WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A WORKAWAY INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATE

There is no rule book to what a successful candidate looks like, however we have a few tips that you can keep in mind to help improve your chances.

Remember, each year we are inundated with applications for a limited amount of positions and only the best of the best gets chosen. If your application is not successful, do not be discouraged. Use the opportunity to learn, grow and improve. You are always welcome to reapply for the next season.

1       RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

This is one of the most important aspects we look for when choosing which candidates to put forward for the job. We have listed the minimum requirements on our website however candidates are often under the impression that this is ALL we require for them to be successful. It is, however, a huge advantage for candidates to have relevant experience applicable to the job they are applying for.

With that said, we do not want to discourage candidates who do not have experience not to apply, as we do believe that everyone deserves a chance. However, to be successful without experience means your personality must be the star of the show.

Remember, the chances of someone without experience getting the job is the exception rather than the rule.

S    SOMEONE WHO LOOKS THE PART

Dress to impress! Often, the first judgement we have of you, is based on what you are wearing and how you look. Therefore, it is so important to dress professionally throughout the recruitment process. We always say that is better to overdress than underdress. Working in the hospitality industry requires you to look neat, professional and put together, so it is only fitting that you dress the part.

3      PROFESSIONALISM

Be punctual, greet and introduce yourself confidently while making eye contact. All of this contributes favourably to your application.

Listen and ask questions if you do not understand something and never underestimate the power of a smile. A smile shows confidence and invites us to get to know you.

4       WE CAN TELL WHEN YOU HAVE DONE YOUR RESEARCH!

Working in another country and being away from home is a big commitment therefore it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. Our website is filled with everything you need to know about the programme and familiarising yourself with the information before attending the presentation really helps give a holistic view about the programme which ultimately helps you in making the right decision. It also helps you formulate well informed and relevant questions for when you meet us.

5       PERSONALITY

Do not be afraid to show your personality! This is your opportunity to show us what you have got to offer and why you deserve to be on the Workaway International programme. We know the recruitment process can be intimidating however, it is important to keep your eye on the prize, so bring your A-game!

Good luck and we look forward to meeting you at the presentation!

My first season in Florida

By Kimber-Lee Basson

Working abroad for the first time was a unique and wonderful experience. Being on the Workaway International programme enabled me to gain insights into a new country and exposed me to different cultures. I also met so many different people and got a fresh perspective on the world. This was truly an amazing opportunity that not many people will get to experience, and I am immensely grateful to Workaway International and the Polo Club!

My top highlights in Florida was definitely watching Trevor Noah live, a day trip visiting the Wynwood District and the beaches in Miami, the South Florida fair and then of course having the time of my life at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Being away from family and friends was challenging but as you start making new friends, you realise that you have the mental ability to overcome this.

If you are young, an extrovert and a hard worker, then seasonal work in the hospitality industry is for you! Not only do you get to add international experience to your resume, but you get to save money, as well as learn and grow.

Season one - you were great. I look forward to what lies ahead.

When one door closes, another one opens…

By Sonia Marques

The end of the winter season is here. At this time, you will be saying many goodbyes to friends that you have made while living here in the USA.

Although the season was temporary, some of the friendships you have made are not, these people have become lifelong friends!

However, with goodbyes - come hellos; to family and friends back home or if you are planning on going up north for the summer season, hellos to new work colleagues and friends. That is the beauty of being on the Workaway International program. Although bittersweet, every day brings new adventures and something new to look forward to.

It is important to think of this new adventure as a new beginning. If you are going home perhaps you would like to venture on to a new opportunity, now that you have some international experience. If you are going up north for the summer season, maybe you would like to improve on something or add onto the experience earned during the winter season. Always remember that there is room for improvement in every aspect of your life, with this mindset - you will go far!

Hard work during the season does not go unnoticed, and if your country club is like Addison Reserve, they may even throw you a Staff Appreciation Party. We were lucky enough to have been invited to this event, which was held at The Falls Country Club, where all the employees are recognized for their dedication and work ethic. We were treated to dinner, prizes and raffles, followed by dancing to end the night off along with the season with our colleagues and friends.

Thank you, Addison Reserve, for yet another memorable season!

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy on, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” - Socrates

With Love,

Workaway International Presentations: What to expect and how you can prepare!

Why is attendance at presentations compulsory?

The presentations are the first step in the recruitment process. We want all candidates to be well informed before committing to working abroad, and for this reason every candidate is required to attend a presentation if they wish to apply.

There is so much important information about the programme given at the presentations, which you have no other way of receiving. Making presentations compulsory ensures that all applicants have a clear understanding of what they can expect.

The presentation will answer all your questions about the programme, from the requirements, to details about the recruitment process, from the duration of your contract to the costs involved, positions, wages and so much more.

Beside gathering important information about the programme, the presentations also gives us an opportunity to meet potential candidates and get to know them a bit better. 

Do I need an invitation to attend a presentation?

No, presentations are open to all candidates who are interested in applying for the Workaway International programme. We work on a first-come, first-served basis, with each presentation having a limited number of spots. We strongly recommend that serious candidates arrive early to secure their seat.

What do I need to bring along to a presentation?

All we require you to bring to the presentation is a positive, ‘can do’ attitude. Other than that, there is no need to bring any formal documentation as we will supply the form you need to complete.

What happens after the presentation?

After the presentation, you will be given a form to complete which requires you to fill in your name, contact details, work experience and the Workaway International position you would like to apply for. Our recruitment consultant will collect and check all the forms before calling candidates in for an individual pre-screening.

In the pre-screening we will then discuss the details on your form. This is the first time we get to hear what you have to say, see your personality and decide whether you would be a good fit for the programme.

How should I prepare for the presentation?

While there is no set of rules for how potential candidates should prepare for a presentation, we do require that you make an effort to look professional, do your research beforehand, come with relevant questions, have a good attitude and show us why you deserve to be on the programme.

How do I prepare for my pre-screening?

Be confident, think about how your current or previous work experience can be used to your advantage, know your strengths, show us your personality and remember to have fun! A

pre-screening is ultimately your chance to wow us and show us what you have to offer. Remember, there are thousands of candidates who apply each year and we have strict criteria that we need to consider when choosing candidates.

What does Workaway International look for in a candidate?

Besides having relevant industry experience, we need candidates with amazing personalities who are fluent in English, are customer-service oriented and hard working. We are looking for candidates who are willing to go above and beyond to get the job done, someone who is not afraid to put in the work and the long hours to make sure members of the country clubs and employers are satisfied.

It is worth repeating that we are inundated with applications for a limited number of positions each season – only those who fit and exceed the criteria set by the country clubs will be selected for the available positions. It is vital that you put your very best foot forward, and attending a presentation looking eager and professional as required, is the first step.

Onto the Next Chapter

By Tara Clampett

The end of season is upon us. Many members are leaving their Florida country clubs for their homes up North for the summer and many of us will follow suit soon enough! This is probably the most difficult time for many of us as goodbyes are never easy.

Looking back on the season and reflecting on all the new relationships, I am filled with gratitude. Leaving home for 8 months is not easy, we all have ups and downs, good days and bad and I am so grateful to all my friends who have been there through it all. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about leaving them.

On a lighter note, as the season comes to an end, we are making the most of the time we have left. Recently we took a girl’s trip to Miami for the weekend where we explored Wynwood Walls, Little Havana and South Beach. As we were lying on South Beach, I told my family back home that I still have to pinch myself to realize that this is real life! Another great experience recently was the Broadway show, Anastasia, at the Broward Center. The performers, music and set design were all incredible!

The end of a season also means a time to reflect on yourself, your growth and your goals over the past 8 months as well as time to set new goals for the summer. Personally, my top two goals for the summer season is to save as much money as possible and to plan a trip for my mom to come visit me in New York. I feel that I am so blessed to have traveled so far at a young age and would love to share the feeling and experience of New York City with my mother.

So, here is to being thankful and grateful for the memories and experiences from the past and being ready for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead!