While finding work can sometimes seem like an impossible task, finding a job in the hospitality industry doesn’t have to be hard. As long as you have the right mindset, it shouldn’t take long at all. To increase your chances of landing a job, you just need to be willing to accept different types of positions.
Entry-Level Positions
You might not want to wash dishes or clean hotel rooms all day long, but these positions are the easiest to get. Having a high school diploma or GED will help, but you should be able to find work no matter what your education level is. Having a bad work history may create some hurdles, but many employers in the hospitality industry are willing to hire almost anyone for certain types of jobs. Not having a work history at all shouldn’t be a problem either. Jobs in the hospitality industry tend to have quite a high turnover rate, so as long as you can show your employer that you’re an honest, hardworking employee, you should be able to get a promotion in no time. Entry-level positions may not be advertised as much as other types of jobs. Instead of looking for available positions on the Internet, try checking various establishments’ windows for “help wanted” signs.
Seasonal Work
According to the Chicago Tribune, the hospitality industry hires around 15 percent of all seasonal workers. The only industry that tops that is customer service. The longer that you’re available to work, the higher your chances are of landing a job. Individuals who can work the whole season are usually given preference. Don’t despair if it looks like your job will only last for a month or two. The Chicago Tribune also found that in 2012, 39 percent of employers were planning to keep some of their seasonal workers on as permanent staff. This is up almost 10 percent from the year before, so if this trend continues, you could have a permanent full-time or part-time job in the hospitality industry before you know it. Some jobs may qualify for work study credits for those pursuing a degree in the hospitality industry.
Look Everywhere
Don’t just look for jobs that are in your hometown. In fact, you don’t even have to keep your search to your state. Plenty of big employers hire workers from all over the country. It might seem like it would be more difficult to get a job at a national park than it would be to find work nearby, but this may not be the case. Places like Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon need so many people that they even hire individuals from abroad to work during the summer. It can be fairly easy to get hired at these large vacation destinations, but there are other reasons to work there too. For instance, you’ll be able to explore a new place without having to spend money on a vacation, and you may be able to get room and board quite cheaply. Some employers even offer food and a place to sleep for free.
To get your foot in the door, you should be willing to take any job that’s available. There are many ways to find a job in the hospitality industry, but being flexible is the most effective way to gain employment.