Hospitality JobsWhen it comes to vacationing and travel, the difference between a good experience and a bad experience can depend on the service of the professionals in the hospitality industry. Hospitality jobs are an integral part of providing recreation and entertainment for customers. The industry is made up of hotels, casinos, cruise ships, restaurants, resorts, and select retail. Hospitality workers offer a valuable service in an industry that has highs and lows. One of the challenges within the industry is a high turnover rate for employees. However, this also means that there are always positions opening up. Hospitality jobs can include such titles as travel agent, hotel desk clerk, waiter, casino pit boss, hotel manager, bartender, night club manager, house cleaning, maintenance, and cruise ship program director. The hospitality industry has many entry-level jobs and finding one is never too difficult. These positions usually start out at minimum wage but depending on the position, advancement can be swift. Hospitality Job QualificationsQualifications for hospitality jobs are pretty broad. Restaurants, night clubs, and hotels frequently hire new employees. Generally, a high school diploma is all that is required. If a candidate is interested in upper management, a college degree may be required. Many universities offer degrees in hotel management. Many businesses in the hospitality industry run their own training programs. Basic testing to make sure a new employee is aware of food and health regulations is required in most places. Besides an education, most candidates need good communication skills, an ability to relate with customers, and a good work ethic to succeed. Hospitality Job Descriptions
Hotels and Resorts – This area makes up the second largest portion of the hospitality industry (right behind restaurants) and provides a significant number of jobs. Hotels and other accommodations such as motels, casinos, spas, and resorts are responsible for providing accommodations and lodging. Jobs in this area include front desk clerk, house keeping, baggage handling, hotel managers, room service, laundry, maintenance, casino dealers, cocktail waitresses, and floor supervisors. Cruise Lines – Cruise ships and luxury liners are basically hotels in the ocean. They provide the same basic services with the same job titles except there are more positions involving entertainment. A cruise director is responsible for organizing activities and directing activity managers throughout the cruise. There are also positions such as crewmen, engine room technicians, ship’s officers, and the ship’s captain. Restaurants – Restaurants are the largest part of the hospitality industry and have been a favorite form of recreation for many years. Restaurant positions are probably the easiest to find because the turnover rate is the highest. Candidates can start out as dishwashers, cooks, waiters, hostesses, cashiers, and busboys. Little to no previous experience is usually required. You can work your way up to a manager position or you can go to a vocational school and get an associates degree in restaurant management. Clubs – Night clubs and bars are a part of the hospitality industry. Providing entertainment and a place to socialize, clubs are also susceptible to trends in the economy and social fashion. Job positions may include bartenders, disc jockeys, dancers, managers, and security. Travel Agencies – Travel agents and agencies provide a valuable service. They can arrange accommodations, means of travel, and find lower package prices for customers. Service and Support – Hospitality jobs can also provide service and support for the industry. This includes everything from technicians who create software to online travel sites that offer lower rates for items such as airline tickets. Call centers and travel guides are also a form of support and service. |
Most hospitality jobs fall within one of the following areas: hotels and resorts, cruise lines, restaurants, clubs, travel agencies, and service and support.