Preparing for Your Highgate Hotels Interview: 12 Essential Questions to Expect

Interviewing at Highgate Hotels can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As one of the largest privately-owned hospitality companies in the United States, Highgate has high standards when hiring new employees.

Thorough preparation is key to acing your Highgate interview. Read this article to learn more about 12 of the most common Highgate interview questions and how to answer them in a way that gets you the job.

Overview of Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company based in New York City. Founded in 1988, the company owns and/or manages over 100 hotels and resorts across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean

Highgate specializes in acquiring underperforming hotels and transforming them into thriving properties through strategic capital investments and hands-on management. The company’s portfolio includes independent and branded full-service, select-service, and resort hotels.

Highgate has a reputation for providing outstanding service, reflected in the high ratings and reviews its properties consistently earn. The company looks for team members who share its passion for excellence when staffing its hotels.

12 Highgate Interview Questions to Prepare For

Here are 12 of the most common interview questions at Highgate, along with some advice on how to answer them best:

1. Why do you want to work for Highgate Hotels?

This common opening question allows you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Highlight things that attract you to Highgate specifically, such as:

• Its commitment to service excellence
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Positive reputation as an employer
• Prestigious portfolio of hotels

Conclude your answer by expressing how you would be excited to contribute your skills and experience.

2. What do you know about our company?

Interviewers want to see that you’ve taken the time to research Highgate, Mention facts like

• Private ownership structure
• Year founded (1988)
• Headquarters in New York City
• Owns and manages over 100 hotels
• Specializes in transforming underperforming hotels
• Well-known properties in its portfolio

Speaking knowledgeably about the company will make a positive impression.

3. Why do you want to work in the hospitality industry?

Highlight your passion for hospitality. Share any relevant experiences that got you interested in the field.

Emphasize how you enjoy serving others, have a positive attitude, and are committed to delivering excellent customer experiences. These are top priorities for Highgate.

4. How would your friends describe you?

The interviewer is trying to gain insight into your character. Respond with positive personality traits friends would use to describe you, such as:

• Helpful
• Dependable
• Outgoing
• Team player
• Hard working
• Fun
• Optimistic

Back up each trait with a brief example or anecdote.

5. How do you handle an unhappy customer?

Highgate wants people who can de-escalate tense situations. Describe how you would:

• Listen carefully to understand the customer’s needs
• Empathize with their perspective
• Apologize for their dissatisfaction
• Take ownership of resolving the issue
• Remain calm and professional

Emphasize how you view complaints as opportunities to improve service.

6. Tell me about a time you exceeded a customer’s expectations.

Share a story highlighting your commitment to delivering excellent customer service. Pick an example that showcases problem-solving skills, quick thinking, or creativity.

Describe the situation briefly, the actions you took, and the positive outcome. Quantify your impact when possible.

7. Why should we hire you?

Summarize how your skills, experience, work ethic, and passion for hospitality make you a great fit for Highgate. Tailor your response to the specific role you are applying for.

Mention any standout qualifications on your resume and how you would utilize them to contribute to the company’s success.

8. What are your strengths?

Focus on strengths that would add value in the position. For customer service roles, highlight skills like:

• Communication skills
• Patience
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Enthusiasm
• Organization
• Positive attitude

Use real examples to back up the strengths you claim.

9. What are your weaknesses?

When discussing weaknesses, stay away from personal qualities and frame your response positively. Turn a negative into a positive by focusing on professional skills you are actively working to improve.

For instance: “I don’t have much experience with property management software. However, I’m excited to learn and grow in this area.”

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The interviewer wants to gauge your career aspirations and commitment to the company. Express your interest in growing long-term with Highgate. Share how you hope to progress in responsibilities and leadership over the next several years.

11. Do you have any questions for me?

Always bring 2-3 thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest in the company and role. Good options include:

• How would you describe the culture at Highgate?
• What are the most important skills for someone to succeed in this role?
• What development opportunities are available for employees?

Just don’t ask questions already covered during the interview.

12. Why are manhole covers round?

Some Highgate interviews include this quirky brainteaser question. The interviewer wants to see your logical reasoning skills in action.

The short answer is circular covers can’t fall down manholes because they fit any opening. Point out key facts, like:

• Circles can’t fall through a smaller circle no matter how you orient them
• Other shapes could potentially fall through an opening
• Circles are the optimal shape for evenly distributing weight
• A circular shape is structurally sound for this application

Explain your rationale step-by-step. The process and critical thinking matter more than calculating the “right” response.

How to Prepare for Your Highgate Interview

With some diligent preparation, you can enter your Highgate interview with the confidence to handle any question that comes your way. Here are some tips:

• Research the company thoroughly – Have key facts and relevant examples at your fingertips

• Practice frequently asked questions aloud – Get comfortable speaking about your background

• Prepare stories highlighting your top skills – Quantify achievements when possible

• Review the job description – Tailor your experience to the role

• Prepare smart questions to ask – Show your engagement and interest

• Dress professionally – Appearance matters, so dress to impress

• Get a good night’s sleep – Rest up to be alert and on your game

With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be ready to have an outstanding interview at Highgate. Show them you have what it takes to be part of the team at one of the top hospitality companies.