Rewriting your CV, preparing for an interview or applying for a job in the hospitality industry?
To succeed in the hospitality industry, you’ll need to have a strong set of soft skills, plus any specific technical skills which are relevant to your particular company. Even if you don’t work in hospitality directly, hospitality skills can be very useful in any job that requires you to communicate well with others. In this article, we’ll cover 8 key skills for a career in hospitality, plus our advice on how best to highlight them to potential employers.
Hospitality skills are what help service industry workers build a positive connection between the company and its customers. Good hospitality skills includes the ability to be friendly and professional with customers at all times, to anticipate and meet customers’ needs and to be meticulously organised so that the company’s operations run smoothly.
These skills are crucial to any job in the service industry, whether it’s at a hotel, restaurant, spa or front desk. Although different roles may vary, they often share the same core skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Working in hospitality involves a variety of soft skills, many of which you’ll developed over time. Depending on your role, you might also pick up hard or technical skills, like using specific software for managing bookings. Here are 8 key skills for a career in hospitality.
In hospitality, attention to detail means spotting all the small details that may affect a guests’ experience. This might be noticing when a surface needs cleaning or if a customer’s order is delayed. High-end providers stand out by anticipating all the details of a customer’s visit and doing everything possible to improve their experience.
People in hospitality manage large groups of customers while remembering the individual needs of each customer. They treat each customer as their top priority. Multi-tasking skills can be developed with practice. There are some ways you can improve your efficiency, such as making checklists or planning out your tasks at the start of your shift.
Clear and professional communication is key in hospitality. This means making sure guests get what they need and keeping in touch with other staff so nothing is missed.
Good communication also involves listening and understanding body language, which is crucial in hospitality. With these skills, you can often figure out what a customer needs even before they ask.
Problem-solving is crucial in any hospitality role. It means spotting issues guests may have and finding the best ways to fix them so their experience isn’t affected. It also involves following up with customers afterwards to ensure your team resolved the issue to their satisfaction.
In hospitality, it’s important to use your knowledge and instincts to handle new situations. Instead of waiting for instructions, great hospitality workers anticipate what needs to be done next. Showing initiative not only impresses customers but also helps make everyone’s job easier.
In hospitality, you often need to handle last-minute changes or unexpected situations. This might include shift changes or customers asking questions you don’t know the answer to. Adaptability is a skill you can develop over time.
Teamwork helps you to collaborate effectively with your colleagues and increase customer satisfaction. When you collaborate, you can achieve more together because everyone brings their own unique skills and strengths. Teamwork also means sharing responsibilities, supporting each other, and improving your communication skills.
In hospitality, you’ll meet people from all walks of life, each with their own backgrounds, beliefs and expectations. Being open and respectful of these differences help everyone feel welcome and comfortable. This approach not only ensures a great experience for your guests but also helps you build a reputation as an outstanding hospitality professional.
When applying for a role in hospitality, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you a good fit for the job, as well as any relevant qualifications and experience. Here’s how you can showcase your skills to potential employers:
When writing your resume, make sure to emphasise skills that are relevant to hospitality, even if you gained them from different jobs, volunteer work, or placements.
In the experience section, clearly state all the responsibilities you held in each previous role to highlight your versatility and adaptability. If you have any performance metrics, like customer satisfaction ratings or performance awards, include these as well. They provide strong evidence of your skills and accomplishments in hospitality.
Your cover letter is your chance to go into detail why you’re interested in the role and how your past experiences make you a great fit. A great way to showcase your hospitality skills in a cover letter is to use specific examples to highlight your skills. For instance, if you solved a tough problem for a customer on your own, mention it. Describe the situation, what you did, and the outcome.
An interview is your opportunity to make a strong impression, especially in hospitality, where customer interaction is key. Dress professionally in neutral colours and be friendly and professional with your interviewer. Smile naturally to show your positive attitude, and pay attention to your body language to convey calm and professionalism.