3 hours ago
A leading hospitality executive in Asia has shared key advice for job seekers: ask significantly more questions during interviews.
Michael Janssen, the general manager of Hilton Singapore, oversees a team of around 500 staff at the five-star, 1,080-room hotel located in Singapore's upscale Orchard shopping district. Janssen took on this role in September after decades of hospitality leadership experience with IHG Hotels and Resorts across Asia and Europe.
Janssen told Business Insider that one common issue he notices during interviews at his hotels is that candidates rarely ask enough questions.
"You're lucky if you get one question — usually it's just one or two," he said, noting that many interviewees feel shy or hesitant to speak up.
"I strongly encourage everyone to ask at least four to five questions to truly understand the business and perhaps gain some career advice, such as, 'How did you reach this position?'"
"As leaders, we are happy to share our experiences, which might inspire candidates or help them decide if this is the right role for them," Janssen added.
He emphasized that interviews are a two-way process where both parties assess the best fit for the position.
One question Janssen always asks candidates is about their dreams and long-term career goals, as he looks for individuals who think big.
Janssen began his hospitality career as a waiter in Germany and worked in a hotel kitchen before advancing to leadership roles.
"When you're a waiter, few would say, 'I want to become a general manager,' but why not?" he remarked.
Hilton operates over 600 hotels in nearly 100 countries and owns luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria and Conrad.
Career coaches and executives have also highlighted the importance of asking questions in interviews. For example, Paddy Lambros, CEO of recruitment agency Dex, shared with Business Insider that he begins interviews by inviting candidates to ask him questions.
"It reflects their level of interest and engagement," Lambros said in a July interview.
