Since this thread is a little dated now I thought I'd give an update on 2015/2016 applications:
So this is how the day went for me,
- Crystal staff presentation, the staff all introduce themselves talk about their careers with crystal/TUI and some of the experiences they've had, they talk about the role (in my case chalet host), and they show some videos on the company.
-The staff go to do some admin, and people are called out to give national insurance, passport, bank details etc, so make sure you have a photocopy of each of these, as they don't make that entirely clear in the email. Meanwhile, the rest of the group (around 40/50 applicants) are left to play ice breaker bingo, where you have to walk around and learn snippets of info and get to know everyone. Really make the effort here, learn peoples names, be outgoing, getting friendly with people will make the day go easier, and ease your presentation nerves.
-THE DREADED presentation, this is where the spotlight is on you and its your chance to really show the interviewers what you can do, they want personality, enthusiasm, and energy. Do your research, plan it on a resort, make it interactive if you want to, the other applicants will answer your questions if needed. PRACTICE it at least 100 times, know it off by heart so that nothing can phase you on the day. You'll either be broken up into small groups or you may have to present in front of the whole room, so prepare, there are some fantastic youtube videos from over zealous americans that give great presentations tips, from body language, to the inflection of your voice, really handy. (Please don't bring a powerpoint)
-Priority test/discussion, you'll be given a list of things you have to do, whilst hosting on change over day, you have to prioritise these and place them in order of how you'd complete them, once this is done, you and your group have a discussion about why and then together you agree on an order that everyone agrees with. Be calm, funny and friendly, they're looking for sensible answers and a personable attitude.
-Social Media test, you're given a sheet with 4 photos on and you must write tweets that give customers information in a fun informative way. READ the task carefully, lots of people treated this as a joke because of the pictures and they got sent home at lunch.
- Speed interview, you get called out to have a super quick friendly interview with one of the staff, questions like 'why do you want to be a chalet host?' ' why crystal?' 'what will be your biggest challenge?' 'tell me about your cooking experience'. Very easy, and you're on a high from smashing the presentation by then, hopefully...
- Cookery test, basic cookery written test, brush up on gluten free baking, vegetarian and vegan meals, how to make a victoria sponge, an omelette and just basic cookery. Buying a chalet cookbook could maybe help, but i think as long as you study the above you'll be fine.
-LUNCH.... or purgatory for the budding seasonnaire. This is an hour where they will review all the tasks you've done so far and decide who makes it back for the afternoon session. Eat something, you'll be nervous but you need energy and some water to get focussed for the next phase.
- Half of your new friends will be sent home, its all very reality TV show, but keep your head and get prepped for...
-Roleplay, you'll be brought into a room by an assessor who will watch and make notes on how you deal with a disgruntled customer (or another staff member in this case), so keep calm, listen to the customers problem and come up with a solution, maybe solve the problem and offer some free wine or an extra special cake for tomorrows afternoon tea. Not too hard this, so don't worry, take your time and stay in character.
-Staff go through some more about the job in a presentation, vibe gets way more chilled and you get to ask questions and start deciding where you want to be stationed if successful, they'll tell you about travel and pay, and get you all really psyched up.
-LASTLY, Competency based interview. A longer interview with one member of staff whereby you must answer questions with relevant evidence to show, well, your competence. For example, times you've worked in a team, worked by yourself, worked with another department, cooking experience. Then they ask if you have any questions, make the most of this, ask about where they like to ski, where is good to live, show your enthusiasm and make the most of having an interesting seasoned worker in front of you. Then you get to decided where you want to be stationed if successful, whether you want to work solo, dual or in a group, and a few last details.
-Your done, shake hands, keep eye contact, smile and remember peoples names by using them!
GOOD LUCK, and practice that presentation 100 times
See you on the slopes