The fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry makes it a double-edged sword: It’s always busy, there are always new faces around, and no two days are exactly the same.
If you want to thrive in your hospitality career, you need some important skills that will serve you well as you serve others.
Top Skills to Hone in Hospitality
Organization is Key
Your ability to stay organized is critically important. Depending on your role, this might mean running a tight supply closet to make sure there are enough towels, sheets, bath products, and robes if you’re working in a hotel; those who work in catering need to make sure there are a sufficient number of plates, bowls, glasses, silverware, even the right ingredients on hand in the kitchen to prepare the day’s meals. Keeping things organized, neat, and tidy—and knowing what supplies are running low before there’s a problem—will help you stay calm when things get busy and frantic. You’ll know, with confidence, that you have all the materials you need to present a steady, reassuring, and welcoming front.
Communication Rules All
When you’re getting information from all sides, all at once, you’ll need to have super sharp listening skills to take in the most important details. You’ll also need to be able to quickly relay instructions and last-minute information to your team. Strong communication skills involve speaking, listening, note-taking, and prioritizing to make sure everyone understands what’s expected of them and what they need to prioritize in the moment and for the day ahead. You’ll also need to be a great communicator not just to your team but to your guests and clients, making sure their needs are met and their wishes are executed to a T. If a guest or client comes to you with a question and you need to find out, saying “let me get back to you on that” is not only an acceptable answer; it’s a promise that you need to come through on to make them feel cared for and heard.
Be Flexible
And we mean “flexible” in every sense of the word! Working in hospitality can mean long days on your feet, running around, lifting and carrying things, climbing ladders, transporting guests, etc. It’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks when you can! But flexibility also means rolling with the day as it progresses and not getting too fixed or restricted into the instructions you were given at the start of the day.
This is an industry in which things can change from one hour to the next. It’s important to stay nimble and on your toes when it comes to what to do, where to go, and who’s giving instructions. Don’t get upset when things change. Listen closely to the new marching orders and go with the flow of the day.
Attitude is Everything
When you work in hospitality, regardless of your position, you are the face of your company. Every interaction you have with a guest or client is an opportunity to make them feel taken care of and that their demands will be met.
This is a stressful job, make no mistake; it can be difficult to present a calm demeanor and a smiling presentation. Sometimes you might want to scream! Instead, you’ll need to learn how to take a deep breath and roll with things. No matter how frustrating a situation is, it’s your job to remain steady and level-headed. Give people a great experience and you’ll earn their business going forward. You might also impress your manager or supervisor enough to earn a promotion.
Consider Adding Other Skills
If you want to make the hospitality industry your career, you know there are always opportunities for advancement and new opportunities. The best way to help yourself advance is to learn new skills. That could mean learning a second language, taking intensive cooking classes, learning new software for scheduling/organization/time management—anything that can help you become more valuable to your team is a good idea. Even a management training class can help you add responsibilities and show not only maturity but initiative and ambition.
Final Takeaways
Above all else, you’ll want to present yourself—and prove yourself!—as someone who is trustworthy and reliable. Making yourself available to take on extra work or offer a helping hand when needed will demonstrate your commitment to your team and to the overall satisfaction of your clients and guests. The happier they are, the better you look.
If you’re just entering the hospitality industry and want to know more about your career options, Pirate Staffing can help. We can talk through what our partner companies are looking for in hospitality staff and which skills should be priorities, plus we can review your resume and see where you might be able to jump in to start or advance your career today. Take a look at the open positions we’re working to fill and see what interests you, then give Pirate Staffing a call!