HA Session 5

1. Be specific. There are a lot of food words that are vague or general, like “delicious,” “yummy,” “succulent,” “delectable,” “mouth-watering,” or “finger-licking.” Avoid these overused phrases. Food writing shines when it’s specific to the food's particular flavor, texture, or smell, making it more evocative and precise. Rather than describing a soup as “tasty” or “scrumptious,” try more specific words like “buttery,” “chunky,” or “minty.”

2. Consider your purpose. Decide if your goal is to explain a culinary experience or make the food sound appetizing. 

3. Evoke all the senses. Remember to explore the texture, smell, sight, and sound of a dining experience as well. 

4. Sometimes less is more. Food writing is most effective when it’s focused, allowing readers to zero in on the essential details of the dish. 

How to Describe Different Flavors

Words for rich, spicy, or savory flavors: The following words represent complex, spicy, or flavorful seasonings and dishes: buttery, caramelized, peppery, piquant, salty, sapid, saporous, savory, smoky, and spicy.

Words for sweet or fresh flavors: These descriptors characterize fresh or sugary dishes: ambrosial, bittersweet, bright, fruity, honeyed, minty, nectarous, saccharine, sharp-tasting, sweet, syrupy, treacly, and zesty.

Words for subtle flavors: Some dishes are on the milder side. You can use one of these words to describe the taste: bland, mellow, tasteless.

Words for sour flavors: A sour or complex taste can be challenging to articulate. Here are some descriptive words to help: astringent, briny, citrusy, fermented, sour, tart, and vinegary.

Words for hard or crunchy textures: Use these words to describe a crispy or chewy texture: broiled, caramelized, crusty, flaky, leathery, sizzling, thick, thin, toasted, and toothsome.

Words for soft or fluid textures: These words can help you describe drinks, desserts, or other soft items: crumbly, doughy, fizzy, gooey, juicy, luscious, mashed, mushy, rubbery, runny, simmered, smothered, spongy, sticky, tender, velvety, and waxy.

Words for the smell of food: Here are common food adjectives you can use to describe smells: acrid, astringent, bright, citrusy, fermented, heady, honeyed, minty, nutty, peppery, pungent, rancid, rotten, smoky, sour, and vinegary.

Source - https://www.masterclass.com/articles/food-adjectives

Questions that could be asked - Hospitality/Hotel

• Tell me about yourself and your experience in the hospitality industry. (to gauge your overall background and how it aligns with the position.)

• Why are you interested in working for this hotel specifically? (Shows your knowledge of the establishment and your enthusiasm for their brand.)

• Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult guest or situation. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? (Assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain composure under pressure.)

• How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively, especially during busy periods? (Evaluates your organizational skills and ability to multitask efficiently.)

• What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to customer service? (This gives insight into your self-awareness and areas for potential growth.)

• How familiar are you with our hotel's policies and procedures, such as check-in/check-out, handling reservations, or addressing guest complaints? (This demonstrates your preparedness and ability to adapt to the hotel's specific guidelines.)

• What are your salary expectations for this position? (This is a practical question to ensure your expectations align with the hotel's budget.)

• Are you comfortable working in a team environment and collaborating with colleagues from different departments? (This assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others.)

• How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges or setbacks? (This highlights your resilience and ability to stay focused on providing excellent service.)

• Do you have any questions for me about the position, the hotel, or the team you would be working with? (This shows your genuine interest in the opportunity and allows you to clarify any doubts.)

Questions that could be asked - Aviation

• Tell me about your experience as a pilot/flight attendant/air traffic controller, etc. (This gauges the candidate's overall background and how it aligns with the specific aviation role.)

• Why are you interested in working for our airline/airport/aviation company? (This shows the candidate's knowledge of the company and their enthusiasm for the brand and industry.)

• Describe a time when you had to make a critical decision under pressure during a flight or in your aviation work. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? (This assesses the candidate's decision-making skills, ability to remain calm, and prioritize safety in critical situations.)

• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, safety protocols, and technological advancements in the aviation industry? (This evaluates the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about industry changes.)

• What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to teamwork and communication, especially in a high-stress aviation environment? (This gives insight into the candidate's self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.)

• How do you prioritize passenger safety and comfort while ensuring efficient operations? (This assesses the candidate's ability to balance competing priorities and deliver excellent service in a fast-paced environment.)

• What are your salary expectations for this position? (This is a practical question to ensure the candidate's expectations align with the company's budget.)

• Describe a time when you went above and beyond to assist a passenger or resolve a challenging situation. What motivated you to do so? (This highlights the candidate's dedication to customer service and willingness to exceed expectations.)

• How do you handle cultural differences and language barriers when interacting with passengers or colleagues from diverse backgrounds? (This assesses the candidate's cultural sensitivity and communication skills in a global aviation context.)

• Do you have any questions for me about the position, the company culture, career development opportunities, or anything else related to this role? (This shows the candidate's genuine interest in the opportunity and allows them to clarify any doubts.)