The Art of the Follow-Up: How to Stand Out After Your Westgate Interview

You polished your resume, brought your absolute best energy to the interview, and shared your passion for creating unforgettable guest memories. 

Whether you interviewed for a role in Resort Operations, Sales and Marketing, or at one of our front desks, stepping out of the interview room is a major milestone. Good interview advice doesn’t stop when you conclude the interview; it’s about what comes after.

If you want to shine and show off to our hiring team that you possess the passion, integrity, and work ethic we look for, then following up is your secret weapon. It is your opportunity to turn a great interview into something more and stand out from the crowd.

1. Timing is Everything: The 24-Hour Rule

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, agility is key. You don’t want to send a follow-up email from your car two minutes after leaving, but you also shouldn’t wait a week. 

The sweet spot is within 24 to 48 hours. Sending a prompt, personalized thank-you email keeps you top of mind while demonstrating that you respect their time and are genuinely enthusiastic about joining the Westgate team.

If you don't have the interviewer's email address, reach out to the recruiter and ask them to forward your message to the hiring manager or interview panel. Want to make an even stronger impression? Consider dropping off or mailing a handwritten thank-you note. In hospitality, going the extra mile and showing sincere appreciation can leave a lasting impression and often set exceptional candidates apart.

2. Make it Personal (and Guest-Centric)

A generic "Thank you for your time" template won't cut it. 

Our culture thrives on personalization and creating unique experiences. Your follow-up should reflect that. 

Mention a specific moment from your conversation. Did you connect with the interviewer over how you handle a fast-paced environment? Did they share a story about the property's dedication to the Westgate Foundation? Bring it back up! It proves you were actively listening and are already thinking like a Team Member.

3. Reiterate Your Values 

At Westgate, we're a family-owned company built on relationships, genuine hospitality, and creating meaningful experiences for our owners and guests. Use your follow-up note to reinforce how your own values align with ours. Briefly remind the hiring manager how your strong work ethic and dedication to exceptional service will help enrich the lives of our guests from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you hit send, you might have a few post-interview questions. We’ve got you covered:

Q: Should I call or email to follow up after my Westgate interview? 

A: Email is always the preferred and most professional method for an initial follow-up. It gives the hiring manager or recruiter the flexibility to read and respond around their busy schedules on the property.

Q: What should I do if I forgot to mention something important during the interview? 

A: Your follow-up email is the perfect place to weave it in seamlessly! You can add a brief sentence like: "Our conversation about guest satisfaction reminded me of a time when..." Keep it short, sweet, and relevant to the role.

Q: How long does the Westgate Resorts hiring process typically take? 

A: The exact timeline can vary depending on the department, background check requirements, and the number of candidates. 

Don't hesitate to ask your interviewer about their expected timeline before you leave!

Q: How Do You Tell if an Interview Went Well?

A: There are a lot of things to look out for when you’re trying to understand how your interview went. It’s important not to overthink it, though! Make a mental checklist of the following things:

• How long did the interview last? If you made it to the end of the allocated time, that’s generally a good sign! 
• Reflect on your body language; this is something to be mindful of throughout your interview. Avoid slouching and try to look attentive and engaged.
• Remember what questions you answered, if any follow-ups were asked, and if the interviewer seemed happy with your responses.

Q: What Are Common Interview Mistakes?

A:  Some common interview mistakes are:

• Poor body language: Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or appearing distracted can signal a lack of confidence or interest.
• Not asking follow-up questions at the end of your interview: Thoughtful questions demonstrate preparation, curiosity, and genuine interest in the role.
• Giving short answers and not expanding on your background and expertise: Use examples to highlight your experience, accomplishments, and the value you can bring to the position.
• Not using the STAR Method: Structure your responses using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide clear, organized, and impactful answers.

The Final Polish

Close your note by thanking the team again for the opportunity, stating your excitement for the next steps, and signing off professionally. Keep it concise; three or four punchy paragraphs are all it takes to make a memorable, positive impact.

By mastering the follow-up, you aren't just checking a box. You are showcasing the exact proactive, hospitality-first mindset that makes our Team Members world-class. Good luck, we can’t wait to see you bring your career to Westgate!

Browse Westgate jobs today if you haven’t applied yet and put our follow-up advice to the test after your interview!

Need more job advice? Then check out the following career articles:

• Four Things to Keep in Mind When Dressing for Interview Success
• Coping With Job Burnout: Three Ways to Recover
• 3 Reasons Why Your Resume Stands out For the Wrong Reason
• How To Become An Invaluable Employee: Our Top Tips