It’s important to be armed with the right information when undertaking a job search in any industry. It may be most important in the highly competitive field of hospitality. It may seem like restaurants, hotels, and resorts are always hiring, but there is a glut of candidates competing with you for those positions, so it’s crucial to do whatever you can to improve your chances of being hired.
1. Know where to look
Many hotel and restaurant jobs are advertised on job and industry sites such as eHotelier, however, many are unadvertised, and that’s especially true regarding jobs offered by independent hotels and restaurants.
To uncover these positions, you need to boost your network. Look for a hospitality group meeting in your area at the website Meetup, or dial up previous business associates and colleagues with whom you have a good relationship. Asking your friends or family members in the hospitality industry is also worthwhile.
2. Craft multiple resumes
You don’t want to create an individual resume for each chain you’re applying to – just one for each niche. For example, if you’re applying for a position in the quick service industry, you may want to focus on your hands-on skills. If part of your job hunt takes you to fine dining, emphasize your menu planning skills or your leadership.
The same goes for different niches of hotels. Find out what skill set is most desired in the area you are looking into, and revamp your resume with that in mind.
3. Do the research
There is a wealth of information available online about restaurants and hotels, and you might be able to glean some information from the HR individual before the interview. Do your Internet research (eHotelier is a great source) and collect detailed information about the company’s growth strategy and sales figures, as well as any other information you can introduce into the conversation to show your passion for obtaining that particular job.
4. Look the part in the interview
If you’re applying for a management position at a chain that’s known for employing hands-on managers, do not show up in a three-piece suit, a tie, and polished shoes. That just doesn’t send the right message. Dress professionally but don’t overdo it.
Another subtle measure is to roll up your sleeves during the interview. This gives the impression that you’re a get-to-work type individual and are definitely a good fit.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been tempted by using the services of a headhunter, do plenty of research to be sure it’s worth the money. For an industry that’s virtually always hiring, do you really need professional help? If you still think the answer is yes and you can afford it, then go for it. Just understand that in many instances, the services offered by headhunters are things you can basically complete on your own – especially if you’re a hospitality industry veteran.
