What skills are you bringing to the table?

And are they the skills that will get you the hospitality job of your dreams?

While each position will have its own list of requirements, there are some common requirements that we see on job postings again and again. Here are the top hard skills and soft skills that you’ll need to catch the eye of hospitality hiring managers.

Table of Contents

1. But First: What Are Hard Skills And Soft Skills?
2. Top 3 Hard Skills
   • Technical Proficiency with Hospitality Systems
   • Food and Beverage Knowledge
   • Revenue Management
3. Top 3 Soft Skills
   • Communication Skills
   • Customer Service Orientation
   • Teamwork and Collaboration

But First: What Are Hard Skills And Soft Skills?

Your hard skills are the technical know-how you bring to the job. Think inventory management, cooking ability, or marketing expertise. These are usually skills that you can be trained for, either on the job or in school. 

Soft skills are a bit harder to pin down. They include traits that we often think of as being inherent in one’s personality, like teamwork or communication ability.

Fortunately, we can work to improve our soft skills just like we can train in hard skills. So if you’re missing any of the abilities on this list, don’t worry. You can always improve!

Top 3 Hard Skills

It’s difficult to get into the specifics of hard skills for hospitality jobs since they vary from position to position. A cook, a hotel front desk agent, and a catering manager will all need wildly different hard skills.

That being said, there are some general aptitudes that the industry demands, no matter the position. Cite your certifications, education, or experience on your resume to prove that you have the necessary know-how.

1. Technical Proficiency with Hospitality Systems

Hospitality professionals must be proficient in using various industry-specific systems and tools. This includes:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Ability to operate POS systems to process orders, payments, and reservations accurately and efficiently.
• Reservation Systems: Familiarity with booking and reservation software to manage room bookings, table reservations, and guest preferences effectively.
• Property Management Systems (PMS): Understanding how to use PMS software to check guests in and out, manage room inventory, and handle billing.

Example: A hotel front desk agent needs to navigate the property’s PMS to check-in guests swiftly, allocate rooms based on guest preferences, and manage any special requests efficiently.

2. Food and Beverage Knowledge:

Proficiency in food and beverage service is crucial for roles in restaurants, bars, and catering services. This includes:

• Menu Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the menu offerings, ingredients used, and preparation methods to answer guest questions and make recommendations.
• Wine and Beverage Service: Knowledge of different types of wines, spirits, and cocktails, along with proper serving techniques and pairing suggestions.
• Food Safety and Hygiene: Adherence to food safety regulations and practices to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in food preparation and service.

Example: A restaurant server must be able to describe menu items accurately, recommend suitable wine pairings, and ensure that all food and beverages served comply with hygiene standards.

3. Revenue Management:

This involves the strategic management of pricing and inventory to maximize revenue and profitability. In the hospitality industry, this skill is critical for optimizing room rates, restaurant pricing, and other services to achieve financial goals while meeting guest demand. Key aspects of revenue management include:

• Pricing Strategies: Setting competitive and dynamic pricing based on market demand, seasonality, and competitor analysis.
• Inventory Management: Efficiently managing room availability, table reservations, and other services to maximize occupancy and revenue.
• Data Analysis: Utilizing data analytics and forecasting tools to make informed decisions about pricing adjustments, promotions, and revenue strategies.

Example: A hotel revenue manager analyzes booking trends, competitor rates, and historical data to determine optimal pricing strategies during peak seasons or special events. They adjust room rates and promotional offers to attract guests while maximizing revenue per available room (RevPAR).

Top 3 Soft Skills

Soft skills are a bit harder to demonstrate than hard. As you read through this list, try to think of a time when you used each of these soft skills in your previous work. Note those stories down so you will have them at hand in your interview. 

1. Communication Skills:

Effective communication is crucial in hospitality roles where interactions with guests, colleagues, and management occur daily. Hospitality professionals need to:

• Listen Actively: Understand guest needs and concerns by actively listening and showing empathy.
• Speak Clearly: Communicate information, instructions, and recommendations clearly and courteously.
• Adapt Communication: Tailor communication style to different individuals and situations, ensuring clarity and understanding.

Example: A front desk agent needs strong communication skills to greet guests warmly, handle check-in procedures efficiently, and provide clear directions or recommendations about local amenities.

2. Customer Service Orientation:

Hospitality is centered around providing exceptional customer service. Professionals in this industry should:

• Anticipate Needs: Proactively identify and address guest needs before they are expressed.
• Maintain Professionalism: Handle challenging situations with patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.
• Exceed Expectations: Go above and beyond to create memorable guest experiences and foster customer loyalty.

Example: A restaurant hostess demonstrates customer service orientation by warmly greeting guests, accommodating seating preferences, and ensuring a smooth dining experience from start to finish.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration:

Hospitality operations rely heavily on teamwork and collaboration among staff members. Professionals need to:

• Work Cooperatively: Contribute positively to team efforts, support colleagues, and share responsibilities.
• Adaptability: Flexibly adjust to changing roles or tasks based on operational needs.
• Resolve Conflict: Address conflicts or differences constructively to maintain a harmonious work environment.

Example: A housekeeping team member demonstrates teamwork by efficiently coordinating with colleagues to ensure rooms are cleaned promptly, adhering to hotel standards and guest expectations.

Conclusion

Soft skills are essential for hospitality professionals to excel in delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering positive workplace relationships, and contributing to the overall success of their establishments. By continually developing and refining these soft skills, hospitality professionals can enhance their effectiveness, satisfaction, and career advancement opportunities in the dynamic hospitality industry.