• Tailor your CV to the specific role or business you’re applying for – think about the responsibilities and duties in the job description and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Ensure personal details (name, telephone number, and professional sounding email address) are clear and correct.
• Be honest and truthful.
• Choose a format and font that are easy to read and consistent.
• Get a friend or family member to check your spelling and grammar for you
• Include month and year for dates of employment (i.e. January 2012 – October 2014).
• Make sure key responsibilities and achievements are listed for all roles (current and previous).
• Explain what you were doing during any gaps in employment.
• Provide details of qualifications gained during both compulsory education and extracurricular activities.
• Highlight any hobbies or interests that are relevant.
• You don’t need to include references – they’ll be asked for later.

1. Do some research. Find out about us and our history. The internet is a good place to start but, with over 540 hotels around the UK, you could also pay us a visit.

2. Find out exactly what you’re applying for. Read through the Job Description. Think about what the main responsibilities will be – and what the key skills are. Find out what you can about the people/stakeholders you’ll be interacting with.

3. Prepare for the questions. We’re not trying to catch you out, but we do want to know if you have the skills, personality and passion we’re looking for. Try to think of specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated the key skills for the job you’re applying for. It can be helpful to use the STAR method for this:

➢ Situation – Describe the specific situation/challenge for your example

➢ Task – Explain what you needed to achieve

➢Action – Explain what you did to achieve it

➢Result – Tell us what the results were – and what you learned from the experience.

Consider your answers to some of the following examples:

➢ Why do you want to work here? (Think about any relevant interests you have and what you like about our business, for example.)

➢ What did you do in your last job? (Talk about your relevant skills and responsibilities, tell us about your achievements.)

➢ Why should we hire you? (Tell us about your strengths and your skills that are relevant to the role.)

4. Plan some questions! We want to see that you’re really interested in us, so ask us relevant questions.

5. Plan your journey. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Double check the postcode and address, and ask your recruiter for more directions if you need them. Work out travel times and make sure there are no road or engineering works planned.

6. Dress the part. Come dressed for a formal business meeting.

7. Don’t freak out. It’s natural to feel some nerves, but remember that you are only there to talk about what you know and what you’ve done. Being invited to an interview means your application has already made a good impression, which is a great place to start. Keep calm, breathe deeply and ask for a glass of water when you arrive to keep that nervous dry-mouth at bay.

8. Make a good impression. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so look the interviewer in the eye, be enthusiastic and give a warm, friendly and sincere smile. A good strong handshake and confident introduction will add to the perfect start.

9. Be confident. Even if you don’t feel it. Use positive language, don’t be too humble and don’t feel the need to fill every pause. Short direct sentences will help you stick to the point – and help the interviewer to take on board what you’re saying. Make sure you answer the question that’s been asked – and if you do find yourself going ‘off message’, don’t panic! Just get back on point.

10. Go out on a high. Ask about the next steps if they haven’t already been detailed and always thank the interviewer for their time.

Do:

• Be prepared
• Be yourself
• Look interested, and be polite and friendly
• Avoid yes and no answers – give good examples
• Tell the truth. Stick to the facts and don’t embellish them
• Say if you don't understand a question
• Sell yourself – get your good points across/be positive

Don't:

• Fidget and slouch in the chair
• Swear – even mildly and even if the interviewer does
• Criticise former employers
• Interrupt
• Draw attention to your weaknesses
• Brag – there’s an important line between confidence and arrogance
• Smoke or drink alcohol before your interview

However well prepared you are, there can still be things that will catch you off-guard. The best advice is to stay calm! Breathe deeply, be confident and show us your very best self.

Good luck!

A. You’ll find all the information you need on our benefits section on this website.

A. Yes, we do. Discover more about our ASPIRE programme.

A. Unfortunately, we don’t offer a graduate scheme at the moment, but we do offer a Management Development Programme called ASPIRE – Traveller.

A. Travelodge do not employ individuals under the age of 16 as there are restrictions to the type of roles young workers can do.

A. Unfortunately, Travelodge cannot employ individuals under the age of 16 as there are restrictions to the type of roles young workers (16-18) can do, so it’s best to check directly with the Recruitment Team if you have any questions, on 03300 412 277. Alternatively, find your local hotel on our website and contact them directly.

A. We have over 540 hotels across the UK (plus some hotels in Spain and franchises in Ireland) so you’d be hard pressed not to find a hotel near you. Our Support Office is based in Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3AT.

A. If you’re working in our Hotels, we provide a uniform, helping us to be professional and consistent for our customers. Uniform and name badges for both hotel management and team members should be worn at all times and should be clean.

In the Support Office, we always say “dress for your day”. You can choose what you prefer to wear providing this is appropriate, comfortable and safe for work. Colleagues and their line managers judge times where a more formal dress code is needed (for leading an interview, visiting our hotels or meeting with a supplier, for example).

A. There are criteria that we have to meet before we’re able to provide sponsorship so, unfortunately, we can only consider this for roles that meet the government’s set criteria.

A. Check out our interview tips.

A. If you think you may require any assistance during the course of the day, because of a disability or learning difficulty, please contact the Hotel Manager or Recruitment team so that we can make suitable adjustments or arrangements.

A. We aim to get back to everyone that has applied. If, however, you have not had feedback after four weeks, then your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

A. If you wish to apply for the same role, then we would recommend waiting at least six months before applying for the next position. This will give you time to work on the feedback given or gain further experience in this area.

A. You can of course apply for more than one role. If you are unsure which role is most suitable to you, please ask the Hotel Manager directly or contact the Recruitment Team, where someone will be able to advise. Deciding what job to do is a big decision so make sure you understand the role clearly. We would advise that you don’t apply for a number of different jobs as this doesn’t always create a positive message. You want the hiring manager to think you’re committed and this is a job you're really passionate about.

A. We can only accept one CV and application from each applicant. So, you should make sure that your CV is appropriate for all the roles you are applying for.

A. The type of selection process depends on the role complexity, level, challenges and geographical location. Assessments for roles at Travelodge are likely to be a combination of the following:

• Telephone interview: A member of the Resourcing Team or Hotel Manager calls you to discuss the role, your skills and experience. If you’re successful, you'll be invited to a face-to-face interview.
• Face-to-face interview: This includes both technical and behavioural questions that reflect the skills required in the role and the Travelodge Behaviours. You'll be expected to give examples of your previous experience, so it’s a good idea to come prepared with a few.
• Work-based assessments/in-tray exercises/role plays: You may be asked to carry out an exercise during the selection process that reflects an element of the role that you’re applying for.
• Case studies and presentations: For some roles, you may be asked to prepare a presentation prior to the selection day/interview. Make sure you're comfortable with the brief and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
• Testing: For some positions within Travelodge, the selection process may also include some form of psychometric testing.

If you have any questions, please contact Recruitment@travelodge.co.uk or the Hotel directly.