JOB candidates proved that they have talent during two recruitment days with a difference.

The job seekers were vying for positions at the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth and set out to impress during the recuitment days at the Spyglass Inn.

Final talent show style interviews will now be held for those who most impressed hotel management.

More than 1,500 applications were received from people wanting to work at the hotel at Bowleaze Cove, which is undergoing a £4million refurbishment.

General manager Kevin Bungay said the res-ponse to the advertising and recruitment days has been ‘overwhelming’ and the standard of applicants ‘very high’.

He added: “I have already app-ointed several managers including our new head chef Steve Mesher who has worked in many top hotels in the south of England.

“I believe in encouraging young talent and therefore we have considered a number of young people to fill junior and trainee positions and we are working closely with providers of apprenticeship and work based learning schemes.”

Weymouth College also attended the recruitment days and staff offered advice and guidance to everyone who attended.

Mr Bungay added: “The majority of the new team are local people and they will commence their employment at the beginning of March with a full induction programme.

“Many of the details of applicants who have not been successful in this round of interviews will be kept in our ‘talent bank’ for future consideration.”

The Art Deco style hotel is on course to open at the end of March.

It will have new facilities including a new ‘Bowleaze Restaurant’ which can seat up to 180 people.

All of the 98 bedrooms have been completely renovated and refurbished and the leisure suite will reopen with a 14-metre indoor swimming pool plus a large heated outside 40m pool overlooking Weymouth Bay. The hotel also has a sauna, steam room and solarium.

Memberships will be available for guests and members of the public. All facilities will be open 12 months of the year.

Memberships will be available for guests and members of the public. Function facilities are on offer at the hotel and wedding bookings are also being taken.

For more information email reception@rivieraweymouth.co.uk or call 01305 836600.