Writing a good resume is key for landing a job in a hotel. This article will give tips and real examples to help you. We will cover what to include: skills, experience, and key terms like "Guest Services" and "Housekeeping." With this guide, you can make a resume that shows your strengths and fit for the hotel industry.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for hotel experience jobs.
Show Impact By Using Numbers: The best resumes show impact using numbers. Common metrics include
Include Relevant Skills And Tools: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Industry-specific Training: Include any industry-specific training or certificates. Example phrases:
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When you build your resume, think about what you want to show first. If you have been working in hotels or any similar roles, put your work experience at the top. This lets the hiring manager see your experience right away. If you have just finished a relevant course or degree, like hospitality management, you can place your education before your experience. This shows you have current knowledge that is valuable for hotel work.
If you are new to the work world and have recent schooling, it is good to list your education first. This can be especially true if you have studied areas crucial for hotel roles, such as customer service or business. Make sure you list any important training like a certification in hotel operations. If work experience is not recent, education can help show you are ready for the job.
Emphasize customer service skills on your resume. Include examples of how you’ve handled guest complaints or gone out of your way to make guests feel welcome.
Describe any experience you have with hotel management software. Familiarity with tools like Opera or Fidelio can give you an edge.
Keep your resume concise and relevant. For most people with hotel experience, especially if you've been in the field for less than 10 years, aim for a one-page resume. This length is enough to show your key skills and professional history without overwhelming the reader. Whether you're an entry-level employee or at a mid-level, a single page will usually suffice.
For senior-level candidates, a two-page resume can be appropriate. Focus on including your most impactful achievements and roles in the hotel industry. Always remember, your first page is crucial as it's more likely to be read thoroughly. Use a clear layout and highlight your most relevant hotel experience at the beginning. Ensure ease of reading by using standard font sizes and margins, allowing hiring managers to quickly grasp your qualifications.
Mention any additional languages you speak. Hotels often serve international guests, and your language skills can be very valuable.
Include any experience you have in handling front desk operations. Skills like check-in/out procedures and managing reservations are crucial for breaking into this field.
When you apply for a job in hotel experience, your resume might first be looked at by a computer program known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It's important to create a resume that these systems can read easily. Here are ways to make your resume more ATS-friendly:
Remember, a good resume will help you get noticed by both computers and hiring managers. Keep your resume clear and to the point to show you’re a strong candidate for the job in hotel service.
When applying for a role in hotel service, show how your skills match the job. Use examples from your work that show you have experience in customer service, attention to detail, and can handle many tasks at once. Be clear and concise to help managers see why you are a good fit for the hotel industry.
When you're applying for a job in the hotel industry, your resume should show that you have the right skills. Below is a list of skills that are good to have for these jobs. Remember, you don't need to have all of them. Pick the ones that match the job you want.
Put these skills in a special section on your resume. This helps a computer program called an ATS see you have the skills for the job. The ATS helps hiring managers by showing them resumes that match the job best.
If you have worked with a special hotel software or system, make sure to include it. For example, if you have experience with a
If you've climbed the ladder in hotel roles, it's key to show this on your resume. Here are ways to highlight your leadership journey:
Even if you think you don't have leadership experience, consider times when you took the lead. You might have:
If you have moved up the ranks in hotel work, showing this on your resume can be a strong signal to hiring managers of your leadership skills. Think about the roles you've held and how you can show this progression.
Even if you haven't had a formal promotion, you can still show leadership. Think about times you took on more responsibility or led a project.
As a hiring manager, I know that numbers speak louder than words. When you're applying for roles in hotel experience, it's vital to show the impact you've made through concrete metrics. These numbers tell a story of your effectiveness and efficiency to potential employers.
Think about the ways you've made a difference in your past roles and how you can quantify this. Here are some examples:
If you're unsure about the exact figures, estimate them based on your best recollection. Remember to explain the context of these numbers during interviews. Use these metrics to show how you add value and why you would be a great asset in any hotel experience role.
When you write your resume for a hotel role, think about the company size. For a small hotel or startup like The Inn at Little Pond, show how you work well in close teams and adapt to various tasks. Mention times you helped improve the guest experience or took on extra responsibilities. For a larger hotel chain such as Hilton or Marriott, focus on how you handle high volumes of guests and work with established systems.
Use simple phrases that match the company. For small hotels, say 'adapted services to guest needs for a personalized stay'. For big hotels, say 'managed guest check-ins and check-outs for over 200 rooms'. Remember, small companies might value your personal touch, while big companies might focus on your ability to follow their ways.