Are you considering a career in the resort industry? Each year, thousands of people choose resort jobs as a way to travel the world, gain valuable work experience and meet new people.
Resort jobs offer employees the opportunity to experience the best in outdoor and leisure activities while also building a rewarding careers and building their resumes.
Resorts typically offer short-term lodging to travelers, with the added benefits of beautiful scenery, recreational activities, and luxury accommodations. Many offer conference facilities, banquet halls, golf courses, and even luxurious spas. From the smallest private lodges to expansive properties that span several acres, resorts offer a unique vacation experience for guests and an even more unique career opportunity for employees.
An opportunity for everyone
From the Executive Chef to the Front Desk Agents to the Housekeepers, each employee plays a valuable role in the overall success of the resort. A General Manager oversees the operation of the resort property while department Managers supervise each individual department, such as:
- Food and Beverage
- Human Resources
- Housekeeping and Laundry
- Front Desk, Concierge, and other Guest Services
- Groundskeeping
- Recreation
- Banquet Services
Unlimited growth potential & career building
With skiing, swimming, guided tours, golf, and other leisure activities offered by many resort properties, the job opportunities are endless. Within each department, the jobs range from entry-level positions to upper management; for example, you could begin your food service job as a Busser in the hotel dining room. With ongoing training and experience, you gradually climb the ranks, working your way through:
- Hosting
- Serving
- Captain or Senior Serving
- Supervising
When the Dining Room Manager is awarded the Food and Beverage Manager position, you could be asked to fill their shoes. The potential for growth and career advancement through apprenticeships and ongoing training is excellent. In fact, hotels and resorts succeed by providing a level of customer service to their guests made possible through continuous staff training and motivation.
Living and loving the resort life
People enter the resort industry for a variety of different reasons, but many stay simply because there is no other life like it!
Working in a resort isn’t all fun and games, though; the environment can be fast-paced and hectic. During “peak” times at the resort, hours of work increase. “Down” times provide a refreshing break, with more days off and time to enjoy the surrounding area. However, downtimes can also be hard on your bank account! Save money through the peak times so you can enjoy the down times without financially stretching yourself too thin.
Because resorts are usually located in non-urban settings, many staff live on site. A positive team-player attitude and agreeable disposition are critical to your success at work and in staff accommodations.
Top 4 tips: find your perfect resort job today!
1. Do Your Homework: The key to success in the hospitality industry is in landing a job you will truly enjoy. Apply for positions in resorts where you are willing to relocate. Examine your personal likes, dislikes, skills, and talents; do you love working with people? A food service job might be a great fit for you. Do you prefer to work behind the scenes? A back-of-house hotel job like stewarding could be your dream job.
2. Know Your Strengths: Promote your skills and personality to the company you wish to work with. Don’t be shy! Resort and hotel jobs require:
- The willingness to learn new ideas and skills
- A positive and friendly attitude
- Good attention to detail
- A professional appearance
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
3. Perfect Your Resume: This is your first contact with a potential employer. Make sure you are sending the right message. When asked what her company looks for when pre-screening candidates for employment, most employers look for employees with a professional, well-put-together resume and relevant experience that aligns with the role, not to mention a great attitude and a commitment to customer service.
4. Be Prepared: Research the organization before you apply or interview, and do your homework before you meet with someone face to face. Don’t forget to prepare a set of good questions to ask the interviewer as this shows you’re truly interested in learning about the company and are being thoughtful in how you can contribute.