I'm Looking for a New Hotel Job! How Do I Approach This?

At Hotelprofessionals, we see various peaks in applications throughout the year, with many people taking advantage of moments of change or new beginnings, such as the start of a new year or season, to actively search for a new challenge. Regardless of the time of year, with a record number of hotel vacancies, finding the perfect hotel job that suits you can sometimes be a challenge. With the tips below, we help you search more effectively and increase your chances of finding your dream job in the hospitality industry.

Know Yourself: What Are Your Talents?

Before you start looking for vacancies and applying, it's important that you clearly know what you're good at, what makes you unique, and in what areas you want to grow. Make a list of your ambitions and the positions that match them. Ask yourself if the skills and work experience required for a new job apply to you. If not, look for opportunities to develop yourself. Consider an intermediary step in a position with growth opportunities to the role you aspire to.

Update Your CV and LinkedIn

Spend time and attention on your CV and LinkedIn profile. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile yet, this is a prime time to create one. Visit various websites for CV creation or view our CV tips. Ensure your CV is complete, up-to-date, and truthful. Work experiences, part-time jobs, or courses that are not relevant to the position you're applying for can be shortened.

Utilize Your Network

Many people find a new job through their network. Let as many people as possible in your surroundings know what you're looking for and ask them for help. Consider indicating that you are looking for a new challenge in your LinkedIn title. Check which connections you already have on LinkedIn and whether those companies have suitable vacancies. Make new connections with people who could be interesting for your career. Other social media like Facebook and Instagram can also be useful, but we at Hotelprofessionals see LinkedIn as the most successful channel for finding a new job. Want to expand your network? Then visit the quarterly Hotelvrijmibo, a networking drink for everyone who works in a hotel. Information about the next edition can be found at Hotelvrijmibo.nl.

Drop by in person

If you have your eye on a job at a hotel or have seen an interesting vacancy but don't know the hotel well yet, drop by and get a feel for the atmosphere. Start a conversation with an employee to learn more about why he or she likes working there. Refer to this visit in your cover letter to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Preparing for interviews

An interview is your chance to show that you're the ideal candidate for the job. Prepare thoroughly by learning more about the specific hotel or hotel chain. Understand their company culture, mission, and recent achievements or news. Be ready to answer both general and role-specific questions. Think of questions like "Why do you want to work in the hospitality industry?" and "How would you handle a difficult customer?" Practice your answers, but ensure they come across naturally and sincerely. Also, think about examples from your previous work experiences where you provided excellent customer service or worked effectively in a team. Lastly, don't forget to ask questions yourself. This shows your interest in the position and the company and helps you determine if the job is really right for you.

The importance of certifications and training

In the dynamic world of the hospitality industry, pursuing industry-specific certifications or training can significantly improve your chances of finding your dream hotel job. Such programs can range from hospitality courses and hotel management to specialized training in food and beverage management or tourism. Earning certifications can sharpen your skills and strengthen your CV. Moreover, these certifications show potential employers that you are committed to professional growth and possess the knowledge necessary to excel in the industry. Also, keep an eye out for local and online opportunities for workshops or seminars that can expand your knowledge about the latest trends and best practices in the hospitality industry. Read more about educational training or courses here.

Connect with recruiters

Recruiters often know about new vacancies first. Search LinkedIn for recruiters in your field and let them know you are open to a new challenge. Are you working at a management level in a hotel? Then consider reaching out to MJ People, specialized in recruitment and selection in the hospitality and hotel industry in the Netherlands.

Keep an Eye on Hotelprofessionals.nl

Job boards are a popular way to search for vacancies. Hotelprofessionals is the largest provider of hotel vacancies across the Netherlands. Register on the site and check once or twice a week for new interesting vacancies for you. Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and receive the latest vacancies in your mailbox. This way, you stay continuously informed about the latest vacancies.