 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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To be honest, having a maintenance man who actually is a trained sparky will be a big draw for them, should be a strong candidate already!
I haven't interviewed for similar seasonal role before (have done 3 seasons as a chef).
Prepare your answers for the standard being a team player questions, plus give an example of experiencing a difficult customer and all that rubbish.
I'd have thought they may ask, how do you feel about working with a mixture of ages. How do you get a good work/life balance that standard bull crap.
You'll be fine, you're a desirable candidate.
Importantly think what you want to ask them...
What's the accommodation like....
How far from your place of work is it....
Is your ski pass resort or area (i.e. Val thrones vs. 3 valleys)
What will your expected hours be.
What will be your role on Sunday/Saturday - weekend changeover days
HTH
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| mbydmt wrote: |
To be honest, having a maintenance man who actually is a trained sparky will be a big draw for them, should be a strong candidate already!
I haven't interviewed for similar seasonal role before (have done 3 seasons as a chef).
Prepare your answers for the standard being a team player questions, plus give an example of experiencing a difficult customer and all that rubbish.
I'd have thought they may ask, how do you feel about working with a mixture of ages. How do you get a good work/life balance that standard bull crap.
You'll be fine, you're a desirable candidate.
Importantly think what you want to ask them...
What's the accommodation like....
How far from your place of work is it....
Is your ski pass resort or area (i.e. Val thrones vs. 3 valleys)
What will your expected hours be.
What will be your role on Sunday/Saturday - weekend changeover days
HTH |
Thank you for your reply...
I shall be sure to make a note of the questions, I'm literally going in to this blind
As you can probably guess with 13 years experience behind me I'm hitting this at the ripe old age of 29 so it's a little daunting. It seems difficult to find any interview pointers online  along with any info regarding Leski themselves.
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@UnumPila, I think they might ask you how you feel about living, working and socialising with fellow staff members who may be 10 years younger than you. They'll also be looking to see that you are flexible, and committed to remaining in the role for the whole season.
EDIT: LeSki seem to be generally well regarded by both customers and staff.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Gämsbock wrote: |
@UnumPila, I think they might ask you how you feel about living, working and socialising with fellow staff members who may be 10 years younger than you. They'll also be looking to see that you are flexible, and committed to remaining in the role for the whole season.
EDIT: LeSki seem to be generally well regarded by both customers and staff. |
Thank you, I'll make sure that I'm ready for such questions
It's nice to hear they are well regarded, as I've read some horror stories regarding staff accommodation etc...
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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We have had a review of Le Ski on the site I run here:
http://seasonnaireweb.com/forums/topic/le-ski/
I did my first season at 33 and wasn't the oldest by a good ways. They'll love having a qualified electrician apply, good maintenance men are worth a lot in resort so you should be fine.
Good luck with it!
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I had an interview with Le Ski a few weeks ago (though not for the same position).
If it's anything like mine, you can expect a friendly and relatively informal atmosphere. The interviewer will likely go through your CV and/or application form and discuss your past experiences, so you need to be able to justify how these things will be relevant to working in a ski resort. You will probably also be asked why you want to do a ski season (a fairly standard interview question). They will then go through the job responsibilities and the employment package - don't be afraid to ask a few questions during this stage, it shows your interest.
Be sure to do your research about the company - their history, where they operate, their aims and values, etc. Even if they don't explicitly ask you for it, it will be helpful during general discussions.
But then I didn't get the job, so take the advice with a pinch of salt!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@FPS John - What job did you go for?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@UnumPila, good luck, and if you don't get it try somewhere else. We should start a list of good companies to work for. I'll say that Esprit/Total staff always seem happy.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@henzerani,
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We should start a list of good companies to work for
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That's what my website does! Think Trip Advisor for seasonal employers. Just over a year old and doing alright (though it's no SnowHeads!)
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@UnumPila, if you felt confident, and can work to the local practices, and still wanted to be an electrician at least some of the time, any of the bigger resorts are likely to have work for you. I don't know how transferable UK qualifications are but there are enough british electricians and plumbers in Chamonix that it can't be that hard...
Being independent has pros and cons as I am sure you are aware!
Working for a T.O. for your first season definitely not a bad way to see the lie of the land.
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You know it makes sense.
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| UnumPila wrote: |
@fps_john
I got the idea it would be informal as it's being held in a Cafe
How quickly did they notify you about not getting the role??
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They let me know within two weeks. That was their stated target, so as to avoid keeping people waiting.
And @dheason, I had applied for Resort Support/Assistant.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@UnumPila, not much to add except that you sound like a very strong candidate, so consider asking them (in a non-pushy fashion) if they just want you in the role you are applying for, or if they want a general handyman and someone who is old enough and responsible enough to be able to do some driving too. You really don't sound like the average applicant for a chalet slave job, and you have skills that I think could be very useful to a TO - play to your strengths!
Best of luck. I didn't work during my season, so can't directly compare - but it was one of the best 5 months of my life. Would have been the best, if I hadn't have had to leave Lady Flashman back in Blighty...
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Poster: A snowHead
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@fps_John, If you are still looking I posted Chalet Support roles with Ski Famille and Ski Beat this week. I did 3 seasons with Ski Beat and they were good to work for, a mate of mine worked for Ski Famille and said they were a really nice small company too so maybe worth a look.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thanks all for the replies. You're slowly building my confidence. I thought I wouldn't be what they wanted if I'm totally honest. Fingers crossed 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@UnumPila,
Do some research on UK vs French electrical systems, and also into likely French words & phrases you'd have to use (EG French for 'fuse', 'socket', 'wiring' etc). Mention at your interview that you've done this research - it'll show that you are keen and self-motivated.
Ask at the interview on what skills other than sparky the expect you to have (you've got 5 months to brush up on any you don't yet have), how many properties you'd be looking after & whether they're all in one resort, and whether your hours would be fixed (eg 8am-4pm, 6 days a week) or on an 'as and when needed' basis - this can affect your mountain time, but don't be shy of bringing the topic up - LeSki know that part of the package they offer resort staff is the opportunity to get on the snow.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@UnumPila, good luck for your interview, just to let you know I was in exactly the same position as you 20 years ago, qualified spark 29years of age, interviewed for position of maintenance/driver for silver ski holidays. I was more worried about not having any French language, than anything else, being practical is a major advantage, you would not believe the numpties who do seasons, young and old, who cannot even change a lamp or unblock a sink. saying that I did nearly 3 seasons in meribel, i was paid the same as managers, about 3 times the rate of new chalet staff, and barely did any maintenance work, doing the ski school bus run first thing in the morning then pick up again in the afternoon was the bulk of my work, I would say I skied 85% of the possible time. biggest mistake I made was buying brand new skis to go out with, not knowing full lift pass and equipment was supplied.
hope you get the job, am sure you will have a brilliant time
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Thank you for your help guys. I'm now less nervous regarding the interview
One question, what is internet access or mobile signal like in the ski resorts?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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If you're working for a TO then most chalets will have WiFi you can get on without too many problems. You can generally get poor quality WiFi in most bars too. Staff accommodation varies depending on how close you live to chalets you can get the code for but generally it's only ever provided for guests or if you sort your own accommodation.
Mobile signal is good pretty much everywhere I've been. The big resorts have good mobile coverage and if you're on a UK network then it'll just pick up the best signal it can. Only downside is the cost!
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Does anyone have previous maintenance experience from working a season?
I'm trying to cover all bases with my preparation, don't want to be asked something that'll completely stump me
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@UnumPila, in our apartments the most frequent problems are:
- lightbulbs
- powercuts so the boiler doesn't restart
- clients not understanding white goods - and forcing controls beyond breakage, etc.
- white goods expiring
French electrics can be a little "special" and sensitive.
Drains invariably need unblocked as clients believe that holiday drains accept more than home drains. And don't care.
Otherwise, unless you're somewhere with a macerator for waste, I can't think of anything too challenging.
But just expect to be astonished by customer stupidity.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@under a new name, I spent a number of years looking after a local hotel, you're right customers can bring a whole new meaning to the word stupid.. The Christmas period was by far the worst with 2am call outs due to " fire extinguisher fights " and the occasional game of activating every fire alarm break glass point. It's times like these that your customer service skills are pushed to their limits.
Are there any weird and wonderful issues that occasionally pop up?
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@UnumPila, oh lordy, if you've done that, you'll have no problems.
Nothing wonderful but be aware that French domestic electricity is still typically 3 phase as it enters the building. Balancing that can be, interesting.
Also that EDF restrict the peak current, depending on contract (which is pretty stupid as the incremental costs are very marginal between the contracts).
I've just looked at the LeSki website. If it was my company (as in I can't believe enough lightbulbs would blow to have two of you), you'd be covering 3Vs and Val d'Isere so expect a bit of winter driving. They all look modern and well maintained, so that's great but there are quite a few hot tubs. Be prepared to deal with the after effects of alcohol, holidays, and hot tubs  Not a good mix we find. I would actually want to establish just how they are maintained. External contractor? or you??
F'rinstance, my MiL has an upscale apartment rental on the Cote d'Azur with a hot tub. It has to have the filter cleaned after every rental as a. it's usually necessary (peronal hygiene, what's that when you're on holibags?) and b. she doesn't want anyone posting on tripadvisor how they caught gonorrhoea from a poorly cleaned hot tub.
I kid you not.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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My guess is that as a qualified sparky you might get lots of offers of private work sorting out problems in other chalets etc. Not sure how Le Ski would react to such private enterprise but you could find yourself getting lots of extra beer tokens! Don't let extra work get in the way of your skiing though!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@under a new name, 3 phase supplies, my forte For the past 6 years we have specialized in commercial and industrial installs and maintenance. 440v Is my best friend.
Being a licensed rally driver ( not sure you'd see this as plus ) I'm fairly competent with driving on loose surfaces. The thought of having to travel makes the job a little more appealing if I'm honest as I've read many a website stating " Cabin Fever " may be an issue for some people. I like variety in my work along with a challenge every now and again.
Oh dear, cleaning filters that may contain gonorrhea, sounds delightful
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@UnumPila, triphase expert? Excellent, can you PM me your phone number please? 
Sounds like you are really in a good place. If it doesn'rt work out, I'd be confident you could base yourself in Chamonix and make a good living...
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You know it makes sense.
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So, I didn't get offered the job but was told I have a lot to offer........
Would anyone have any contacts or suggestions on where to look next?
I think I'd be happier working for a smaller company as it's the background I've come from. I much prefer the personal touch rather than being just another number.
I'm very keen to make the 2015/16 my first of many seasons, the UK just doesn't do it for me in the winter anymore. If even consider a full time position in The Alps
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@UnumPila, keep applying as your skill set will be very much in demand. Lots of the chalet companies require maintenance staff and, in my experience, there's not exactly a huge pool of them willing to do a season. There will still be plenty of roles available I'm sure, you've just got to find all of the medium and smaller sized companies (there's literally hundreds of UK companies across the Alps) and apply.
I was a Resort Manger for a chalet company a few years back (Ski Beat); a very good company to work for but the maintenance support wasn't great, to be honest. I've heard that it's been improved with more resource since my times. Problems encountered were: electric oven not working, fridge door not shutting, under-floor heating kept tripping and not reactivating quickly enough, leaking taps, broken beds and furniture, not hot water for various electrical reasons. Oh, and lightbulbs lightbulbs lightbulbs.
Good luck, and don't feel down about not getting one job, there's plenty more out there and it's very much early days.
As for 29 years old; a mere whipper snapper! I was 36 when I started working seasons, in my first season I shared a flat with a 21 year old, 22 year old, and a 27 year old. One of the funnest and happiest times of my life. Good luck.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Dav,
Thank you for your kind words, I'm not letting this knock me down! I believe I have a lot to offer, not many people with my " skill set " would be prepared to work for £100 a week. I'm not looking at the night life and skiing as the major draw for me, it's life exerperience!! The rest are just added bonuses
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Quote: |
One of the funnest and happiest times of my life.
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+1, of the 3 lads I shared a flat with 2 were young enough to be my kids! Age doesn't matter at all when you're out there.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hey @UnumPila,
Don't give up - I am 51 and just got my first seasonnaire job.
I applied for big and small companies. I agree with your comments about being another number and I really have had to weigh up my decision but as I have worked for 2 very small companies in the UK I have decided to go back into a big company. They are very strict and it took me a while to get my head around my contract - but - the person that interviewed me is going back for a second season (they also work for the company in the summer) - so it can't be that bad. Once I knew I had the job I quizzed her a lot more, and she said that the staff were valued, she gave me a pat on the back and said "you'll love it". And you know what, it's only 5-6 months of your life, and if you don't enjoy it, it's only a short amount of time. So I really wouldn't rule out big companies - once you have done a season with any company, you would find it easier to get into smaller companies next year!
Bigger companies have more roles to offer - I went to be a Chalet housekeeper and due to my experience, I was asked to be an assistant Hotel manager - my salary is £150 a week. Who hoo!!!!! Nothing at all to pay out. I will be better off than I am in the UK!! I was orinally looking at just working a season, but have decided I will be making a career out of it, so bigger was best for me, more opportunities.
You drive professionally, so why not go for a driving job? I came across loads when I was looking, a lot were linked with maintenance. Here are some links to loads of ski companies and other jobs.
https://dub118.mail.live.com/mail/ViewOfficePreview.aspx?messageid=mgZ8qURfMJ5RGZkgAkgYiBDg2&folderid=flYSOxynR7jEuQmlR2kJWTvg2&attindex=4&cp=-1&attdepth=4&n=86877207
http://www.skijobs4u.co.uk/skiaz.html
http://www.onthesnow.co.uk/news/a/83041/doing-a-ski-season--the-highs-and-lows
I wrote a cover letter (changed for every company) and sent a CV in. I got great responses. It's time consuming but if you really want to do it, it's worth it.
No one has even questioned my age - I think they like the fact that age brings experience and responsibility. (we can handle our drink)
Good luck!!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@UnumPila, don't give up, am sure there are loads of opportunities for you, as I mentioned in an earlier post I was an electrician at 29 and I worked for 2 seasons doing maintenance/driving for silver ski holidays they are based in Maidstone, so I would give them try.
other than that try looking into getting qualified to drive minibuses commercially in france, I had to do a pcv (restricted to minibuses), all paid for by silver ski for me. but you can do a full blown coach driving license if you want something to full back on to in the uk.
there seems to be numerous legit transfer companies out in the alps now, it was all ski bums or "borrowing" company minibuses to carry out private transfers for a bit of "mutzig" vouchers!!!!
good luck searching
cheers
terry
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@UnumPila,
Google "cover letter examples" (I google everything).
I can send you mine, if you can put you email address on here, I don't know if you can?
You will see its punchy and straight to the point. All you would need to do is adapt it to you and the job you are going for, with your qualities. This is in addition to your CV.
Happy to help, but I won't put it on here.
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sent.
Le Ski is Courcheval only (I believe) - which is a very popular destination and a very small company. A friend of mine worked for them in 2012.
Maybe broaden your horizons and be prepared to work anywhere in Europe for any company that will have you, as I said, once you've done a season it will be easier for the next, then perhaps you can be choosey if you can't be this season........ I personally prefer Italy and Austria.
The trendy party animals love, Coucheval, Val D'isere, Tignes, Trois Vallees... St Anton as these are cool places to go!
Jobs in those places may be harder to get, lots of people going for them? Though I don't know for sure.
Let us know how you get on.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@UnumPila, I just saw a post on Facebook from Ski Amis saying they are recruiting for maintenance roles.
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When I last did the job search thing the advice was to tailor the CV where possible to high light the relevant things in your job history for the post advertised. The cover letter should be short but address each of the key job requirements and how your experience makes you the "person for the job". You might also want to address the "what do I bring to the job?" question like experience of dealing with younger staff or difficult customers.
Good luck with the job hunt and hopefully enjoy the season.
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FAQ
but here goes anyway...
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