PEOPLE AWARDS INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

Nominees will participate in an interview as part of the judging process. The interview is designed to build on the written submission, and nominees will be asked to expand on the achievements outlined in their submission in response to the category-specific questions.

Nominees will be assessed on their ability to clearly articulate their achievements and demonstrate excellence in their role.

INTERVIEW ELIGIBILITY & CONDITIONS

  • Applicants are awarded for their performance with the nominating property during the official qualifying period only.
  • The nominee must be available to attend an interview via Zoom during the judging period.
  • Applicants must have a minimum of six (6) months’ employment with the nominating property.

HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR MARKS:

Before the Interview

  • Thoroughly prepare for the interview in advance.
  • Review the written submission, particularly the summary of achievements.
  • Read through the category-specific questions and understand how your achievements align with them.
  • Be prepared to provide additional detail, examples and outcomes beyond what is written in the submission.
  • Practice answering questions about your role, achievements and strengths, regardless of who prepared the written submission.

During the Interview

  • Relax and take your time when responding.
  • Dress in professional business attire (even though the interview will be conducted via Zoom).
  • Greet the judges confidently, introduce yourself and engage positively.
  • Use the interview as an opportunity to be recognised for your hard work — clearly explain what you have achieved.
  • Show passion, enthusiasm and pride in your role.
  • Be yourself and be honest in your responses.
  • Take a breath before answering or ask for a question to be repeated if needed.
  • If you momentarily lose your train of thought, pause, regroup and continue.

This is not a formal job interview. The purpose of the interview is for judges to better understand you, your achievements, and why you are excelling in your role.

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January – 31 December 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between June - July 2026. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice Award
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division