Requirements

A standard application form to be completed from each Country to include signature of the Front Office Manager (who must be an existing, fully paid AICR Member) and signature of the General Manager – to ensure authorisation and support.

Application fee of $25 AUD applies – One (1) complimentary candidate for each member hotel.

The Candidate

At the time of the Selection Interview, must be a Receptionist (not Supervisor or Duty Manager) and available to participate in the full weekend of the competition, also the following year if the over all winner, including judging.

One page brief CV/personal profile of the Candidate to be forwarded with the application form in advance, to the International Committee Competition Organiser.

Score Format

Judges
Minimum Panel of 5 Judges, inclusion of AICR President/Vice President as Chairperson.

1 Judge to be AICR Member
1 Judge to be a General Manager or equivalent
1 Judge to be a Government representative
1 Judge to be from the media/tourism
1 Judge to be from HR or academia/training company

10 Marks – 5 mins max
One introduction question will be asked, based on themselves and the Hotel they work at e.g. to talk about themselves and their hotel.
Objective – to «relax and instill confidence».

40 Marks – 10 mins max
Four separate questions will be asked on a «technical/ product» basis, e.g. costs, profits, revenue, yield management, staffing level, structure, promotional ideas etc!

50 Marks (5 x 10) 15 mins max)
The main part of the judging is the practical/role-play (5 x 10) 15 mins max) described as a «typical shift at Reception, when one never knows what to expect next»!

The outline scenario brief is sent in advance to finalists to familiarize themselves – especially knowledge of the fictitious hotel and situation described. (Advice – it is in each Country’s interest to submit details of their candidate on time to allow correct period to prepare).

These 50 marks are broken down into 5 sections of 10 marks each:-

1. 5 Marks – Conduct/confidence of dealing with scenario/body language.
2. 5 Marks – Interpretation of Scenario.
3. 10 Marks – Negotiation/Sales skills displayed.
4. 10 Marks – Problem solving skills displayed.
5. 10 Marks – Guest Relations/follow up.
6. 5 Marks – Suitability as an Ambassador of AICR Australia to be the National Receptionist of the Year and suitability for representing Australia on the International stage for the David Campbell Trophy.
7. 5 Marks – Combined actors score – how did the actors feel the situations were resolved as guests.

Post Role Play
The Candidate will be invited to return to sit in front of the Judges and is given the opportunity to discuss/explain/talk them through their actions of Role-Play.
Objective – clarity to judges, self confidence to exit their interview.

General Information for Reference

Each Candidate is required:

• To report to the Interview room 15 minutes prior to Interview
• Wear their hotel uniform
• Conduct Interview in English (should be considered when choosing the Candidate, to have a good command of English)

Results announced on the same day of the competition.

Each Candidate can request the opportunity for feedback from the Judges/organisers on the following morning.