Exclusive Interview | Pankaj Chandra,Assistant Director of Sales, Oaks Hotel Bodhgaya
/“The way one responds to the guest requirement is the key to success”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I joined Asst. Director of Sales & Marketing at Oaks Bodhgaya, Minor Hotel. With 18 years in the Hospitality Industry, began my carrier with Hyatt Regency, Delhi, and rose the ranks through various positions in different cities in India. My last assignment was with Ramada Varanasi as Head of Sales. I am responsible for Sales & Marketing activities from domestic & overseas Far east market.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
The way one responds to the requirement is the key to success. If one remains calm and responds swiftly, keeping the guests safe and happy, one can uphold both the company and own reputation.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
A positive attitude is a must for the service industry. Anyone we hire must have an authentic & outgoing demeanor. A candidate who smiles makes eye contact and has an all-around warm personality.
Editor: What is the single factor that got you your promotion?
Collaboration and ownership are the key factors according to me.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Today tourism industry is badly hit by the Covid pandemic and its new variant in the form of Omicron we are still struggling to come out of this crisis and we can realize the vast gap between tourism supply and tourist demand.
Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience?
Technology has helped tourism and hospitality industries replace expensive human labor with technological labor. This helps reduce labor costs but also helps avoid customer service issues. User-generated feedback and reviews on websites play a huge role in popularizing the services of hotels by word of mouth is the best example.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
First, we are entering an era when cross-company collaboration is seen as the fastest route to innovate products and services. collaboration between different hotel brands. Second Upgrade workplace technology.
Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?
"Tell me something about yourself." This question is a great starting point that can help inform the direction of the interview. Often when the conversation starts it’s a lot of small talks and it’s a way to transition into it. Also, it helps the interviewee’s nervousness go off.
