How to...get a job with YSE

Natives is the season workers website, and as such we want to give you the maximum assistance finding and getting your dream job. We've been out questioning companies and finding out what/who they're really looking for.

Fiona Easdale , Director at YSE , gave us the full info .

Natives: What roles are you recruiting for?

Fiona: Chef, Driver, Maintenance and non-cooking Chalet Assistant.

Natives: Which resorts are you recruiting for?

Fiona: Val d'Isere only

Natives: What makes a good CV?

Fiona: One that doesn't drone on! One that has interesting jobs, hobbies and isn't too self-centred and self-congratulatory. I hate ones that start "A highly motivated, conscientious...." No-one is going to give themselves a bad write up!

Natives: What do you look for in a covering letter?

Fiona: One that sticks to the point and doesn't try to influence me unduly - I can see the CV and base my opinion on that. Sometimes a bit of humour does catch the eye.

Natives: What would make a candidate stand out (in a good way) in their application?

Fiona: If they give all the information asked for - cooks send a menu plan. If a photo is requested, send one. Show you have relevant experience for the job in question.

Natives: What do you like candidates to wear for interview?

Fiona: I don't mind what they wear so long as it's clean, doesn't have tears in the crutch (boys NB!), shoes are clean and hair is clean and brushed. So many don't!

Natives: Do you have group interviews? If so, can you give an example of they type of activity you would do?

Fiona: Can't stand the thought of a group interview so we don't do them. Having spoken to our candidates about group interviews they've been to, they hate them too!

Natives: Do you conduct regional interviews?

Fiona: We are in the South West but will interview in London if candidate very good.

Natives: What qualities do you look for in candidates?

Fiona: Honesty, a relaxed and friendly personality, someone who is easy to talk to and most of all would I want to be a guest in their chalet?

Natives: How many seasons has your longest serving member of staff been with you?

Fiona: 8 or 9!

Natives: Funniest interview you’ve ever held?

Fiona: Years and years ago a boy brought in a basket of makeup for all of us - his father supplied M&S and he knew the office was full of girls - he got a job! I've held interviews in some funny locations - stations, a supermarket cafe etc I once text someone to say I'd be late meeting her in a coffee shop. She text back asking how I take my coffee and there is was waiting when I arrived - she definitely got a job!

Natives: Complete no’s in an interview?

Fiona: If they ask how much they get paid or how much time off they get in the first five minutes. If they slob around on the sofa we sit them on. If they evade questions (clients ask all sorts when on holiday).

Natives: Best of times in resort?

Fiona: When the sun is shining, the snow is great and all clients are happy!

Natives: Worst of times in resort?

Fiona: A snowfall has blocked the road, clients can't get out or in...

Natives: Top tips for getting the job?

Fiona: Make your CV and covering letter/email interesting. Put in all your overseas travel etc - it may not be of interest for an office job but is for working in the Alps.

Natives: Words of wisdom for time in resort?

Fiona: Do your job properly and you'll have a great time - with YSE anyway!!

Check out YSE's current vacancies here

Natives has more information about how to find a job, and other helpful articles to get the most of your winter season here

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