A hotel receptionist works at the front desk and checks guests in and out of the hotel, as well as taking reservations and answering questions on the phone. Formal education beyond a high school diploma is usually not required to work as a hotel receptionist. Some high-end hotels may prefer to hire individuals with more experience or even an associate’s degree in a hospitality field like hotel management.
If you want to work in a hotel, make a phone call and visit those in your area. Although hotels may not advertise that they are looking for a receptionist, it never hurts to look through the classified ads in the newspaper or online. Remember to be friendly when calling a hotel to inquire about any openings, and to introduce yourself and state your reason for calling right away.
Remember to dress professionally and speak clearly when visiting a hotel to apply for a receptionist position. If you have one, print it out; any previous customer service experience will help you land the job. List any relevant skills, such as computer or math skills, as well.
Because the receptionist is the first person a guest sees when checking into a hotel, professionalism is essential. He or she must be able to clearly answer any questions that guests may have, as well as collect payment for reservations or establish a charge account. As a result, anyone interested in doing this job should be extremely detail-oriented and responsible.
If you have an interview at a hotel, you should dress professionally and smile when you introduce yourself. Why do you think you’d be a good hotel receptionist? Remember that many hotels require someone to work at the front desk at all hours of the day, seven days a week, so your shifts may not be typical daytime shifts. Ask any questions you have; it’s also a good idea to do some research on the hotel ahead of time to appear more knowledgeable and competent.
There will usually be a brief training period after you accept a job offer as a hotel receptionist. Your responsibilities will vary depending on the size of the hotel and the number of other employees. If you succeed in this position, you might be promoted to a supervisory or managerial position.