Professional Development Report: Skills, Plan, and Job Interview

This report delves into the crucial aspects of professional development, self-directed learning, and skills assessment within the context of the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on Rosewood London. The report begins with an introduction to professional development, highlighting its importance, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, for enhancing efficiency and productivity. The main body explores professional development and self-directed learning, outlining their benefits such as skill enhancement, competency creation, and knowledge acquisition. It also assesses the skills and competencies required for a General Manager role, including managerial, administrative, and analytical skills, alongside soft skills like communication and problem-solving. The report includes an assessment of the author's skills and competencies, hard skills, and soft skills. The report proposes a professional development plan with SMART targets for improvement in analytical, interpretation, and communication skills. The report also considers relevant theories, like contingency theory, and concludes with an overview of the skills needed for a job interview.

Professional Identity
and Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Professional development and Self-directed learning..................................................................1
Assessment of own skills and competencies...............................................................................3
Professional development plan....................................................................................................5
Job Interview................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Professional Development is a process in which several new skills are acquired by the
individuals which can facilitate their growth in career in the future (Armitage-Chan and et.al.,
2016). This is necessary so that they can achieve their goals as well as objectives and proceed
upwards on the ladder of growth. In recent times after the outbreak of COVID-19 it has become
important for people working in the hospitality industry to ensure it so that they are able to
maintain a higher level of efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in their work. For this report,
Rosewood London has been chosen. It is a hotel which provides luxury facilities to its customers
and clients. In this assignment, detailed focus will be made on importance of professional
development and self-directed learning, assessment of skills and competencies. Additionally,
analysis on designing of professional development plan and demonstration of a range of skills
for getting a job will be done as a part of this project.
MAIN BODY
Professional development and Self-directed learning
Professional development means a process of identification of opportunities which can be
used by a person working in an organization to grow professionally in the career (Ashby and
et.al., 2016). Self-directed learning is an approach which can be adopted by individuals so that
they can learn by themselves for improvement using the correct techniques and methods.
Overview- Rosewood London is a five-star hotel operating in London, United Kingdom.
It offers luxury services to its guests and provides them with the facilities according to the prices
which they pay. It provides luxury rooms, suites etc. according to the needs and requirements.
Benefits of professional development and self-directed learning-
 Enhancement of skills- It helps a lot in enhancement of the skills of people. In
hospitality industry, skills matter a lot as they help in better serving the customers and
clients to ensure their full satisfaction so that they can give a positive review about the
hotel. In Rosewood London, these skills matter a lot as they are helpful in achieving the
desired outcomes. They can improve the career prospects for targeting the role of General
Manager in the hotel.
 More competencies- It ensures creation of more competencies. In the context of
hospitality industry, these are essential so that the work is managed productively and
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there are no problems in completing it effectively and efficiently which helps in better
serving of guests. In Rosewood London, they can help a lot in providing satisfaction to
customers and clients.
 Knowledge- It helps in developing the knowledge (Beddoe, 2017). In hospitality industry
knowledge helps a lot in making sure that effective management is carried out. Rosewood
London's managers should acquire it because it will provide them help to carry out their
tasks without problems and issues.
 Intelligence- It helps in acquiring intelligence (Bossio and Sacco, 2017). Hospitality
Industry requires its application in conducting various tasks which are required from the
managers. In Rosewood London it can be very helpful because through it the managers
will be able to productively do their tasks.
Importance-
 To develop for future roles- It is important because if a person working in lower-level
management wants to aim for a position in the higher-level management then this will
help a lot in doing so. In the context of Rosewood London, it is quite necessary for the
managers so that they can prepare themselves for acquiring higher positions in top
leadership levels.
 To achieve outcomes and results- It is necessary to set various parameters for achieving
the desired outcomes and results and making efforts for achieving them (Cruess and
et.al., 2016). For Rosewood London, it is quite essential because it helps in growth and
development and acquiring of a strategic edge over the competitors in the future time
period.
 To learn new skills- It is very helpful in learning of new skills. As Rosewood London is
a part of the hospitality industry the managers here can use it for learning of new skills
which can help them a lot in doing their work with more productivity and efficiency.
 To adjust in a dynamic environment- The business environment nowadays is quite
dynamic in nature and can change very quickly. Thus if the managers want to sustain in it
then they are required to make adjustments in their approach. In Rosewood London, the
managers can use it for adjusting in a dynamic environment quickly.
Skills and competencies required for the role of General Manager-
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 Strong managerial skills- To become a General Manager in Rosewood London there is
a requirement to display these skills which will help the prospective candidates to better
manage the work in the organization effectively and efficiently.
 Administration skills- For becoming a General Manager in Rosewood London it is
required that a candidate must be able to display the administration skills. They will help
a lot in administering the workers in a better manner to derive the best performance out of
them by making them work according to their full potential by displaying maximum
productivity.
Assessment of own skills and competencies
Skills and competencies required for the role of General Manager-
 Planning- A General Manager in hospitality organizations is required to make detailed
plans for achieving specific requirements in the future.
 Organizing- A General Manager in hospitality sector is charged with organizing of the
day-to-day activities which are carried out in the organization in an effective manner.
 Directing- Hospitality sector's General Managers should be able to effectively use
directing for providing the necessary instructions and directions to subordinates for
effectively doing their work.
 Controlling- In the Hospitality Sector, there is a requirement from General Managers
that they should be able to control the activities which are carried out in an organization.
Critical evaluation of own abilities, skills and competencies-
Hard skills-
 Analytical skills- Analytical skills are required for making the required analysis and
drawing of judgements and justifications (Han, 2017). As I am working in the hospitality
industry since the last few years I have these skills which can help me in getting a job in
Rosewood Hotel.
 Interpretation skills- Interpretation skills are essential so that interpretations can be
made from the information available whenever required (Hanitzsch, 2017). While
working in the hospitality industry I have acquired these skills which can help me in
drawing recommendations and conclusion as desired. Thus I hope to get a job in
Rosewood Hotel.
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 Marketing skills- Marketing skills are needed so that effective strategies can be made for
the purpose of marketing of products as well as services (Ivanova and Skara-Mincāne,
2016). In Hospitality Sector, I have learnt that having them is required so as to help the
hotel achieve marketing goals as well as objectives. As I have developed them, I hope
that I can get a job in Rosewood Hotel.
 Accounting skills- Accounting skills are quite helpful because by possessing them
financial information can be analysed and interpreted accurately. They are quite essential
in different roles in the hospitality sector. While working in this industry I have enhanced
these skills. Therefore I hope that because of these skills I can acquire a suitable role in
Rosewood Hotel.
Soft skills-
 Communication skills- In hospitality sector, satisfaction of customers and clients
remains the ultimate priority for the businesses. Therefore the people working here
should be able to have the communication skills which will be quite helpful for them to
make sure that they can communicate without problems and issues with them. I have
learnt and developed these skills because they are required in my job and thus I am
aiming to get a higher managerial role in Rosewood Hotel.
 Observation skills- They are required because by observing the different aspects of
business the managers can take the correct decisions (Jackson, 2016). In hospitality
businesses they are required. As I am working in a hotel since the last few years therefore
I think that by using them I will get a good job in Rosewood Hotel.
 Problem-solving skills- They are important because by using them a manager can solve
the various types of problems which are faced (Jourdan and et.al., 2016). By acquiring
experience in the hospitality sector I have learnt that I can use these skills effectively and
efficiently to solve the routine problems which my subordinates face while doing their
regular tasks. Therefore I think that by using these skills I can get a job in Rosewood
Hotel.
 Creative skills- These skills are required in the hospitality organizations because by
possessing them new approaches can be used. Therefore I think that by using them I can
aim for a higher-management role in Rosewood Hotel.
Theories for facilitating of personal and professional development-
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 Contingency theory- This theory believes that management has no set model which can
be used for all types of situations which occur within an organization. Therefore
according to it a manager is required to take a different type of approach in dealing with
exceptional situations which enhances their development. In Rosewood London, the
managers are faced with certain circumstances which require its usage.
 Systems theory- Systems theory views the organization as a form of a system with
different types of elements in it (Mackay, 2017). The managers should be able to bring
efficiency and effectiveness in the system by making use of this theory. In the context of
Rosewood London, it can be used effectively for raising the productivity level.
 Human relations theory- This theory helps in adopting an approach which derives the
best performance out of the workers in a particular organization (Morgan, 2017). In
hospitality organizations the managers should be able to use it in the correct manner
which can help them a lot in achieving the overall goals as well as objectives. Therefore
the managers in Rosewood London can make use of this theory for dealing with the
employees and solving their problems and issues.
Consideration of an appropriate theory- As I want to become General Manager in
Rosewood London I think that that I can use Contingency theory because in this position I will
be faced with a lot of situations and circumstances where taking of a right action will be
required. This theory will help me in taking correct decisions and also facilitate my personal and
professional development.
Professional development plan
Preparation of a professional development plan is quite useful because it enhances one to
grow with professional maturity (Nam and et.al., 2016). As I aim to become General Manager in
Rosewood London this plan is as follows-
Skills and
Competencies
SMART Targets Progress Evaluation Evaluation of
effectiveness
Analytical skills Specific- To improve
the skills by making
analysis of relevant
findings.
Progress will be
evaluated to find out
the deficiencies in
development of these
Effectiveness will be
evaluated by using
these skills when there
is a practical situation
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Measurable-
Improving analytical
skills within 3 months.
Acceptable-
Development of skills
using management
techniques.
Realistic- Skills will
be developed in
practical work
environment.
Time-bound- Skills
will be developed in a
time-bound manner
i.e. a target of a
specific time period
will be taken which in
this case is 3 months.
skills so that they can
be removed.
for applying them.
Interpretation skills Specific- To develop
these skills by
interpretation of
financial data of
hospitality industry.
Measurable-
Improvement to be
done within 6 months.
Acceptable-
Use of specific
management
approaches will be
Evaluation of regular
progress in
development of these
skills by using regular
performance
evaluation techniques
and methods.
Effectiveness will be
evaluated by checking
whether the
interpretations which
were made on
financial data were
accurate in the
practical context or
not.
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made for
improvement.
Realistic- Use of real
financial data shall be
made for achieving
goals and targets.
Time-bound- To be
developed within a
time-period of 6
months.
Communication
skills
Specific-
Development of skills
with the use of various
communication
methods.
Measurable-
Improvement to be
done within 9 months.
Acceptable-
Communication
methods used in
hospitality industry
will be preferred.
Realistic- Real-time
communication will be
facilitated with the
subordinates.
Time-bound-
Improvement has to be
completed within 9
Evaluation of progress
to be done by
obtaining feedback
from the subordinates
regarding the
communication done.
Effectiveness to be
evaluated on the basis
of feedback obtained
and thereafter the
improvements will be
done.
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months.
Problem-solving
skills
Specific- Solving of
problems occurring in
the practical scenario
in the organization.
Measurable-
Improvements to be
done within a time-
period of 1 year.
Acceptable-
Identification of
problems faced by the
subordinates and
solving them with the
use of proper
techniques and
methods.
Realistic- Practical
situations in the
organization will be
used for the purpose of
problem-solving so
that a result may be
obtained.
Time-bound-
Improvements should
be completed in 1
year.
Evaluation of progress
to be made on the
basis of results
obtained by solving
specific problems and
issues. It will help the
prospective managers
a lot as they can learn
about the steps which
they can take for
solving similar kind of
problem or issue in the
future time period so
that the desired
outcome is obtained
which will help in
obtaining success.
Effectiveness to be
evaluated by analysing
the results obtained
and whether they are
according to the set
expectations or not. If
they meet them then it
is good. If they do not
meet them then
rectifying techniques
should be used.
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Job Interview
A Job Interview is conducted between a prospective candidate and the HR manager of the
organization (Roulston and et.al., 2018). This is one of the most effective processes which is
used specifically for evaluation of a candidate's abilities, skills as well as competencies.
Interview for the role of General Manager-
Candidate- May I come in sir?
HR Manager- Yes. Come in please.
Candidate- Good Afternoon Sir.
HR Manager- Good Afternoon. Please take a seat.
Candidate- Thank You Sir.
HR Manager- So you have applied for the role of General Manager in our hotel.
Candidate- Yes Sir.
HR Manager- Let me explain you the job profile of the position. The General Manager
will be required to administer the activities which are happening in different departments of the
hotel and should be able to do overall supervision and must be able to make sure that the tasks
are carried out by the subordinates with the required efficiency and effectiveness.
Candidate- OK Sir.
HR Manager- May I know about you educational qualifications?
Candidate- Sir, I have completed my graduation and post-graduation in hospitality
management. I have also attended training workshops on hospitality.
HR Manager- OK. That is quite impressive. Tell me about the work experience which
you have.
Candidate- Sir, I have been working in Marriott Group of Hotels for the past 5 years at
the post of Supervisor. I have relevant experience of supervising different operations of functions
in the hotel.
HR Manager- Your experience is good according to the job profile. For this post we
require a candidate having at least 5 years of experience in a supervisory position and you meet
that criteria.
Candidate- Thank You Sir. Can I ask about the emoluments for this position?
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HR Manager- Yes. You will be paid a fixed salary of 60,000 pounds per month with
added perks and privileges. Also if you perform better then there are incentives as well which
you can earn.
Candidate- OK Sir.
HR Manager- So by looking at your profile and the relevant experience which you have
in supervisory position we consider you suitable for the position of General Manager at our
hotel. You are selected.
Candidate- Thank you so much sir.
HR Manager- The HR Department of our company will get in touch with you for
completing the formalities which are required for the joining process. Thereafter you would be
required to undergo a training for your role.
Candidate- Thank you so much sir. I will feel privileged to be a part of your hotel.
HR Manager- OK. Have a nice day.
Candidate- Thank you sir.
Advantages of Applied Interview Process-
 This process helps a lot in evaluating a candidate's personality fully (Wang, 2018). Thus
by doing so the managers can make sure that they are able to judge the candidates before
selecting them. Thus it is beneficial for managers of Rosewood London.
 This process can help the HR managers in testing the knowledge of the candidate
(Williams and et.al., 2018). Thus in this way the managers can check the suitability of the
candidate for the job. Therefore it is beneficial for them management of Rosewood
London.
Disadvantages of Applied Interview Process-
 Using only interview for judging a candidate can result in making erroneous judgements.
Thus this creates a disadvantage for the managers of Rosewood London.
 Use of interview process is a time-consuming process. Thus this creates disadvantage for
the managers of Rosewood London.
Evaluation of job interview process-
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The job interview process is a highly challenging one because here one has to display
one's best abilities and skills to be successful. There are also certain obstacles and challenges
which are as follows-
 Communication challenge
 Display of knowledge
 Display of skills
 Maintaining confidence
Reflection of the job interview process-
As I wanted the role of General Manager in Rosewood London I applied for this position
and therefore went through the Interview process. Initially I was a bit nervous but gradually I
became more confident. Thus by displaying my skills and abilities effectively and by impressing
the interviewer I have got the job of General Manager in Rosewood London and I wish to excel
in this role.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that professional identity and practice means
maintaining of professional standards. There is an importance of professional development and
self-directed learning. This is helpful in making sure that the right skills are developed which
will help in raising the overall efficiency, effectiveness as well as productivity level in the future
time period helping in achieving aims. One needs to a thorough assessment so that improvements
which are required may be facilitated. A Professional Development Plan helps in developing
one's personality and bringing the improvements wherever required. A Job Interview Process
helps the HR Managers in making the required judgements on a candidate's personality and
suitability for a particular role in the organization.
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REFERENCES
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