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A hotel receptionist is one who works at the front desk
and checks guests in and out of the hotel, and may occasionally answer the phone
to take reservations or answer questions. To become a hotel receptionist, formal
education beyond a high school diploma is generally not required. Some high-end
hotels might wish to hire people with more experience or even an associate's
degree in a hospitality field, such as hotel management. To become a hotel
receptionist, it is generally necessary to call and visit hotels in your area.
Hotels may not advertise that they are seeking a receptionist, but it also
cannot hurt to check the classifieds in the newspaper or online. When calling a
hotel to inquire about any openings, remember to be friendly, and to introduce
yourself and state your purpose for calling immediately. When visiting a hotel
to apply to become a hotel receptionist, remember to dress professionally and to
speak clearly. Print out a resume if you have one; any previous work experience
in customer service can help you when trying to become a hotel receptionist. In
addition, list any relevant skills, such as computer skills or math skills. A
hotel receptionist will be the first person a guest sees when checking into a
hotel, so it is important to project professionalism. He or she will need to be
able to clearly answer any questions the guests may have, as well as to collect
payment on a reservation or set up a charge account. For these reasons, it is
important for anyone who wants to become a hotel receptionist to be very
detail-oriented and responsible. If you get an interview at a hotel, it is
important once again to dress professionally and smile when introducing
yourself. Explain why you would make a good hotel receptionist. Be sure to
consider the fact that many hotels need someone at the desk at all hours of the
day, seven days a week, so your shifts may not be regular daytime shifts. Ask
any questions you may have; it is also a good idea to learn some information
about the hotel beforehand in order to appear more informed and competent. Once
you accept a job offer to become a hotel receptionist, there will generally be a
brief training period. Depending on the size of the hotel and the number of
other staff members, your duties may vary. Someone who succeeds in a hotel
receptionist position may be able to be promoted into a supervisory or
managerial role. |
