4 Tips for Winning a Hospitality Job with Little Experience

It can seem a daunting task – trying to win a job in a smart hotel or trendy restaurant with no hospitality experience to speak of. With a little planning and research, however, it can be done. Why not follow these tips to kick things off?   

START AT THE BEGINNING

While this might sound obvious, it’s sound advice. If you have no training or experience in hotel management, you’re unlikely to snag a managerial job fresh out of the blocks. However, hospitality jobs often have high turnover. Because many industry jobs are seasonal and casual, there’s plenty of scope to apply for entry jobs in waiting, kitchens and sporting areas. By demonstrating you are willing to learn, starting at the bottom can be a great way to get a foothold in the industry. From there, you can prove your worth and work your way up to management level.

BE HOSPITALITY-FRIENDLY

If you lack hospitality qualifications and experience, you will need to compensate in other areas. This means presenting yourself the right way, adopting the right customer-friendly manner and showing you have a professional approach to your work. Work back through your resume and find the transferable skills which translate well into the hospitality sector. If you’ve worked in retail, emphasise the customer skills your learned. If you have experience in healthcare, demonstrate how well you dealt with patients. Most jobs in hospitality require communication skills. Think how you can relate the skills you learned in previous jobs to your desired role. Being creative, approachable, flexible, good at problem solving and a strong team player are all desirable traits in restaurants, bars, resorts, entertainment outlets and hotels.

WORK YOUR CONTACTS

Start by dropping off your resume to possible employers in your area. Try a combination of large and small companies, mixing big chains with boutique businesses. Work on your LinkedIn profile then use the platform to make useful connections. Explore the ‘jobs’ section and narrow it down using your job search criteria. Message the relevant companies for any suitable job openings. Use any contacts you already have in the hospitality industry to help you get a job. Perhaps you know someone who works at a city bar or suburban restaurant. It doesn’t have to be the job of your dreams. Any role is a launching pad for a rewarding carer in hospitality. If you do win a job through a referral, remember your performance reflects back on your contact. Be professional, punctual and polite at all times

TRY A HOSPITALITY RECRUITMENT AGENCY

Using an established and experienced hospitality agency can be a great way to start your career. A specialist recruitment agency has the expertise to place you in a role which makes the most of your skills. So if you’re looking for hospitality jobs with little experience, there’s plenty you can do to get ahead!