The hospitality industry is well-known for the plentiful advancement opportunities it offers. While many of the professionals who staff the world’s hotels and resorts get their start as dishwashers, bussers, servers, housekeepers, and front desk agents, these are not the only options for newbies in search of entry-level hospitality jobs. Whether you’re looking for a part-time position while in school or a full-time post you can grow into a life-long career, consider these often-overlooked entry-level hotel jobs.
1. Accounting Clerk
Accounting clerks provide support services to the accounting staff including the accounts payable and accounts receivable departments and cashier. In addition to acting as the point person for guest phone calls and inquiries, the accounting clerk may open, sort, and distribute mail, compute and record charges and refunds, reconcile bank statements and create and maintain vendor files along with a variety of other tasks.
Excellent phone and customer service skills are essential for this job, along with attention to detail and a talent for the organization. While some accounting clerk jobs require only a high school diploma, others that include more advanced duties may look for applicants with accounting backgrounds or an associate’s degree.
2. Activities Attendant
Activities attendants are responsible for creating and hosting unique and engaging activities and events for guests of all ages. They are generally responsible for maintaining an inventory of the hotel’s games and related equipment and supplies, setting up and breaking down the equipment used at each event, and promoting events and activities to the hotel guests.
High-energy, confident professionals with excellent guest service skills can excel in an activities attendant position. While most require only a high school diploma, some employers prefer applicants with previous activity-related experience.
3. Audio Visual Technician
Audio visual technicians assist guests with audiovisual needs, such as those holding meetings, conferences, weddings, and other events. These professionals are responsible for maintaining, setting up, operating, and tearing down the hotel’s audio-visual equipment as well as providing technical assistance and support when needed.
While many require just a high school diploma and demonstrable audio-visual knowledge, other employers look for applicants who have completed certification or training in AV.
4. Bar Back
Bar backs assist the hotel’s bartenders in the day-to-day operation of the bar. They may be responsible for stocking the bar area as well as preparing garnishes, fruits, mixes, and juices. Additionally, their duties include cleaning the bar area and keeping beer lockers, refrigeration, and storage areas organized and tidy.
Effective communication skills are essential for this position. Most require only a high school diploma.
5. Bell Attendant
Bell attendants (also known as bell persons), open doors, greet guests and assist them with their luggage. They may also deliver messages and other items to guest rooms as well as perform pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport.
Successful bell attendants have excellent communication and guest relation skills. Prior customer service experience is generally helpful, and a high school diploma is usually required.
6. Breakfast Attendant
Breakfast attendants (also known as complimentary food attendants), are responsible for setting up the hotel’s breakfast buffet, replacing hot items throughout their shift, greeting guests, answering questions, and assisting them with serving as necessary. The breakfast attendant may also break down and clean the buffet area, clean and store related equipment, and be responsible for inventorying and ordering food, beverages, and other supplies.
While some employers prefer applicants with prior food service experience, a high school diploma or equivalent is often all that is necessary.
7. Maintenance Technician
Entry-level maintenance technicians solve problems and make repairs. They are required to respond to guest requests, maintain maintenance records, and clean and organize maintenance storage areas.
While many entry-level maintenance positions merely require a high school diploma and general knowledge of carpentry, painting, and electrical, some employers prefer candidates who have completed technical or vocational coursework.
8. Fitness Attendant
Fitness attendants are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the hotel’s fitness center. In some locations, they may also clean and maintain the pool, hot tub, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. In addition, they offer guests water, towels, and assistance, respond to guest requests, and monitor and report maintenance-related problems.
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous health club experience may be helpful, as is standard first aid and CPR certification.
9. Mini Bar Attendant
Mini bar attendants are responsible for inspecting and restocking the hotel’s in-room minibars. They record and report each guest’s consumption as well as empty and clean the mini bar as needed. These professionals may also be responsible for inventorying and maintaining the store room.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
10. Parking Attendant
Parking attendants park and retrieve vehicles for arriving and departing guests. They open and close doors as well as unload and load luggage. In addition to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the parking garage, they may process and collect parking payments and transport guests to and from nearby destinations using the hotel’s courtesy car or shuttle.
A clean driving record and current Driver’s License are required.
Search our current list of entry-level hotel jobs today!