Marriott International Operations Manager Interview Questions
& Process

This was a screening interview. They asked what year I graduated, which I felt was inappropriate and potentially age-discriminatory. Beyond that, the questions were standard. I received a rejection email before the interview, and I confirmed if this was correct. They told me it was a mistake, but I got the same rejection email again a few days after the screening. It makes me question if they already had a preferred candidate and if my time was wasted.

I did an on-campus interview first, then had to complete an online assessment. After that, I was flown to Dallas for an event with about 125 other candidates. The first day included an HR overview and a networking event with various Marriott personnel. The next day was the interviews, which were similar to the on-campus ones. We were told that everyone who interviewed well would get an offer, so it wasn't competitive. I was interviewed by two people who used the SAR format (situation, action, result), with a focus on the result.

I applied online to many properties and then physically went to the locations to turn in my resume and cover letters in person because emails get skimmed over and resume attachments rarely open. I received calls from the HR rep within a few days. She explained the screening process: first a phone interview with general background questions, then an online management performance ability test. If that's passed, she'll arrange a phone interview with her where she introduces the STAR interview format and walks through practice questions. If you're ready, she'll schedule an interview with the hotel's lower management staff. This is a panel interview, usually in a conference room, where they ask pre-selected STAR questions. They see it as tedious but it's required for notes and reviews. I prepared 6-8 situations to cover different questions and tailored them. Make sure you follow the STAR format because a blank space in the notes really hurts you. After the first panel interview, they say they're still interviewing and will narrow it down to the top two for the General Manager to meet. The General Manager interview is one-on-one, using the same STAR format. After interviews are over, prepare to wait. I've waited weeks to find out they hired someone else. I finally got an offer a week ago and am waiting for reference and background checks and drug testing, so it's still dragging a bit, but Marriott is a wonderful company and it will be worth the time.