How to Write a CV for a Job Application in a Hotel
Start Strong: The CV Header
Your header needs to be clear and clean. Forget the clutter. Here's what your header should include:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Full name, bolded and centered |
| Contact Information | Phone number, professional email, LinkedIn |
| Location | City and country (optional but helpful) |
Tip: If you’re applying for a high-end hotel, your LinkedIn profile should be as polished as your CV. No excuses.
The Secret Sauce: A Professional Summary
Your CV summary is where you get to shine. Hotels love efficiency, and they expect the same from your CV. In 3-4 lines, sum up your entire career.
Example: "I am a customer-focused, detail-oriented professional with over 5 years of experience in hospitality. Skilled in front-desk operations, guest relations, and event coordination, I’m looking to bring my expertise to XYZ Hotel."
Why This Matters: The hiring manager should get an immediate sense of your experience without reading the entire CV. They won’t have time for that anyway.
Your Experience: What to Include and What to Leave Out
When you’re listing your previous roles, focus on measurable achievements rather than simply listing duties. Hotels care about what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for.
Here’s an example:
| Role | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| Front Desk Agent | Increased guest satisfaction scores by 15% in one year. Trained and mentored new employees, improving onboarding efficiency. Handled guest check-ins and -outs efficiently, reducing wait times by 20%. |
Don't do this: "Handled check-ins, check-outs, answered phones."
That’s boring. No one wants to read a list of what you were "supposed" to do. Hotels want to see how you made a difference.
Skills: The Magic Ingredients
Your skills section should be tailored to the hotel industry. These are the key skills hotel managers are hunting for:
- Guest relations and customer service
- Front desk operations
- Multitasking and time management
- Reservations systems (e.g., Opera, Fidelio)
- Language skills (especially if the hotel is international)
- Problem-solving and crisis management
Pro Tip: Make sure you add both soft and hard skills. It’s not enough to be tech-savvy—you need to demonstrate your emotional intelligence, too.
Education: Keep It Short and Relevant
Most hotel jobs don’t require advanced degrees, but if you have any certifications related to hospitality (e.g., a degree in hotel management or customer service training), include them. Otherwise, keep this section short and to the point.
| Education | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Management Diploma | ABC Institute, 2020 |
| Guest Relations Training | DEF Training Program, 2019 |
Tip: Certifications are the cherry on top, but don’t overload this section. The employer cares more about what you’ve done than where you went to school.
Extra Sections That Add Value
Languages: If you speak multiple languages, especially those commonly spoken by international guests, highlight this. It’s a game-changer in the hospitality industry.
Volunteer Work: If you have any experience volunteering in a hotel, resort, or customer service environment, include it. This shows that you’re passionate about the field and willing to go the extra mile.
Interests and Hobbies: Avoid generic hobbies like “reading” or “traveling.” If you’ve traveled extensively or studied international cultures, mention that—but make sure it ties back to hospitality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Generic CVs: Don’t send the same CV to every hotel. Tailor it to the specific position and establishment. A five-star hotel expects different skills than a small boutique inn.
Ignoring Keywords: Many hotels use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for keywords. Make sure your CV is rich in relevant terms like "guest services," "hospitality," "front desk operations," etc.
Too Long or Too Short: One page is enough for most entry-level or mid-level hotel roles. If you're applying for a senior position, two pages might be okay—but don’t go overboard.
Inconsistent Formatting: Your CV should look as polished as the service you aim to provide. Keep the font consistent, use bullet points, and don’t clutter it with unnecessary graphics or photos.
Wrap It Up: Your Closing Statement
Just like with a good guest experience, you need to leave a lasting impression. The final section of your CV should have a closing statement or a section where you explain why you want to work in that particular hotel or role.
Example: "I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of customer service skills and hospitality experience to the prestigious XYZ Hotel. I look forward to contributing to the hotel's reputation for outstanding guest satisfaction."
Why This Works: It shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the hotel you’re applying to. Hotels want to hire people who want to be there—not just someone looking for a job.
A CV for a Hotel Job Isn’t Just About Skills—It’s About the Experience You Promise
A great hotel CV is more than just a list of jobs and skills. It’s about how you make people feel. Remember, hotels are in the business of making guests feel welcomed and cared for. That starts with how you present yourself. If your CV can show that you’re not just capable but also passionate about hospitality, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
To summarize:
- Keep it concise, but pack it with value.
- Tailor your CV for each application.
- Focus on measurable achievements.
- Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills and customer service experience.
Now, what are you waiting for? It’s time to craft a CV that will open doors to your dream hotel job!
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