How to Get Your First Job in a Hotel with No Experience
Introduction
The hotel business is one of the most popular areas of work around the world. If you’re just starting your career, don’t be scared to enter the hotel industry without previous experience. There are many positions for beginners in hotels which don’t require any experience and training is given. In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips on how to get a job in a hotel, even if you have no work experience.
- Know What You Can Do in a Hotel
Most big hotels, resorts and guest houses have plenty of roles where you will not be expected to have any experience.
Some jobs that do not require experience:
Assistant receptionist
Hotel housekeeping
Bell boy / girl
Hotel restaurant assistant
Hotel general assistant
- Show What Skills You Have
If you do not have work experience, you may think that you have nothing to show to a hotel employer, but that is not true. There are many qualities which every person in the world has and which can help you land your first job.
Examples of transferable skills:
Good communication
Politeness and good behaviour
Punctuality and responsibility
Ability and willingness to learn and listen
Team work
In a hotel, soft skills like personality and a strong work ethic will be important for you when you are getting started.
- Prepare Your CV
It is very important to have a CV ready in which you are able to showcase your ability. A CV needs to be professional, well laid out and easy to read so you will need to make it look great. Your CV does not have to be too professional but it should be written in a way that highlights your strengths.
Include:
Contact details
Any work, training or education you have done so far
Any skills that are transferable to the hospitality industry, such as communication or service skills
A brief statement as to why you want to join the hotel industry
- Send Out Applications to Many Hotels
It is normal to have a few applications rejected before you have any success with the first time. The key is to have as many applications as you can and send them out to as many places as possible, especially local hotels.
You can apply at:
Small local hotels
Hotel chains and bigger resorts
Small boutique hotels
Resorts and hotels at popular holiday destinations
Sending out your application to as many hotels as possible is one of the most important things. The more you apply, the higher chance you have.
- Prepare for the Interview
A lot of entry level jobs require an interview with your potential employer. Although they are unlikely to ask you a lot of technical questions, it is important to be prepared and answer questions professionally.
Some questions to expect:
Why do you want to join the hotel industry?
Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult person or difficult issue
Describe the type of customers you would be happy to deal with
Be polite, be confident and be professional in everything you do and say. Show them you can deal with the job.
- Emphasise Willingness to Learn
Hotels are always looking for people who are keen and willing to work hard.
In an interview it is a good idea to say:
You are open minded and willing to start from the bottom
You are open to learn and willing to do any kind of work needed
You are interested in gaining more knowledge about the hotel and hospitality industry
This will often be more important to hotels than any kind of experience.
- Get Your First Hotel Job
Your first hotel job does not have to be with a five star hotel and it doesn’t have to be the job you eventually want to be. Think of it as a first step and a stepping stone, and use that first job to learn what is needed.
Things you will learn quickly:
How the basic day to day operations of the hotel work
The importance of teamwork and working with others
Good communication and people skills
How important it is to have a good personality and be a team player
This is your foundation. You can start anywhere and with any experience.
- Keep Going!
It is likely to take time for you to get your first job. Be prepared and make sure you stay determined.
Don’t:
Give up if you get a few rejections
Be too picky with the type of job you are looking for
Pass up on every job just to wait for something “better”
Every job counts and gives you experience.
Conclusion
There is no reason that you cannot get your first hotel job if you have no experience. It only requires preparation, determination and consistency to apply and work. You can find lots of work and opportunities if you stay focused and continue to learn. It is easy to get a first hotel job and it can help you move on to even bigger opportunities in the industry.