Preparing for a Marriott International Interview: 10 Common Questions and How to Answer Them

Marriott International is one of the largest and most well-known hospitality companies in the world. With over 7,000 properties across 133 countries, Marriott offers a wide variety of job opportunities for hospitality professionals.

If you have an interview coming up with Marriott, you’ll want to be prepared to answer some common questions about your background skills, and interest in the company. Here are 10 questions you’re likely to encounter during a Marriott interview, along with tips on how to give your best response

1. Why do you want to work for Marriott International?

This question allows you to demonstrate your passion for Marriott and the hospitality industry. Be specific about why you find Marriott’s mission and values compelling. For example:

• You appreciate Marriott’s commitment to taking care of guests and employees Talk about how you strive to provide exceptional service in your own work

• You’re inspired by Marriott’s global presence and opportunities to grow a career across brands and locations. Share how you’ve succeeded in past roles where you needed to adapt to new environments.

• You value Marriott’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. Share an example of how you’ve promoted an inclusive culture in a past role.

2. What makes you a good fit for this position?

Use this opportunity to explain why your skills and experience align with the job’s requirements. Pick 2-3 key qualifications from the job description and provide specific examples of when you demonstrated these competencies. Quantify your achievements when possible.

3. Why are you leaving your current job?

If you’re currently employed, avoid bad-mouthing your boss or company. Focus on your desire to grow your career. You can say something like:

• “I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but I’m looking for opportunities to take on more responsibility and leadership tasks.”

• “While I appreciate the experience I’ve gained, I’m eager to bring my skills to a larger, global hospitality company like Marriott.”

If you’re not currently working, talk about how you’ve used your time off to expand your hospitality skills and knowledge.

4. What do you know about our company culture?

Research Marriott’s core values and culture before the interview. Highlight values that resonate with your own work style and personality. For example:

• “I appreciate Marriott’s ‘Spirit to Serve’ philosophy. Providing excellent customer service has been a passion of mine throughout my career.”

• “I’m drawn to Marriott’s commitment to community engagement and sustainability. Initiatives like Serve 360 demonstrate the company’s social consciousness.”

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

Focus on your genuine interest in hospitality. Share any related experience, classes, or activities that sparked your passion. If you don’t have direct industry experience, talk about soft skills like:

• Enjoying work that involves serving others
• Thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Having the resilience and positivity to handle high-pressure situations

6. What are your strengths?

Pick 2-3 strengths that directly correlate with the position. For each one, provide a specific example of a time you successfully applied that strength in a work or academic setting. Use the STAR method – situation, task, action, result – to structure your response.

Some strengths hotels look for include:

• Attention to detail (completing tasks meticulously)
• Teamwork (collaborating with colleagues)
• Flexibility (adapting to change)
• Customer service (delivering excellent service)

7. What are your weaknesses?

Be honest but don’t raise any red flags. Pick a minor weakness that wouldn’t severely impact your ability to do the job well. Show you’re taking steps to improve in this area. For example:

• “I tend to get nervous public speaking in front of large crowds. To improve, I’ve joined Toastmasters and volunteered to give more presentations at work.”

• “Time management is not my strongest suit. I’m getting better about prioritizing tasks and estimating how long projects will take.”

8. How would you handle an angry or difficult customer?

The interviewer wants to know you can stay calm and professional when faced with criticism. Describe your strategy for de-escalating conflicts, focusing on being empathetic and finding solutions. For example:

• “I would listen closely to understand the source of their frustration. I’d then apologize for their experience and focus on making it right.”

• “While remaining patient and polite, I would involve my manager if needed so we can find a resolution together.”

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Show you’re interested in growing long-term with Marriott. You can say you hope to build your skills and experience to take on additional responsibility over time. Mention any particular roles or career tracks that appeal to you.

10. Do you have any questions for me?

Always prepare at least 2-3 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the company and role. Good topics include:

• Company culture and values
• Training and development opportunities
• Possibilities for advancement and growth
• Challenges faced by the team or department
• What the interviewer enjoys most about working for Marriott

With preparation and practice, you can show the interviewer why you’re the right person to join the Marriott family. Use these common questions as an opportunity to highlight your hospitality experience and passion for the industry. Conduct research so you can knowledgeably discuss Marriott’s mission, values, and culture during the interview. With the right responses, you can land your dream job in the hotel industry.