Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s topic: how to get a hotel job with no experience.
Working at a hotel is a great option for hospitality-minded job seekers. Not only are there more than 50,000 hotel properties spread across the country, but getting hired at a hotel also offers a variety of work opportunities depending on your interests. Every year (2020 not included) more than 1.5 million people are employed at hotels to help make sure guests are satisfied. Whether you’re a housekeeper, front desk agent, bartender, or valet (or one of the other dozen positions) you’re integral to creating a great experience that leaves guests ready to come back.
But if you have never worked at one before, how do you get a hotel job with no experience? And what are hotel managers looking for in a great employee? We’ll answer those questions below.
How to Get a Hotel Job with No Experience
Learn about the industry and decide your career path
The first thing you need to know when learning how to get a hotel job with no experience is by knowing the industry. Because the industry is so versatile, there are a lot of options for job seekers who are interested in working at a hotel. The first questions you should ask yourself should be, “Do I want to work part time or full time?” Next should be, “Is this temporary or do I want to focus my career around the hotel industry?” Once you’ve answered these questions, you can begin to do research about what position best meets your employment goals.
One aspect to consider is if you want to interact with guests often. Customer-facing roles, like working behind the front desk or in the restaurant are good opportunities for the “people-person,” whereas a housekeeper or cook role might be better for those who like less guest interaction.
Find out everything you need to know about your desired position
Once you’ve decided what your ideal career path is, you can learn how to get a hotel job with no experience. Depending on your work history, you may need to do some research on the role you want. For example, if you want to be a bartender at a hotel, do you know common restaurant lingo? Or as a housekeeper, what’s the average amount of time it takes to turn over a room at a major hotel chain? While some positions seem pretty on the nose in terms of responsibilities, it’s a good idea to do your research any way to see what you can learn.
In addition to learning about the position, it’s a good time to consider whether you want to work with a major hotel chain or at a boutique property. The decision should be based on your preference and what’s popular around where you live. Plus, the size of the hotel may impact what positions they employ.
Understand that you may need to start small
Some hotels may require previous experience to work certain positions. This will likely depend on what employee training processes they have in place and/or how high traffic their location is. But this shouldn’t discourage you; just make sure your intentions are clear during your interview. Working your way up to a position, let’s say from host to banquet server, can only teach you more about the industry and give you more skills – so look at this opportunity as a positive. Successful professionals in all types of industries will tell you how they worked “from the bottom up,” so think of this as your origin story.
If you have your sights set on hotel management, starting in a more entry-level position is an effective way to get your foot in the door. Oftentimes hotels will promote from within when growing their management teams; if you work hard and are committed to the industry, employers will take notice. Understanding what to expect when you first apply is crucial to learning how to get a hotel job with no experience.
Make connections if possible
Making connections in the hospitality industry can give your job search or career the boost it may need to help you get a hotel job with no experience. First reach out to any friends or family you have who work at a hotel, bar, or restaurant. If no one immediately comes to mind, social media can be extremely helpful. Try using LinkedIn or Instagram to network with industry professionals. Whoever you choose to reach out to, ask if they have any tips for getting a foot in the (hotel) door, how you can stand out as a candidate/employee, and if they know anyone who’s hiring. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have.
Start looking for hotel jobs
Now that you’ve decided what position interests you, took some time to research and understand the industry, and have made some connections, it’s time to start job searching. There are a couple of different routes you can take. One is the traditional method of applying directly with a hotel. Another option is to work through a staffing partner like LGC that can offer you more flexibility in your schedule. Regardless of which you choose, remember to clearly define your intentions and what you want in your next employer.
When learning how to get a hotel job with no experience, understanding what managers are looking for in an ideal employee can be beneficial – especially during the interview process. Because LGC has been partnering closely with hotels for almost 20 years, we know what it takes to be a great hotel employee. Here are some things that can make you stand out:
- Be adaptable. Due in part to the pandemic, managers will be seeking team members who can adapt to changes at the hotel. For example, helping a different position/department.
- Show your passion. No matter what position you work in, showing your passion can make you stand out amongst other employees.
- Prioritize communication. Great communication skills are consistently sought after amongst job seekers. By portraying these skills up front, whether it be during the interview process or by sharing your career goals, you’ll make an impact on your manager.
Besides the career opportunities, working at a hotel affords hospitality professionals the ability to interact with people from all over the country and oftentimes the world. If you’re interested in how to get a hotel job with no experience, use this guide to get you started.
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Looking for a great, flexible side gig or a hotel job with no experience? Contact LGC and we can get you started today!