The hospitality industry is one of the largest and most diverse sectors in the global economy, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re applying for an internship, a seasonal position, an entry-level job, or a senior management role, a well-written resume is essential to grabbing the attention of potential employers.
As a hospitality professional, your resume should act as a reflection of your skills, experience, and passion for the industry. From working in luxury hotels and resorts to fine dining restaurants, each role in hospitality demands a different skillset.
In this blog, we'll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process on how to write a resume that will help you get your dream position in the hospitality industry.
1. Start with a Strong Summary
Why a Strong Summary is Essential
A resume summary serves as your introduction to potential employers. Think of it as your elevator pitch. It’s a short and concise paragraph at the top of your resume that provides an overview of your professional background and career goals. A well-written summary sets the tone for the rest of the document and highlights why you are a strong candidate for the job.
Your summary should be personalized for the hospitality industry. Remember, a clear and concise summary grabs the hiring manager's attention, making them eager to learn more about you.
Examples of Strong Summaries
- Entry-level candidate summary: "Enthusiastic and customer-focused hospitality graduate with experience in guest services and event coordination. Skilled at managing reservations, assisting with day-to-day operations, and providing exceptional service. Looking to contribute to a dynamic hotel team."
- Experienced professional summary: "Skilled hotel manager with 10+ years of experience in luxury resort management. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences, optimize operational efficiency, and lead high-performing teams. Seeking to leverage expertise in team management and service excellence in a senior role."
Tips for Writing Your Summary
- Keep it between 2-4 sentences.
- Focus on your most relevant strengths and experiences.
- Mention key accomplishments or milestones.
- Customize it for each job you’re applying for.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills
Essential Skills for Hospitality Professionals
Hospitality employers look for specific hard and soft skills, depending on the role. It's important to customize your resume to the specific job you are applying for, reflecting the skills listed in the job description. Below are some examples of skills that are highly valued in the industry:
Customer Service Skills
Customer service is the center of the hospitality industry. Employers want to know that you can provide good service, handle complaints, and make customers feel welcome and valued. Being able to showcase this skill is crucial, whether you’re working as a front desk agent or as a manager.
Time Management
In hospitality, time management is essential. You'll often be juggling multiple tasks at once, such as handling guest requests, managing staff, or coordinating events. Employers want to see that you can effectively manage your time and prioritize tasks.
Problem-Solving
Guests may encounter issues during their stay, such as technical room problems, restaurant concerns, or booking discrepancies. A great hospitality professional must quickly address these challenges and find solutions that keep customers happy at all times.
Teamwork
The hospitality industry really thrives on teamwork. Whether you're part of a front-of-house or back-of-house team, being able to work in a team is essential for a smooth operation.
Multitasking
Hospitality professionals often have to switch between various tasks quickly, from assisting a guest at the front desk to responding to urgent needs in the kitchen or restaurant. Demonstrating your ability to multitask effectively can set you apart from other candidates.
Foreign Language Skills
Being bilingual or multilingual is a real asset in hospitality. If you speak more than one language, make sure to highlight this on your resume. This is especially useful in international or multicultural hotel environments.
Technical Skills
Experience with specific tools like POS (Point-of-Sale) systems, hotel management software (e.g., Opera, Amadeus), or reservation platforms like Booking.com or OpenTable is highly valued. Be sure to list these programs if you’re familiar with them.
Example: Key Skills Section
- Customer service
- Leadership and management
- Event planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking and time management
- Reservation systems (e.g., Opera, ResNexus)
- Foreign languages (Spanish, French)
3. Showcase Your Experience
The Importance of Relevant Experience
Your experience section should reflect not only your job history but also how your experiences contribute to your qualifications for the position. When listing your past roles, avoid just listing duties. Focus on what you achieved (with numbers) and how you contributed to the success of the team or company. This is where you can really show your value to potential employers.
Listing Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
Always list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job first. If you’re applying for a senior role in hospitality management, list your managerial experience first, followed by your previous roles.
Example of a Well-Formatted Experience Section
Front Desk Associate
Grand Hyatt, New York, NY
May 2021 – Present
- Delivered exceptional service to 150+ guests daily, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed check-in/check-out processes, including reservations and billing inquiries.
- Assisted in resolving guest complaints, contributing to a 10% increase in guest satisfaction scores.
Event Coordinator
Ritz-Carlton, Miami, FL
June 2019 – April 2021
- Coordinated over 50 events, including corporate conferences and weddings, ensuring successful execution.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective solutions, saving the company 15% on event expenditures.
- Trained and supervised a team of 5 staff members to support event operations.
4. Include Certifications & Education
How to Highlight Your Certifications
Hospitality employers often value specialized training and certifications. They show your commitment to learning and staying updated with the industry’s latest news and trends. Consider listing certifications like:
- ServSafe Certification (for food safety)
- Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
- First Aid/CPR Certification
- Bartending/Alcohol Service Training
If you’ve completed any relevant training or courses, include them in a dedicated “Certifications” section.
Education
Include your educational qualifications, especially if you have a degree or diploma in hospitality management or a related field. If you’ve attended a reputable school or program, such as Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, make sure to highlight that. Include the degree, institution, and graduation year.
Example: Education Section
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Graduated: May 2020
Certifications
- Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
- ServSafe Food Safety Certification
5. Keep It Professional & Concise
Best Practices for Formatting
The way you format your resume is just as important as the content. A clean, professional layout with a logical flow makes your resume easy to read and understand. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Font: Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 10-12 points.
- Length: For entry-level positions, aim for a one-page resume. If you have extensive experience, you can extend to two pages, but keep it concise.
- Sections: Use clear headings for each section (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications).
- Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs such as “Led,” “Managed,” “Organized,” or “Created” to highlight your contributions.
6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Customizing Your Resume
One of the best ways to make your resume stand out is by customizing it for each job you apply to. Hospitality roles are various, so make sure to personalize your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences for the job you're seeking.
If you're applying for a hotel manager role, emphasize your leadership, operational experience, and guest service skills. If you're applying for a server position at a fine-dining restaurant, emphasize your experience with customer service, teamwork, and food and beverage knowledge.
Kick-Start Your Hospitality Career with Hospitality Academy
Creating a strong hospitality resume is essential for standing out in today’s job market. By starting with a strong summary, highlighting your relevant skills, showcasing your experience, and including certifications, you’ll demonstrate your value to potential employers. Always remember to keep your resume professional, concise, and tailored to the role you’re applying for.
To further enhance your qualifications, consider taking hospitality training programs and internships to gain real-world experience. Hospitality Academy offers Study & Work programs that can help you build your resume and advance your career in the hospitality field! Apply here!
