How to Write a Resume for the Hospitality Industry

Hospitality is an industry that thrives on the personal touch, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service. Whether you're applying for a position in a hotel, restaurant, resort, or other hospitality business, showcasing your skills and experience in the right light can make all the difference. Here's how to create a resume that will stand out in the hospitality industry.

Understanding the Hospitality Industry

Before diving into the specifics of resume-writing, it's essential to understand what employers in the hospitality industry are looking for. Service excellence, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile are highly prized. Your resume should reflect these attributes, along with any technical skills or experiences that are relevant to the position you're seeking.

Key Components of a Hospitality Resume

Personal Statement

Start with a compelling personal statement or summary that captures your passion for the hospitality industry and outlines your career objectives. This brief introduction should hook the hiring manager and give them a taste of what's to come.

Experience Section

List your relevant work experience, starting with your most recent job. Use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and achievements, and quantify these with numbers wherever possible. For example, 'Managed a team of 15 waitstaff' or 'Improved guest satisfaction scores by 20%'.

Education and Training

Include your educational background, focusing on hospitality-related degrees or certifications. If you've attended workshops or courses that have honed your hospitality skills, be sure to mention these as well.

Skills

The skills section of your resume should be customized for the job you're applying for. Include both hard skills (like point of sale systems or foreign language proficiency) and soft skills (such as conflict resolution or emotional intelligence).

Certifications and Awards

If you're certified in any aspect of hospitality, like a food safety certification, or you've received an award for customer service excellence, include these details. They offer concrete evidence of your competencies and dedication to the industry.

Formatting Your Hospitality Resume

The hospitality industry values presentability and organization, so ensure your resume is clean, professional, and easy to read. Use a standard font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the formatting consistent throughout the document. Bullet points and bold headings can help organize information and make your resume more scannable.

Tips for Tailoring Your Resume

1. Research the Employer: Understand the ethos and values of the company you're applying to and reflect these in your resume.
2. Use Keywords: Many organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes for keywords related to the job description. Make sure you include these to increase your chances of making it past the initial screening.
3. Be Specific: Instead of vague statements, provide specific examples of how you've excelled in past roles.
4. Show Progress: If you've moved up in the ranks within the hospitality industry, make sure your resume reflects this career progression.
5. Include Voluntary Work: Relevant volunteer experience can demonstrate your commitment to service and hospitality.

Writing the Cover Letter

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. It's your chance to express why you are specifically interested in the job and to expand on the experiences that make you the perfect candidate. Tailor it to the role and the employer, just as you did with your resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overusing jargon or cliches.
• Including irrelevant work experience.
• Failing to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Not customizing the resume for the job and employer.

Concluding Thoughts

Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer in the hospitality industry. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that it's a memorable one. Show that you understand the importance of service excellence and personal touch that the hospitality industry demands and you’ll be well on your way to securing an interview.