HOW TO BECOME A MANAGER IN THE HOTEL & RESORT INDUSTRY

YOUNG PEOPLE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN OUR INDUSTRY ARE NOT HELPED TO PLAN A ROUTE TO THE TOP, AND YET WE ARE TEN TO FIFTEEN MILLION WORKERS SHORT. IS IT NOT TIME THAT OUR  LARGEST EMPLOYERS SHOW OUR YOUTH THE WAY?

I am sometimes asked to provide advice to a student considering a career in this industry. I consider that a distinct privilege.

It is sad that in spite of a worldwide shortage in the hotel & restaurant industry of some ten to fifteen million employees, we have totally failed as an industry in the marketing of this great career to the young. Those who are interested and are educated and have advanced computer skills tell me that there is no easy way to obtain advice.

And yet, millions of our youth are unemployed.

Some of those that graduate from hospitality institutions do well, others graduate with unreasonable expectations and are disappointed but over 50% go into other industries. Yes, this is a fact! More than half those that are interested in hospitality are recruited by other service industries invariably offering more than our industry can offer as a starting salary. This comparison is a real one and I agree that our industry as a labour intensive industry does offer a large number of starting positions at the lower end of the pay scale. Positions that offer the employee a comparitively low wage, competitive benefits and meals while on duty.

Rather than focusing on the basics in which we are not competitive why don't we focus on the things in which we are competitive. Here is my list,

1. Make lots of good friends around the world.
2. Work with lots of young people (of both sexes)
3. Travel around the world and work.......while having fun.
4. High level of teamship, creativity and cameraderie.
5. Learn different languages.
6. Exposure to many interesting cultures.
7. Unparallelled working environment.
8. Huge promotional opportunities to management, quickly.
9. Exciting work environment....no boredom.
10. Glamorous, fashionable, thrilling and fulfilling.

 Now to the more interesting part of How to Become a Manager. There are three typical routes that are easy to explain and easy to pursue. You will need two to three years to reach management.They will require enthusiasm, a positive attitude, interest in the industry and a high energy level.  No, you can not have every weekend off nor can you only work daytime. If you come from a large family, you will like this a lot, because there are lots of opportunities to help some and cover for others. You should commit to being single and prepared to travel/relocate. Don't worry, parents and girlfriends or boyfriends will follow!!

Route One (F&B) The route through the food & beverage area can take a number of courses but each step will be in one of these positions. For each one, allow 9-18 months.

1. Starter positions. Busboy, busgirl, waiter, barboy, bartender, cook, potato peeler, storeman, banquet extra. Don't worry, if you want to progress, you will!
2. Mezzanine positions. Captain, host(ess), restaurant supervisor, receptionist, banqueting captain, events coordinator, F&B control, purchasing & stores.
3. Supervisory positions Assistant Restaurant manager, bar manager, assistant banquet manager, assistant F & B manager, F & B Manager
4. Management. General Manager or Assistant General Manager. This will depend on the hotel or resort size and the complexity of the operation
5. Corporate. District Director, Director of F & B, Vice President,

Route Two (Rooms).The route through the rooms division area can also take a number of courses but each step will probably be in one of these positions. For each one, also allow 9-18 months.

1. Starter positions. Housekeeping room attendant, Reception/Front Office, Reservations. Security Officer.
2. Mezzanine positions. Housekeeping supervisor, Front Office Supervisor, Revenue or Yield Management, Accounting, Night audit, Sales, 
3. Supervisory positions Assistant Front Office manager, Assistant or Rooms Division manager, Revenue Manager, sales manager, Executive Assistant Manager, 
4. Management. Resident Manager, Hotel Manager, General Manager or Assistant General Manager. This will depend on the hotel or resort size and the complexity of the operation
5. Corporate. District Director, Area Director, Vice President,

 

Route Three (Academic). This is the route in which academia forms the early years. The school of hard knocks is avoided but the technical skills are learned in the classroom in a choice of a wide range of courses and curricula in periods from 2/3 years with summer apprenticeships.

1. Starter positions. Trainee Manager, Intern at Hospitality Consultant, Front Office Supervisor, Revenue or Yield Management, Accounting, Sales or go to the starter positions in Route One or Two and progress rapidly through the first few steps
2. Supervisory Positions.Assistant Front Office manager, Assistant or Rooms Division manager, Revenue Manager, sales manager, Executive Assistant Manager, 
3. Management. Hotel Manager, General Manager or Assistant General Manager. 

Perpaps the most important pre-requisite for a successful career in the Hospitality Industry is to be prepared to travel. A resistance or refusal to travel will limit the possibilities and slow dow one's promotability.

And the ten most important attributes for a successful interview are these that I was lucky enough to obtain from a very successful hotel in Saskatoon, the Radisson Saskatoon. Thanks to the GM and her Executive Team for this great list!

1. Passion –Must show passion about hospitality, service and life.  Excited when speak of family or hobbies… even sport teams they follow.
2. Commitment- Length of service in past positions, time served on committees or working with organizations.
3. Teamwork focus- Strong example of working within a team whether a leader of a follower, with specific personal definition of what team work means to them.
4. Integrity- What does it mean to them they can not explain if they do not have it.
5. Enthusiasm- How they first greeted you during the interview, do they have a spark 
6. Motivated- What hobbies do they have and what do they do in spare time, tells so much about work ethic.
7. Professional- Well groomed, this is not about the style of clothes or how expensive their clothes are; it is how they present themselves
8. Proud- Confident in their responses.
9. Eye contact- Clear speaker, not mumbling or gum chewing.
10. Memorable- The interview was relevant and created a strong first impression, the same way that our guest will remember them.

 If you are interested, give it a true try! You will not regret the effort but it must be a real genuine enthusiastic effort.