New Orleans and Company

JOB RESOURCES

LEARN WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Tips for Landing a Job Interview in New Orleans Hospitality & Tourism

1.

Create the Perfect Resume

No matter how much experience you have, always come to a job fair, or submit an application online, with an updated resume available! A resume is a document that provides potential employers with knowledge on your previous work experience, education and accomplishments. 

A great resume:

Grabs the attention of employers and recruiters

Sells your strongest skills and accomplishments

Shows how you’re a match for a position or project

And most importantly, gets you a job interview

2.

Create an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

A resume should always be accompanied by a unique cover letter. Usually this short document is included when sending your resume in order to introduce yourself to the prospective employer. It’s your chance to talk a little about yourself, and sell why you are the perfect candidate for the open position.

3.

Do Your Research

Know the history of the company where you’re interviewing, especially if it’s a local staple. The more information you know about the company, the better your chances of impressing the interviewer. The New Orleans Public Library system is a great resource if you need access to a computer or free wifi. They also hosts monthly events like 1-on-1 Computer Tutoring and Job Seekers’ Help.

How to Succeed in a Virtual Job Interview

1.

Test Your Tech

Be sure to test your technology several times before your interview. A common mistake is logging into your interview a few minutes beforehand only to have technical difficulties. Check your internet connectivity, test your equipment for audio and visual clarity, and learn the basics of the platform that will be used for the interview. 

2.

Prepare in Advance

Preparation is key, even with virtual interviews. Practice your interview skills and body language on camera. Be sure to set up your space for the interview by picking a well lit area with a the neutral background. Researching the company can help you get ready and come up with questions to ask the interviewer.

Here are some common interview questions to prepare for:

Tell me about yourself.

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Why should we hire you?

3.

Dress for Success

Just like an in-person interview, dress professionally. It will show the interviewer that you are a serious candidate for the position. For women, a blouse with pants or a skirt. Avoid flashy jewelry and distracting patterns. For men, a button up shirt or polo with slacks and a belt. A tie is optional, depending on the type of company you are applying for. Presenting yourself professionally will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the interview.

4.

Limit Distractions

Do what you can to minimize interruptions. If possible, find a private space and inform anyone staying with you about your interview. Silence your phone, mute notifications on your computer and turn off the TV to help you focus. Sometimes distractions happen beyond your control, let the interviewer know at the beginning if you might anticipate any. During these uncertain times, understanding and patience go a long way. Take any distractions that may come up with stride. 

Interview Tips Video

In Between Jobs?

Unemployment Information

Funds / Grants for Industry Workers

  • Greater New Orleans Foundation Service and Hospitality Family Assistance Program
    • Greater New Orleans Foundation, Gayle Benson, McIlhenny Company announced $194,000 in new grants from the Louisiana Service & Hospitality Family Assistance Program, an initiative to support restaurant, hotel, bar, catering and event staffing company employees who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who are working hard to support their dependent children and elderly parents. 
  • MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
    • The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. Click on the link above for more information.
  • Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
    • The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation operates a Hospitality Worker Crisis Grant Program that provides emergency financial assistance to individuals working in Louisiana’s hospitality industry – one of the state’s largest employment sectors. Click the link above to learn more and apply. 
  • Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hospitality Industry Relief Fund
    • The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hospitality Industry Relief Fund was created to support industry workers who are experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 crisis. This fund will provide emergency relief grants based on need to workers who have lost employment due to the shutdown for the pandemic. Apply here.
  • Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund, Inc.
    • Founded by the owners of Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established to help hospitality workers and their immediate families during emergency situations beyond their control, which have caused financial hardship. To apply, click on the link above. 

Other Services

  • City Of New Orleans COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
    • City’s Office of Community Development is accepting applications for tenants residing in Orleans Parish who are in imminent danger of being evicted. There is limited funding. Applicants must have experienced a loss of income related to COVID-19 and will likely become homeless within the next 30 days without financial assistance.
    • Potentially eligible households include the following:
      • Households with children
      • Households with disabled member(s)
      • Household with elderly member(s) and/or household members with underlying medical conditions
    • Funding will go to households with the greatest and most imminent need. The program will end once funding is exhausted.

Food Assistance

  • Second Harvest Food Bank
    • Metro-area service industry workers in need of food assistance should call 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a free, non-emergency number staffed 24/7 with information about how to get food assistance from organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank. The 2-1-1 operator will take your address information and find a community food pantry and/or distribution supported by Second Harvest closest to you. 2-1-1 also offers other types of assistance as well.
    • When visiting a local food pantry for the first time, you should bring your ID, proof of income, and residency (something like a utility bill in your name.) If you don’t have proof of income or the other documents, you’ll still be able to self-declare on the application.

 

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