Question 1: What kinds of emails do you receive about your work or studies?

Sample Answer: Oh, it really varies! For work, I get a lot of emails about scheduling, like meeting invites and reminders, plus updates on projects from my team. Sometimes there are emails about new company policies or training opportunities. Study-wise, it's mostly emails from my university about deadlines, assignment updates, or important announcements like exam schedules or changes to the curriculum. I also get a few emails from professors, usually with extra resources or clarifications on assignments. And then there’s the inevitable newsletter spam from the university, which I usually just skim!

Question 2: Do you prefer to email, phone or text your friends? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Hmm, it really depends on the situation, to be honest. If it's something quick, like "Hey, are you free later?", then texting is definitely the easiest and quickest way to go. Everyone's got their phones on them all the time, you know? But if I need to discuss something more complicated, or if I need to convey a more nuanced message, I'd probably prefer to email. You can express yourself better in writing, and there's a record of everything you've said. I don't use the phone much for chatting with friends, except maybe for a quick catch-up if I haven't seen them in ages. It feels a bit more personal than texting, but it's less convenient than a quick message. So yeah, it's a mix, really, depending on what I need to say and how urgently.

Question 3: Do you reply to emails and messages as soon as you receive them? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Uh, it depends, really. If it's something urgent, like a work email from my boss or a message from a friend about meeting up, then yeah, I try to reply straight away. I don't want to keep people waiting. But if it's something less pressing, like a newsletter or a promotional email, I might leave it until later. I usually batch process those kinds of things – maybe at the end of the day or before I start work. Otherwise, my inbox would just be a constant distraction, and I find it really hard to focus if I'm constantly switching between tasks. So yeah, it's a bit of a juggling act, trying to be responsive but also manage my time effectively.

Question 4: Are you happy to receive emails that are advertising things? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Um, it's a bit of a mixed bag, really. Sometimes I am, especially if it's something I'm actually interested in, like a new book release from an author I love, or maybe a sale on hiking gear since I'm planning a trip. But most of the time, no, not really. My inbox gets so clogged up with junk mail, and it's annoying having to sift through all those irrelevant promotions to find actual important emails. Plus, a lot of them are just really poorly targeted – I get ads for baby clothes even though I'm clearly not a parent, which just feels a bit intrusive. So, it depends entirely on the content and how relevant it is, I guess.

Question 1: Describe a hotel that you know.

Sample Answer: Oh, I know a really cool little hotel in the Cotswolds called the Lygon Arms. It's not exactly a budget option, it's quite luxurious actually, but I've been there a couple of times with my family. It's in this charming, historic town, and the hotel itself is really old, I think it dates back to the 16th century. The building is gorgeous, all timber framing and stone, really quintessential English countryside. The rooms are huge, and they're decorated in this really elegant, traditional style, lots of dark wood furniture and thick, plush carpets. I remember one room we had overlooked a beautiful walled garden, it was so peaceful. They have a fantastic restaurant too, we had a delicious Sunday roast there once. The service was impeccable, very attentive but not intrusive. It’s not just about the luxury though, it had a really warm and welcoming atmosphere. I think it’s the kind of place where you could easily spend a long weekend just relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.

Question 1: What things are important when people are choosing a hotel?

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on what kind of trip it is and who's going, but I guess location is always a big one. No one wants to be miles away from the action, especially if you're on a city break. Then there's the price, obviously – you need to find something that fits your budget, and sometimes you have to compromise on other things to get a good deal. Cleanliness is a must; I'd be put off by bad reviews about hygiene. And I think the amenities are pretty important too – things like a good swimming pool or a decent gym can really make a difference, especially if you're staying for a longer period. Finally, the reviews online – reading what other guests have said is a really good way to get a feel for the place before you book.

Question 2: Why do some people not like staying in hotels?

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on the person, I guess. Some people find hotels impersonal and sterile – you know, lacking that homely feel. Others might be bothered by the noise, especially if they're light sleepers. And then there's the cost; hotels can be really expensive, especially if you're travelling for a long time or with a family. I also think some people just prefer the freedom and flexibility of other types of accommodation, like renting an apartment or staying in a hostel, where they can cook their own food and have more space. Plus, some hotels can have quite strict rules which some find annoying, like quiet hours or limited access to facilities. It's all about individual preferences, really.

Question 3: Do you think staying in a luxury hotel is a waste of money?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I guess it depends entirely on the circumstances, you know? For a special occasion, like a honeymoon or a really important anniversary, I could definitely see the appeal. Splurging on something luxurious once in a while can create amazing memories, and sometimes those experiences are worth the extra cost. But for a regular business trip or a family vacation where you're mostly just sleeping there, I think it's probably a bit extravagant. There are so many perfectly comfortable and affordable hotels out there that offer everything you really need – a clean bed, a decent shower, maybe a pool. Ultimately, I think it comes down to priorities and budget. If you've got the money and it aligns with your values, then go for it! But if you're on a tighter budget, there's absolutely no shame in opting for something more budget-friendly.

Question 4: Do you think hotel work is a good career for life?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I mean, on the one hand, it can be really fun, you meet so many different people from all over the world, and there are opportunities to travel if you work for a big chain. Plus, the hours are generally pretty flexible, which could be great if you have a family or other commitments. But, it’s also notoriously demanding – long hours, often on weekends and holidays, and you're dealing with sometimes difficult customers. The pay isn't always amazing, especially when you start out, and the work can be quite physically tiring. So, I don't know if I'd say it's a *great* career for life, maybe more of a stepping stone for some people. It really depends on what you're looking for in a job, I guess. If you're really sociable and don't mind the hard work, then maybe it could work out well, but for long-term job satisfaction, you might want to consider other options.

Question 5: How does working in a big hotel compare with working in a small hotel?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a pretty big difference! In a big hotel, everything's much more structured. You've got specific roles, lots of departments, and a clear hierarchy. There's more opportunity for specialization, like you could focus solely on events planning or guest services, but it also feels a bit more impersonal. You might not know all your colleagues, and things move a bit slower because of all the bureaucracy. In a smaller hotel, it's much more hands-on and dynamic. You often wear many hats – you might be helping with check-in one minute and then assisting with housekeeping the next. You get to know everyone really well, it feels like a closer-knit team, and you're more directly involved in making sure guests have a great experience. However, you probably won't get the same level of training or career progression opportunities that a larger hotel might offer. So it really depends on what you're looking for – the stability and specialization of a big hotel or the flexibility and community feel of a smaller one.

Question 6: What skills are needed to be a successful hotel manager?

Sample Answer: Well, I think you need a really broad range of skills, honestly. Obviously, strong leadership skills are crucial – you're managing a whole team, after all, and need to motivate and delegate effectively. Then there's the customer service aspect; you need to be able to handle complaints calmly and professionally, and create a positive experience for guests. Good communication is key too, both with staff and customers, and that means being able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Financial skills are also important, understanding budgets, managing costs, and potentially even marketing strategies to increase occupancy rates. And finally, I think problem-solving is essential – things go wrong in hotels all the time, and you need to be able to think on your feet and find solutions quickly and efficiently. It's a demanding job, but sounds really interesting.