How to Find a Job in Hospitality

The hospitality industry is one that consistently attracts job seekers from all backgrounds. If you enjoy creating positive and enjoyable experiences for others, then the hospitality industry may be a good fit for you. Sectors within the industry such as event planning, food service, or tourism all provide exciting opportunities.

Whether you choose to be in the operational or corporate side of the industry, there are some things you should know before you commence your job search. Be aware of what you can do to give yourself an advantage over other candidates and stand out to an employer. With this in mind, let’s begin by looking at the types of jobs in hospitality.

The Types of Jobs in Hospitality

Hospitality is a broad category with many different sectors. If an organization specializes in providing comfort, entertainment, and other enjoyable services, it is most likely part of the hospitality industry. Here are some examples of establishments that are part of the hospitality industry:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Cruise ships
• Casinos
• Resorts
• Amusement parks

As you can see from the list, these establishments serve to provide an experience for customers. Jobs in these establishments fall under four main categories. These categories are:

1. Food and beverage
2. Lodging
3. Travel and tourism
4. Recreation

These categories all fall under the same umbrella of hospitality. Each one offers different services, however, so it is up to you to research and find which one interests you most. Once you have an idea of which industry to go into, it’s time to take the steps to find a job.

4 Tips for Finding a Job in Hospitality

1. Decide which role is best for you

   Before you apply for any roles, you need to decide which areas of hospitality interest you. In the hospitality industry, different roles require skills and qualifications to varying degrees. Whether you are looking for something entry-level with part-time hours or a job in corporate which requires you to take charge of a team, there is a job out there for you.

   To find out which role is best for you, conduct a self-analysis. This can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and interests. From this, you can deduce which area of hospitality is best for you.

2. Make strides networking

   When you meet and build relationships with others, this is called networking. If these relationships occur within a specific industry, such as hospitality, you can leverage this to aid your job search. Many employers value referrals, so if you can get someone to vouch for you, this can give you an advantage over other candidates.

   To network with hospitality industry professionals, you can introduce yourself to managers of establishments that you want to work for. Go in-person or use social media platforms to engage with other professionals too. These professionals may hold the knowledge that can be useful in your job search.

3. Educate and train yourself

   You may need to gain a certain level of education or complete some training courses to land certain roles in the hospitality industry. There are nationally and internationally recognized courses that you can take to give you the edge over other candidates. Enquire at a local university or college to see if they have any courses that can support their career.

   Specializing or gaining certification can highlight to employers what you can offer them. The competencies and qualities that you learn during this time can be useful, even if you have had no prior experience in the hospitality industry. Not all roles will require qualifications, however, so ensure that you research beforehand to not waste your time.

4. Make yourself stand out

   Like all jobs, you need to make yourself stand out to the employer. This means tailoring your resume to align with the job description of the jobs you’re interested in. You also need to let them know what you can bring to the table.

   Have passion in your communications with an employer and have a vision for what your career in hospitality will look like. Define your long-term objectives and career goals to convey your interest in the job and organization. This will especially be helpful to you if you are aiming to enter the corporate side of the hospitality industry.

Your Job in Hospitality is Waiting for You

When conducting your job search in the hospitality industry, ensure that you do your research beforehand. Invest the time to understand your direction and what you can offer to different organizations. If you prepare effectively, your job in the hospitality industry will be closer than ever before.