You might be forgiven for thinking that the thousands of people crowded outside Bali’s Planet Hollywood on October 27-28, 2008 heralded the appearance of a rock or movie star. In fact, the crowds rushing the doors of the popular nightspot were vying to be selected to fill one of the 200 middle management positions at the soon-to-be-opened Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali in nearby South Kuta.

Lured by the offer of these much-prized jobs publicized in the local press, via emails and a billboard advertisement – the hundreds of job seekers were about to embark on an interview process unlike any other. The revamped hotel, operated formerly as the Bali Hai Resort, is placing style and personality before experience in seeking new employees with a genuine desire to learn, unique personalities, talent, goals, dreams and a passion about service.

Applications were completed and interviews conducted over the course of two days in the unique setting while music played and refreshments were served. Applicants were encouraged to “be themselves” and encouraged to get up on stage and demonstrate that they had personality and self confidence. Some juggled, some danced, others sang, a few did impersonations and there was even a bodybuilder – all striving to leave a positive impression on those who had to make the final selection.

One candidate, Asep Sutrisna, who came all the way from Jakarta to participate in the “auditions” said: “It was awesome – at first I was a bit surprised but then I saw that everyone was having so much fun – I wasn’t nervous at all. I could be myself. It will be exciting to work at a company like this.”

Intrigued by this unique approach to job recruitment, top Bali tourism officials, the Chief of the Kuta sub-district, local TV stations and radio stations all showed up to witness first-hand the hundreds seeking a future in Bali’s vibrant tourism industry.

News by Bali Discovery Tours – balidiscovery.com