Applying for a job in the hotel industry? Here are top hospitality CV tips to ensure your job application is on the right track.
The hospitality industry can be quite difficult to get into, especially if you have little or no experience. In this article we list useful hospitality CV tips, that will help you to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Find out what you should include and what matters to hiring managers to help you create a top quality hospitality CV.
What do hospitality industry employers want?
In the hospitality industry employers are looking for people who will be an asset to their company. Candidates need to demonstrate incomparable service and commitment to satisfying the client. Due to the nature of hospitality jobs, you have to be comfortable with dealing with all sorts of people and situations. You also have to remember that if you aren't comfortable with staying on your feet for a long time, you probably shouldn't consider hospitality.
Due to the above, employers will be looking for the following traits:
In a more senior position, such as that of a hotel manager, you'll be expected to:
What to keep in mind when creating a hospitality CV
As with any other job application, you have to identify which skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you’re applying for a job at the front desk, you’ll have to have exceptional customer service skills. If you’re applying for more of a “behind-the-scenes” job like a chef or a cleaning person, you'll have to highlight proficiencies in that field.
Include your personal details
As with any other CV, make sure you include your personal information such as your contact details, your correct address, and birth date.
Focus on your cover letter
Focus on what you have to offer the company and not what the company can offer you. Always refer back to the job description to ensure that your cover letter has strength. Include relevant skills and experience that will make you stand out from everyone else. Here's how: What makes a great cover letter?
Which skills are needed?
This is one of the most important sections of your CV so make sure you ace it. Keep the following tips in mind:
Career history
An extremely important part of your hospitality CV is your career history. Your employer would want to know where you’ve worked to determine what sort of skills and environments you’ve been exposed to.
Worried your varied career history will set you back? We can help!
Qualifications and training
Apart from academic qualifications, potential employers would want to see what type of training you’ve had to determine whether or not you would be suitable for the job. If you’ll be dealing with people on a regular basis for your job, it would be useful to have training in a safety course, for example.
Personal qualities
In order to have a successful career in the hospitality industry there are certain traits that would be beneficial, especially if you have little or no experience in hospitality. Here is a list of what to add (if you haven’t already added them in your cover letter)
References
You won’t have to provide references, but do state that references are available on request, should they need to contact anyone. Remember to choose people who recognise your skills. Also, it’s important to inform your referees and brief them on the job you’re applying for so that they know to expect a phone call regarding a job application.
Have you applied for a job in the hospitality industry? What is your advice for writing a great hospitality CV?
Related hospitality articles:
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I want to learn about careers as a Restaurant Manager
