Another hard week at the hotel. Weddings everywhere, and not a bag of change in sight. Silly reception manager...
There's a saying going round the hotel that you can tell how long someone has worked there by looking at their face. The more bags under the eyes, crows feet, and stress lines on the forehead, the longer the term of service.
One of the bar staff informed me that I look like a zombie. I scare him when I appear in the hallways or behind the bar - It helps that I wear mostly black and walk VERY quietly.
Go figure.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
My Misunderstanding
Wow! It's been a long time since I've posted, but I have returned from my holiday!
The most useful phrase I learnt whilst being away, was the Hungarian for "I don't understand". Strangely appropriate therefore, that when I return to work I witness the funniest misunderstanding I've seen in quite some time.
2 receptionists are due on duty as we have a lot of check-outs, but one of them has called in sick. As a result, I am staying on for a couple of hours just to cover the peak departure time and relieve some of the pressure from the remaining receptionist.
I have just finished up on reception, and am in the lobby telling a guest who has just checked out that her taxi has arrived. The morning duty manager, who has only just arrived on shift and has not been informed of our sick receptionist or my continued presence, walks over and says, jokingly I might add;-
"What are you still doing here? Go home!"
The guest I am speaking with turns and looks at her appalled, till I address the guest with;-
"Oh, don't worry, she's speaking to me, not you!"
I don't think I will ever forget the look of embarrassment on our duty manager's face as she realised what she had just done. Priceless.
P.S. Hungary was lovely, people all very nice, but bloody freezing!
The most useful phrase I learnt whilst being away, was the Hungarian for "I don't understand". Strangely appropriate therefore, that when I return to work I witness the funniest misunderstanding I've seen in quite some time.
2 receptionists are due on duty as we have a lot of check-outs, but one of them has called in sick. As a result, I am staying on for a couple of hours just to cover the peak departure time and relieve some of the pressure from the remaining receptionist.
I have just finished up on reception, and am in the lobby telling a guest who has just checked out that her taxi has arrived. The morning duty manager, who has only just arrived on shift and has not been informed of our sick receptionist or my continued presence, walks over and says, jokingly I might add;-
"What are you still doing here? Go home!"
The guest I am speaking with turns and looks at her appalled, till I address the guest with;-
"Oh, don't worry, she's speaking to me, not you!"
I don't think I will ever forget the look of embarrassment on our duty manager's face as she realised what she had just done. Priceless.
P.S. Hungary was lovely, people all very nice, but bloody freezing!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
My Tiredness
Apologies for the lack of posts, but as the title of this post suggests, I've just been really tired. My sleep pattern has gone completely out of the window, and whenever I do manage to get to sleep, it's really erratic.
Let me explain;-
I usually finish my shift around 8am, go home, and go to sleep. I wake around 1-2pm, and get up. This way I can actually do something with my day, and I have a vague semblance of a social life. I then return to my bed between 7 and 8pm, and sleep till 10:30pm. I get up, shower, and dash to work in time for my 11pm shift start (got to love being male - it only takes me 8 minutes to get fully dressed and ready. My female flatmate on the other hand has to get up an hour and a half before her shift to be able to prepare).
Recently however, I have finished my shift at 8am, gone home, and not been able to sleep. I eventually drift off around 10am, and sleep till 3pm. This is just late enough, that when I try to sleep again around 8pm, I cannot. However, it does make me nice and tired for my shift. When I finish the shift though, it's the same story. I cannot sleep.
On the plus side, I have a few days holiday coming up and should be able to recharge. I hear Hungary is nice this time of year, and I'm currently learning some phrases to help me chat to women (might as well try).
Till then, I suppose I'll just have to get used to being exhausted, and hope I don't fall asleep on shift.
That said, is it a problem if the only manager/employee present at the hotel during the night is asleep?
Let me explain;-
I usually finish my shift around 8am, go home, and go to sleep. I wake around 1-2pm, and get up. This way I can actually do something with my day, and I have a vague semblance of a social life. I then return to my bed between 7 and 8pm, and sleep till 10:30pm. I get up, shower, and dash to work in time for my 11pm shift start (got to love being male - it only takes me 8 minutes to get fully dressed and ready. My female flatmate on the other hand has to get up an hour and a half before her shift to be able to prepare).
Recently however, I have finished my shift at 8am, gone home, and not been able to sleep. I eventually drift off around 10am, and sleep till 3pm. This is just late enough, that when I try to sleep again around 8pm, I cannot. However, it does make me nice and tired for my shift. When I finish the shift though, it's the same story. I cannot sleep.
On the plus side, I have a few days holiday coming up and should be able to recharge. I hear Hungary is nice this time of year, and I'm currently learning some phrases to help me chat to women (might as well try).
Till then, I suppose I'll just have to get used to being exhausted, and hope I don't fall asleep on shift.
That said, is it a problem if the only manager/employee present at the hotel during the night is asleep?
Monday, October 29, 2007
My Daylight Savings
Congratulations to everyone who enjoyed their weekend, and particularly loved that extra hour that they could spend in bed! Or alternatively, were able to stay up partying for even longer! What a fantastic invention 'Daylight Savings' is!
However, amidst your celebrations, spare a thought for us night workers. People like myself and the 'Night Warden'. People who, instead of having an extra hour in bed or partying, spent an extra hour AT WORK.
My job is irritating enough, without having to spend an extra hour at it!
A colleague at the hotel told me not to worry, that in 6 months time I'll have a shift shortened by an hour as 'Daylight Savings' comes round again.
True, however I'm betting that based on sod's law, this will occur on a day when I really need time to catch up with all my work!
Anyway, mock if you will, but bear in mind one thing....
WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO WATCH OVER YOU WHILE YOU SLEEP
However, amidst your celebrations, spare a thought for us night workers. People like myself and the 'Night Warden'. People who, instead of having an extra hour in bed or partying, spent an extra hour AT WORK.
My job is irritating enough, without having to spend an extra hour at it!
A colleague at the hotel told me not to worry, that in 6 months time I'll have a shift shortened by an hour as 'Daylight Savings' comes round again.
True, however I'm betting that based on sod's law, this will occur on a day when I really need time to catch up with all my work!
Anyway, mock if you will, but bear in mind one thing....
WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO WATCH OVER YOU WHILE YOU SLEEP
Thursday, October 25, 2007
My Sleepwalkers
Interesting article in the Telegraph today about hotels and 'Sleepwalkers'. Apparantly hotel staff are being given specific training on how to handle sleepwalking guests. Most noticeably, naked, sleepwalking guests.
I seem to recall I've touched on this in the past, but I really can't face going back through my posts to find out which one it was in!
Anyway, I thought I'd recount the training I received from the former night manager on what to do upon finding a naked sleepwalker/naked 'hallway sleeper'.
1) Go to the nearest housekeeping closet, and fetch a set of towels - Do this before waking the guest (minimises embarrassment on their part)
2) If they are lying down, cover them with the towels - Again, this minimises embarrassment (unfortunately, if they are walking, there's not a lot you can do!)
3) Attempt to wake them by making a loud noise close to their head - This ties into the 'dead' wake-up procedure (it's not uncommon for a guest to take a swing at you as they wake)
4) Establish whether or not the guest is drunk - This is usually quite obvious
5) Check your Guest Sheet, and find out which room the guest is staying in - If you're not carrying your Guest Sheet, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!
6) Let the guest into their room with the master key - Again, if you're not carrying the master key, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!
Finally, some general points:-
a) KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE
b) AVOID STARING AT THEIR... AREAS
c) WISH THEM A GOOD NIGHT
and, finally, finally
d) WASH YOUR HANDS!! - Who knows where the guest may have been....
I seem to recall I've touched on this in the past, but I really can't face going back through my posts to find out which one it was in!
Anyway, I thought I'd recount the training I received from the former night manager on what to do upon finding a naked sleepwalker/naked 'hallway sleeper'.
1) Go to the nearest housekeeping closet, and fetch a set of towels - Do this before waking the guest (minimises embarrassment on their part)
2) If they are lying down, cover them with the towels - Again, this minimises embarrassment (unfortunately, if they are walking, there's not a lot you can do!)
3) Attempt to wake them by making a loud noise close to their head - This ties into the 'dead' wake-up procedure (it's not uncommon for a guest to take a swing at you as they wake)
4) Establish whether or not the guest is drunk - This is usually quite obvious
5) Check your Guest Sheet, and find out which room the guest is staying in - If you're not carrying your Guest Sheet, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!
6) Let the guest into their room with the master key - Again, if you're not carrying the master key, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!
Finally, some general points:-
a) KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE
b) AVOID STARING AT THEIR... AREAS
c) WISH THEM A GOOD NIGHT
and, finally, finally
d) WASH YOUR HANDS!! - Who knows where the guest may have been....
Saturday, October 20, 2007
My CV and Interview Advice
In the Independant recently, there was a supplement about how to write a good CV, and what to do when turning up to an interview. Having now conducted more interviews than I've actually been invited to, and read CVs more times than I have updated mine, I think I am now qualified to cast an opinion on the issue.
With that in mind, here are my top tips for when you decide to update your CV, or for when you have an interview:-
a) CV - Only put down what is relevant - I know you've always wanted a career in the music/film/catering industry, and only want a job as a stop-gap to earn money and keep the wolves from the door, but please, don't actually put it down in writing - My advice? Write 2 CVs, one aimed towards your dream profession, and one for everyone else. When hiring a night auditor, I really don't care that you've been playing piano since you were 12 and have been a roady at 'V Festival' for the past 3 years.
b) CV - It sounds obvious, I know, but please, include your actual phone number - I'm not so desperate to hire you that I'm going to scour the yellow pages.
c) CV - Include at least one reference. It doesn't fill me with confidence that you have no one to vouch for you - Oh, additionally, when you are requested for a reference as a result, do not give a fax number - On top of being useless, it just makes me think you don't know how the phone works.
d) CV - Do not try to be cute or wacky, especially when applying for a position in management. Yes, it's very clever that you've managed to include on your CV a digitised coffee ring, imported into photoshop and layered over the top, however, it looks so unprofessional I actually had to study it for a good 5 minutes because I couldn't believe someone would really think it beneficial
e) Interview - Always arrive before the interview is scheduled. I would recommend 5 minutes at least. Strangely, if someone turns up ON TIME, I'm vaguely disappointed already.
f) Interview - On the note of punctuality, if you are running late, call the interviewer ahead of time and inform them. I can actually forgive being 30 minutes late for an interview, ASSUMING YOU RING AHEAD AND GIVE ME A REASON.
g) Interview - I know that if you decide you don't want the job, there is no point turning up to the interview. I understand this. I also realise that at this point it doesn't matter what the interviewer's opinion of you is. However, as a note of courtesy, INFORM THEM YOU AREN'T GOING TO TURN UP! I have wasted 2 full days because of this - (I know that an interview only takes on average between 30 minutes and an hour, but I work nights. The fact that I've woken up mid-day has already screwed with my sleep pattern and internal clock)
h) Interview - Dress appropriately, especially if you are applying for a position in management. I don't necessarily expect a tie, but please.... PLEASE.... JEANS*$%#! In what sense is this a good idea?!
i) Interview - I know we've only spoken on the phone for a few minutes, I know we've only been sat down for a little while, and I know I've only told you my name twice, but a word of advice... REMEMBER IT! Especially as I'M WEARING A NAME BADGE!!
j) Interview - Never refer to me as DUDE. Or GUY. Or MATE. I shouldn't have to explain why...
k) Interview - Just a few general points to round off. Do not appear:-
1) Nervous
2) Bored - Yawning? Checking your watch? Never a good sign!
3) Fidgety
4) Horny - No matter how confident you are, WINKING at me, is not going to make me want to hire you!
5) Sleepy - I know I'm not fascinating to talk to, but falling asleep in your chair... Do you think it makes you seem more employable?
I apologise for the slight 'rant', but I am getting really close to the end of my tether. I have no staff and am currently working every night because no one is qualified to cover. I think I need a holiday... or a sabbatical... or to be institutionalised...
With that in mind, here are my top tips for when you decide to update your CV, or for when you have an interview:-
a) CV - Only put down what is relevant - I know you've always wanted a career in the music/film/catering industry, and only want a job as a stop-gap to earn money and keep the wolves from the door, but please, don't actually put it down in writing - My advice? Write 2 CVs, one aimed towards your dream profession, and one for everyone else. When hiring a night auditor, I really don't care that you've been playing piano since you were 12 and have been a roady at 'V Festival' for the past 3 years.
b) CV - It sounds obvious, I know, but please, include your actual phone number - I'm not so desperate to hire you that I'm going to scour the yellow pages.
c) CV - Include at least one reference. It doesn't fill me with confidence that you have no one to vouch for you - Oh, additionally, when you are requested for a reference as a result, do not give a fax number - On top of being useless, it just makes me think you don't know how the phone works.
d) CV - Do not try to be cute or wacky, especially when applying for a position in management. Yes, it's very clever that you've managed to include on your CV a digitised coffee ring, imported into photoshop and layered over the top, however, it looks so unprofessional I actually had to study it for a good 5 minutes because I couldn't believe someone would really think it beneficial
e) Interview - Always arrive before the interview is scheduled. I would recommend 5 minutes at least. Strangely, if someone turns up ON TIME, I'm vaguely disappointed already.
f) Interview - On the note of punctuality, if you are running late, call the interviewer ahead of time and inform them. I can actually forgive being 30 minutes late for an interview, ASSUMING YOU RING AHEAD AND GIVE ME A REASON.
g) Interview - I know that if you decide you don't want the job, there is no point turning up to the interview. I understand this. I also realise that at this point it doesn't matter what the interviewer's opinion of you is. However, as a note of courtesy, INFORM THEM YOU AREN'T GOING TO TURN UP! I have wasted 2 full days because of this - (I know that an interview only takes on average between 30 minutes and an hour, but I work nights. The fact that I've woken up mid-day has already screwed with my sleep pattern and internal clock)
h) Interview - Dress appropriately, especially if you are applying for a position in management. I don't necessarily expect a tie, but please.... PLEASE.... JEANS*$%#! In what sense is this a good idea?!
i) Interview - I know we've only spoken on the phone for a few minutes, I know we've only been sat down for a little while, and I know I've only told you my name twice, but a word of advice... REMEMBER IT! Especially as I'M WEARING A NAME BADGE!!
j) Interview - Never refer to me as DUDE. Or GUY. Or MATE. I shouldn't have to explain why...
k) Interview - Just a few general points to round off. Do not appear:-
1) Nervous
2) Bored - Yawning? Checking your watch? Never a good sign!
3) Fidgety
4) Horny - No matter how confident you are, WINKING at me, is not going to make me want to hire you!
5) Sleepy - I know I'm not fascinating to talk to, but falling asleep in your chair... Do you think it makes you seem more employable?
I apologise for the slight 'rant', but I am getting really close to the end of my tether. I have no staff and am currently working every night because no one is qualified to cover. I think I need a holiday... or a sabbatical... or to be institutionalised...
Monday, October 15, 2007
My Interview
Unhappily, the night team is short staffed at the moment and it falls to me to interview and hire new staff.
Why 'unhappily'? Ask yourself this:-
What kind of people do you think APPLY for night work?
I have interviewed almost a dozen people. They ranged from:-
a) A Hungarian who could barely say yes or no
b) A Slovakian whose previous jobs had only lasted a maximum of 2 months
c) A German who turned up 30 minutes late despite living opposite the hotel
d) A South African who asked me if it was possible to work only 2 nights a week instead of 5
e) An Englishman (who I hired), who worked 4 shifts and then handed in his notice saying the work was too physically demanding
f) A Spaniard who turned up wearing scruffy jeans and a T-shirt (sorry, it's just not that impressive when applying for a position in management)
And I think the creme de la creme:-
g) A French woman, who told me that she saw dead people
Seriously?!? Is this an accurate representation of the current workforce available?
I'd like to hear from anyone else who has had some interesting ones...
Why 'unhappily'? Ask yourself this:-
What kind of people do you think APPLY for night work?
I have interviewed almost a dozen people. They ranged from:-
a) A Hungarian who could barely say yes or no
b) A Slovakian whose previous jobs had only lasted a maximum of 2 months
c) A German who turned up 30 minutes late despite living opposite the hotel
d) A South African who asked me if it was possible to work only 2 nights a week instead of 5
e) An Englishman (who I hired), who worked 4 shifts and then handed in his notice saying the work was too physically demanding
f) A Spaniard who turned up wearing scruffy jeans and a T-shirt (sorry, it's just not that impressive when applying for a position in management)
And I think the creme de la creme:-
g) A French woman, who told me that she saw dead people
Seriously?!? Is this an accurate representation of the current workforce available?
I'd like to hear from anyone else who has had some interesting ones...
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