for before and what they do/are. Tailor your experience to the job you’re applying for. For example if you are applying for a chalet hosting role we want to see proof of experience in hospitality, customer service, food and service, so highlight this to us.
- Your contact details should be current. You may want to consider opening a new email account so you can have a respectable address, such as your name, rather than some strange nickname you were known as 10 years ago!
- A photo can be useful, but it is by no means required. If you include a photo, make sure it’s suitable for a CV – e.g. ensure you are smartly dressed and well groomed.
- Curriculum Vitae? We prefer “Concise Vision”. Your CV should not be more than 2 pages long. CV’s are primarily to show us your work and life experiences (such as D of E, 1st Aid, team captain, world travels, etc.). For example, there’s no need to take up a whole page telling us how many GCSE’s and A Levels you have. While these are important, a brief summary at the bottom of your CV is sufficient.
Top 6 Interview Tips
The internet, the library and your friends and family will be full of good tips to get you through what can be a daunting experience. However, you should trust your instincts. If we’ve asked you to come for an interview it will largely be on the strength of your CV and telephone screening, which is a huge positive! Here are some obvious points to remember for the big day though:
- Preparation is key. Depending on the ski season job you are applying for you may be required to prepare a presentation or maybe demonstrate your cooking skills. Make sure you allow time in advance of the interview to plan accordingly, i.e. you might not want to cycle to your interview whilst carrying your 3 tiered chocolate sponge cake!
- Look the part. Whilst being a seasonaire will probably involve wearing baggy t-shirts, hoodies and beanie hats while chewing gum, you are now going to a job interview. The first impression of a candidate is the view of them as we open the door. You can make this a good one by making an effort and looking professional. Consider your body language, for example slouching in your chair might look a bit lazy.
- Do some research. We like to see that you have spent some time researching Skiworld and are interested in representing us rather than just “getting a job”. Our website has lots of information about us within it. In addition, you should prepare some questions to ask us too. It will show your keenness.
- Be punctual. Leave enough time to find our head office. Travel delays occur, so if you are running late make contact and explain the situation. Honesty is the best policy. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early.
- Don’t be nervous. If you have got through to the interview stage you are doing something right! Ski season jobs, in particular, are customer facing and sociable roles so we want to see that you can talk to people confidently. We will recruit you for who you are as a person as well as the skills you have, so show yourself to us and tell us why you will be a great asset to our team.
- Oh, and make sure your phone is on silent!
TAKE A LOOK AT THE FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES WE ARE OFFERING TO WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS… GOOD LUCK!
