Switzerland’s Best Receptionist Contest
Applying for the Switzerland’s Best Receptionist Contest
The Competition:
Switzerland’s Best Receptionist contest consists of various stages where you will pit your skills against other Receptionists from all over Switzerland. The winner of this will go on to represent the AICR Switzerland at international level on February 2023 and will also receive a further development course. The whole process runs from October to January and is as per the below stages:
Requirements
A standard application form to be completed from each candidate to include the 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
The Candidate
At the time of the selection process, the candidate must be a receptionist (not Chef de Brigade, etc.,) and available to participate the full weekend of the competition, also the following year (if the overall winner) including judging. One page brief CV/personal profile of the candidate to be fiorwarded with the application form in advance to the AICR Switzerland organising committee.
Score Format
Jugdes
Judges Minimum panel of 5 judges headed by a jury president.
1 Judge to be previous years’ winner.
1 Judge to be a General Manager
1 Judge to be from the media/tourism.
1 Judge to be from academia/training company.
15 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».
30 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:-
- 10 Marks – Conduct/confidence of dealing with scenario/body language.
- 10 Marks – Interpretation of Scenario.
- 10 Marks – Negotiation/Sales skills displayed.
- 10 Marks – Problem solving skills displayed.
- 10 Marks – Guest Relations/follow up.
5 Marks
Overall – suitability as Ambassador of International AICR to be International Receptionist of the Year.
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 10 minutes prior to Interview
- Wear their uniform
- Conduct Interview in English (should be considered when choosing the Candidate, to have a good command of English)
Results announced on Saturday evening.
Each Candidate can request the opportunity for feedback from the Judges/organisers on the Sunday morning.
Application form
Terms and Conditions:
- The person putting you forward must be a paid up member of the AICR Switzerland and currently work at the same hotel.
- All applicants must hold a permanent contract with the nominating hotel and have to be employed as a receptionist or similar throughout the duration of the competition. Placement students are not permitted to enter.
- Please be aware that you will need to be available to attend various stages of the Switzerland competition
- A maximum of two candidates can be nominated per hotel.
- The candidate(s) is required to attend the competition on the dates mentioned above and if they win will be required to attend the International Competition to be held in February 2023.
