The Miami Economic Outlook
After a few less-than-ideal years, the Miami economy is bouncing back. In May, the unemployment rate dropped to an impressive 4.6 percent, marking a notable decrease from the 5.7 percent realized during the same time period in 2015, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released on June 29, 2016. The Miami leisure and hospitality industry realized notable employment gains, increasing by 3.7 percent. In 2015, a record 15.5 million people visited Miami, spending a total of $24.4 billion locally — a 2.3 percent increase from 2015 — according to data from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Miami Hotel Industry Nearing Its Peak Hotel revenues and occupancy rates are starting to even out in Miami, causing experts to predict the industry could reach its peak in 2016, according to The Real Deal, a South Florida real estate blog. In 2015, more than 44 million people traveled through the Miami International Airport, which likely contributed to the 6 percent revenue per hotel room increase, reaching almost $153, noted STR data. As of January 2016, an estimated 6,000 hotel rooms were either under construction or soon-to-be, according to the Miami New Times, which will undoubtedly bring many new restaurants, bars, clubs and pools that need to be staffed. More places to stay will encourage even more tourism, as people can’t get enough of Miami’s incredible weather, gorgeous beaches and incredible nightlife. Miami Hospitality Workers Earn Top Wages A bustling hospitality industry doesn’t just mean big profits for Miami business owners. Hardworking hospitality workers earn higher salaries in Miami than in many other cities. In 2015, Miami made the BLS’s top 10 list for highest-paying metropolitan areas for bartenders. The mean annual salary for bartenders is $19,530, as of May 2015, but the Miami average salary for the job is $32,330. Similarly, the BLS defines Miami hotel managers as lodging managers who earn well above the national average for the job. The mean annual salary is $57,810 as of May 2015, but Miami hotel managers take home an average of $100,690 annually. The Miami hospitality industry is truly a fantastic place to be. Whether you’re an employer searching for top talent or a professional ready to take on a new challenge, RMG Staffing is here to assist. Contact us today to find out how we can make your future brighter!
The Differences of Preparing for a Phone vs. In-Person Interview
Top employers are inundated with resumes when the company has an opening, so many opt to conduct a phone screening for the first round of interviews. Much faster, easier and more cost-effective than an in-person interview, this helps hiring managers screen candidates and decide who to bring into the office for the next round. Phone interviews aren’t quite as formal as those conducted in-person, but they still need to be taken very seriously. Many candidates make the mistake of not preparing, which can easily cost them the job. Don’t make this error in judgement if you’ve been invited to a phone interview. Instead, put a great deal of effort into the call, because the person on the other end of the line will be able to tell if you’re trying to wing it. Preparing for a Phone Interview vs. An In-Person Interview Priming yourself for a phone interview is different than an in-person meeting, but the two share more similarities than you may realize. It’s true you don’t have to get in the car and drive to an office for a phone interview, but you do have to be ready and waiting to pick up the phone when it rings. Sending the call to voicemail and returning it a few minutes later will not make a good impression. In a traditional interview, you have no say where the meeting takes place, but you’re in complete control when it takes place on the phone. This means it’s on you to find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted or interrupted, as you must completely focus on the person on the other end of the phone. Scope this spot out in advance, because trying to find a suitable location during the interview will stress you out. Background Research. Just as it’s important to conduct background research on the company and the interviewer prior to an in-person meeting, it’s just as key to do so before a phone interview. Spend as much time on this task as you would if you were headed to a face-to-face interview. Prior to the call, pull the company website up on your computer, so you can stealthily reference it, if needed. Responses to Common Interview Questions. Similarly, put as much effort into formulating responses to standard interview questions as you would if you were going into the office. Stumbling to find the right response is even worse over the phone, because you don’t have body language on your side. Jot down a few notes to help you remember your main points in case you get nervous. There’s no need to wear your best business attire for a phone interview, but avoid taking the call in sweats. The way you dress can impact your state of mind, so if you want to sound like a professional, you need to look like one. Ready to make a fresh start in the Miami hospitality industry? Contact RMG Staffing. We offer temp-to-hire, direct hire, and payroll positions and temporary staffing for banquet events.
Are You Between Jobs? How to Fill Those Gaps on Your Resume.
At some point in their career, many hospitality industry professionals find themselves between jobs — and that’s okay. If you’re in this situation right now, it’s time to take action. Whether you were laid off, quit or let go is in the past; what matters is how you handle this employment pause. Spending your days soaking up the Miami sun at the beach is tempting, but that won’t help you get hired any faster. Instead, consider taking on temporary jobs during this short-term break, as this is smartest way to get back on your feet. 3 Benefits of Temporary Employment Avoid Resume Gaps Your resume is usually the first impression you’ll make on a prospective employer, and if yours contains employment gaps, it won’t get you off to the best start. Temporary work effectively fills the gaps between permanent gigs, so you won’t have to worry about sending the wrong message. Hiring managers will be impressed with your initiative to take on temporary jobs during the interim, as this shows motivation, drive, and a true passion for working in the hospitality industry. Earn a Paycheck Bills still have to be paid when you’re between jobs, and it can be tough to make ends meet when you’re not earning a paycheck. Working as a temp allows you to wait until the right job comes along, instead of rushing into the very first opportunity that comes your way, simply so you can pay the rent. Instead of letting money woes guide your job search, focus on finding the right fit for your skills and interests. Make Valuable Connections Working as a temp in the hospitality industry is an invaluable networking opportunity. Treat each position as a permanent opportunity to show employers, colleagues, and clients what you have to offer. Oftentimes, companies extend job offers to temps who become a tremendous asset to the team, so this could quickly turn into a long-term gig. Regardless, you’ll still get the chance to meet many people who could change your future for the better, so don’t miss out! Need a little help making your next career move? Contact RMG Staffing. We offer various employment options for top hospitality industry staffers, including temp-to-hire, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, and temporary staffing for banquet events.
U.S. Hotel Forecast Through 2017
Exciting news for the U.S. hotel industry — performance growth is projected through 2017, according to data released in June by STR and Tourism Economics. Hoteliers and employees can rest easy with impressive forecasts signaling strong business. In total, for 2016, the U.S. hotel industry is expected to realize a 0.4 percent rise in occupancy to 65.7 percent, a 4 percent increase in average daily rate to $124.86, and a 4.4 percent revenue boost per available room to $82.07. Additionally, demand growth will likely surpass supply growth during this time period. Of all the Chain Scale segments in the U.S., the Independent division is predicted to see the most significant year-over-year rises in occupancy, ADR and RevPAR. Additionally, the Upper Upscale and Luxury sectors are also expected to realize RevPAR growth greater than 4 percent. Looking Ahead to 2017 Since we’ve already passed the midpoint of 2016, it’s time to start thinking about 2017. STR and Tourism Economics have already begun making predictions for the U.S. hotel industry’s performance in the year ahead, including a 3.8 percent increase in ADR to $129.66, and a 3.8 percent boost in RevPAR to $85.22. Supply and demand are expected to remain at the current rate for 2017. Since 2010, demand growth in the U.S. has outperformed supply growth, and it appears this will not be changing next year. Miami’s Hotel Industry is Booming A destination of the international glitterati for decades, Miami continues to be one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. In October 2015, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) revealed record-breaking travel and tourism numbers for the region. Specifically, Miami and the surrounding beaches saw a 5.4 percent surge in overnight visitors from September 2014 to August 2015. In total, 15.1 million visitors spent at least one night in the area — a notable increase from the 14.2 million during the same time period the previous year — bringing $25.1 billion to the local economy. With consistently sunny skies and an average temperature of 77 degrees, it’s really no wonder so many visitors choose to visit Miami. From world-class restaurants to top hotels, Miami’s hospitality industry is thriving. If you’re a skilled professional seeking new opportunities or an employee searching for premier quality talent, RMG Staffing wants to connect with you. Contact us today to discuss how we can be of assistance to you!
How to Find a Miami Hospitality Job
Miami is one of the best cities in the country for hospitality workers. From May 2015 to May 2016, the industry saw a 3.7 percent employment growth in the city, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Of course, getting ahead in such a bustling city can be challenge, but RMG Staffing is here to assist. 4 Ways RMG Staffing Can Help You Get Ahead Want a great job in the Miami hospitality industry? RMG Staffing can help make your dreams a reality by offering the following benefits. Career Counseling. There’s many different directions to take your hospitality career, so the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. RMG Staffing will help you evaluate all the different possibilities, so you can choose your best fit. Whether you want to be a front desk assistant or a bartender, we’ll work with you to find the best position for you at one of Miami’s top hospitality companies. Resume Assistance. Writing a winning resume is hard work, but when you partner with us, you won’t have to worry if yours will make the cut. Our skilled recruiters know exactly what hiring managers want in an outstanding resume, and we’ll help you craft yours into a masterpiece sure to impress. Interview Prep. Knowing exactly what to wear, say and do to impress a hiring manager during a job interview can be nearly impossible when you go it on your own. When you work with us, your recruiter will help you prepare. In most cases, your recruiter will already have a relationship with the employer, so they know exactly what the company is looking for in the right new hire, allowing you to gain a competitive advantage. Connections to Leading Employers. We work hard to maintain relationships with the best hospitality employers in Miami, so we’re always be in-the-know about new opportunities and can help you get your foot in the door. Many companies also post jobs exclusively through RMG Staffing, so if you’re not working with us, you’ll never even hear about the open position. Searching for a rewarding position in Miami’s vibrant hospitality industry? RMG Staffing is here to help you find a job that makes going to work fun. We offer temp-to-hire, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, as well as temporary staffing for banquet events. Contact us today!
Common Mistakes Experienced Candidates Make
Getting a call inviting you to interview for a job you’re really interested in always feels great. Whether you have decades of experience in the hospitality industry or have only been in the field for a short time, you probably feel much more secure about the interview process than you did when you were just starting out. Going into a job interview with confidence is great, but don’t lose sight of reality and accidently make one of these mistakes commonly committed by experienced candidates. Being Unprepared You have more than a few job interviews under your belt, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare for this one. Assuming you already have the skills to wing it will get you nothing but a rejection letter. No two interviews are the same, so if you don’t carefully review the job description, conduct research on the company and come up with great questions specific to the position, the hiring manager will see right through you. Appearing Uninterested in the Job No one wants to hire a candidate who doesn’t seem to care whether or not they get the job. Showing up with an attitude or acting disinterested will impress no one. Arrive on time, dress professionally and display genuine enthusiasm for the position. If you can’t muster up the ability to appear excited about the position, it’s clearly not a good fit, so instead of wasting everyone’s time, cancel the meeting — but don’t wait until the last minute to do so. Speaking Negatively About a Former Employer There’s a good chance you’re looking for a new job because you’re seriously unhappy at your current one, but keep this under wraps. No one wants to hire a disgruntled person who has no problem tarnishing their employer’s reputation. The hiring manager will assume you’re a liability, as you may eventually grow discontent with this job, causing you to speak negatively of the company to other employers. It doesn’t matter how badly your boss has wronged you, keep all negative thoughts to yourself. Failing to Ask the Right Questions As a seasoned professional, you know you need to ask questions during the interview, but all inquiries do not carry equal weight. Focusing on surface-level topics like salary and vacation days too soon sets the wrong tone. Instead, dig deeper and ask about company culture, training and growing your career with the organization. These questions demonstrate your interest in this specific opportunity, which is what the interviewer wants to see. Searching for the right hospitality industry job in Miami? Contact RMG Staffing. Choose from a variety of temp-to-hire, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, as well as temporary staffing for banquet events.
Four Questions to Help You Learn About a Job
Landing an interview for a job you’re really interested in feels great. You’ll no doubt spend plenty of time researching the company and formulating responses to questions commonly asked, but the hiring manager also has to sell the job to you. As a talented professional, any team would be lucky to have you, so turn the tables and ask these four questions during the interview to find out as much as possible about the job. Can you take me through a typical day in the position? The job description shared an outline of the standard responsibilities associated with the position, but you need more than an overview to help you decide if it’s right for you. Asking the hiring manager to walk you through a typical day at work gives a vivid picture of what your life will be like if you join the company. It’s best to get everything out in the open early on, instead of accepting the position and quickly realizing it doesn’t meet your expectations. How much flexibility will I have when handling customer issues? Customer service is key in the hospitality industry, so it’s important to find out how much freedom you’ll have to solve issues. Some companies want every problem to be taken to management, while others give employees the chance to handle the situation. There’s no right or wrong answer, but the response can help you determine if the job is a good fit. What kind of training opportunities will I have? The amount of training a company provides its employees says a lot about the organization, so find out what you can expect if hired. This is actually a two-part question, as you’ll want to understand the type of training you’ll receive as a new hire and ways the company will continue to help you learn and grow throughout your tenure. Consider it a good sign if the company places a heavy emphasis on training, as this shows employees are valued and the organization takes pride in its reputation. Steer clear of employers offering little-to-no training, as you don’t want to waste your time on an employer who isn’t willing to invest in you. How will you gauge my success? Get a glimpse into the company culture by learning how management measures success. This can be a variety of methods, such as the number of customers served on a daily basis, total profits generated each shift or even the amount of positive Yelp reviews received. This is a telling way to learn about the work environment, which massively impacts your level of job satisfaction. Searching for a fresh start in the bustling Miami hospitality industry? Contact RMG Staffing. We offer a variety of temporary, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, as well as temporary staffing for banquet events. Whether you’re looking for work as a housekeeper, pool server, mixology/bartender, banquet server, restaurant professional or member of a special events team, we can help you find a great job with a leading employer.
Overused Keywords That Won’t Help You Land a Job
Incorporating certain keywords and phrases into your resume and LinkedIn profile can help you get noticed by employers, but they don’t all carry equal weight. Certain terms can actually hinder your chances of getting the job, because they’re overused and outdated. Learn which keywords to avoid, so you don’t inadvertently put yourself out of the running before you’ve even had a fair chance to prove yourself. 7 Overused Keywords and Tips to Help You Stand Out If these keywords are included in your resume or LinkedIn profile, remove them now, because they’re working against you: Team Player. Instead of saying you’re a team player, give specific examples highlighting your ability to work well with others and follow instructions from management. Problem Solver. Simply labeling yourself as a problem solver tells the reader nothing about you. Instead, briefly highlight an accomplishment where you solved a complex problem. Results-Driven. Hiring managers expect you to produce results, so when used alone, this phrase is pointless. Prove your value by employing statistics to showcase results you’ve actually produced. Think Outside the Box. This cliché is tired. Delete it and simply include examples of some of your most creative successes, which proves the same point without making you appear cheesy. Expert. Anyone can call themselves an expert on just about anything. Instead of giving yourself this designation, share a few relevant accomplishments you’re most proud of, which will clearly paint this picture on its own. Innovative. This keyword is so overused, it’s lost meaning. Make the same point — but stronger — by sharing examples of times you’ve actually done something revolutionary. Synergy. Another keyword way past its prime, using any form of synergy will likely deter your chances of getting the job. Steer clear of this term and if you must broach the subject, replace it with “collaboration” or “partnership.” Hiring decisions are very difficult, so managers want to read copy that showcase proven results. Buzzwords go out of style fast, so constantly review your resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure you haven’t included any terms that have gone stale. Tailor Your Application for Each Position Prior to submitting an application, it’s also advisable to carefully review a job description, note any keywords used frequently and find a way to naturally weave them into your cover letter and resume. Many companies use keyword scanning software, so if you don’t incorporate a certain percentage of these terms, you’ll be automatically excluded. This method takes a bit longer, but it’s well worth the extra time and effort. Ready for a new start in Miami? Contact RMG Staffing to find the right fit for your career. We offer temp-to-hire, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, as well as temporary staffing for banquet events.
Do You Need to Build Your Hospitality Experience for Your Resume?
The hospitality industry is a very competitive landscape. The best jobs are in high demand, so if you want to present yourself as a strong candidate, you need to prove yourself with seriously impressive skills and experience. Rather than waiting around for the right full-time permanent opportunity to arise, temporary jobs allow you jump right in and get to work. Still not convinced temporary hospitality work is for you? Learn four benefits you’ll realize by taking on this type of job. 1. Build Your Skills and Experience. When you’re just starting out in the hospitality industry, there’s a lot to learn. Temporary jobs allow you to gain a wealth of experience by working in a variety of roles, for a number of companies. This allows you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate in a relatively short period of time. 2. Generate Extra Income. It’s hard to pay the bills when you’re in between jobs. Temporary hospitality positions allow you to take your time finding the right opportunity, because you’re able to earn extra money in the interim. Even if you’re gainfully employed, you can pick up temporary jobs as needed to supplement your income. 3. Avoid a Resume Gap. If you’re currently unemployed, temporary hospitality work is a great way to fill the gap on your resume so you don’t have to explain an absence from the workforce. Some employers consider a lengthy period of unemployment a red flag, so this can effectively increase your marketability. 4. Make New Contacts. Networking is one of the keys to success in the hospitality industry. Every time you accept a temporary assignment, you’re able to meet new people to add to your contact list. Your personable nature and outstanding work ethic always allow you to stand out, so there’s a good chance you’ll make a positive impression on someone who can help you land your dream job. Searching a hospitality position in Miami? Contact RMG Staffing. Our skilled Miami recruiters can connect you with temporary staffing positions for banquet events, allowing you to boost your resume while earning extra cash.
Create a 30-60-90-Day Success Plan for Your Hospitality Job
While some jobs require new employees to create a 30-60-90-day plan, those in the hospitality industry typically do not. Despite the fact that it’s not a hard-and-fast requirement, 30-60-90-day plans can really go a long way in bolstering your success within a new role. For starters, you should always view the first 90 days at your new position as a grace period or ongoing evaluation. The first 30 days are typically used to provide hands-on training, while the remaining time is generally used to provide education and guidance to new hires. Moreover, managers will use this entire timeframe as a means of gauging your effectiveness at the position you’ve been hired to fill. As such, it’s crucial that you develop your personalized 30-60-90 plan around these factors. The First 30 Once you have a better understanding of how a particular company’s onboarding process works, then you can begin to establish your own 30-60-90 plan. The first 30 days of your plan should be used to focus on your training, refine your skills and meet your teammates. You should also take advantage of this time to familiarize yourself with any internal systems, policies, or procedures of your new employer. The Next 30 The period from 30 to 60 days is a crucial one. Any training should be wrapped up by now, and you’ll likely receive less supervision than before. However, this doesn’t mean that your productivity isn’t being monitored. In fact, it’s the opposite. Employers will still use this time to monitor your progress and success at your new role. You can use this time to assess the employer according to your own standards, establish goals for future career development or even to continue your assimilation into the new workplace. The Final 30 Finally, the last leg of your 30-60-90-day success plan is focused solely on action. Taking what you’ve learned from the job in the first 60 days, you should be able to work in tandem with the goals of your supervisors, your team and your new company in order to ensure future success for all involved parties. Timing Like most things in life, timing is important when creating a 30-60-90 day success plan. Most plans are made following the completion of an initial job interview. However, if a job requires multiple interviews or several layers of screening before onboarding, you may want to wait until the second or third interview is complete to establish your 30-60-90-day plan. As such plans should be tailored to the individual job in question, avoid planning for a job that isn’t already secured. Despite the use of a 30-60-90-day success plan, orienting yourself to a new role in hospitality can be a cumbersome process. With that in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at RMG right away. We can help you achieve all of your career goals through the various services we provide. Contact us today for more information!