Table of Contents

1. Impeccable Customer Service
2. Multitasking Ability
3. Can-Do Attitude
4. Effective Communication
5. Conflict Resolution
6. Be Tech-Savvy
7. Organizational Skills

According to a good deal of research, 85% of job success comes from having great soft & people skills. But, only 15%  of success comes from having technical skills and knowledge.

Soft skills are six times more important than hard skills for any job success. But most of the training efforts and money go to hard skills. Hence, the skills gap in this industry. The hospitality industry has changed a lot since the onset of COVID-19. It has widened the ever-present hospitality skills gap. Due to the changed situation and expectations of customers, it is pivotal to end this skill gap. Consequently, we will address the skills you need for a  hospitality career person.

7 Skills you Need as a Hospitality Professional

With the proper set of skills, you can make a successful career in the hospitality industry. Develop these 7 skills to excel in your desired field (management, restaurant, front desk, etc):

1. Impeccable Customer Service

The hospitality industry is all about customer service. Customer service refers to a series of activities designed to enhance customer satisfaction. For any service-related job, great customer service is pivotal. Just etiquette or good manners are not enough to get maximum customer satisfaction. Most customers are likely to recommend a particular service. In case, they have a positive experience.

Customer satisfaction determines how well your hospitality organization is doing. Poor review from the customers leads to a bad reputation for your company which in turn leads to fewer customers and a direct hit on the bottom line of that organization. Some ways to improve customer service quality are given below:

• Be proactive – Being proactive goes a long way in customer service
• Be more empathetic and patient
• Foster a good customer service ethic
• Focus on providing personalized customer service
• Lastly, remember that you can never over-deliver customer service. And there is always room for more improvement

2. Multitasking Ability

Being able to multitask comes in handy in the hospitality industry. Hospitality services often demand getting a great deal of work done in a short period. Or they have to be done simultaneously. For example, in a situation, you may have to attend to a guest and listen to their complaints. You have to give directions to solve the problem while attending to the guest. Hospitality careers call for functional and efficient multitasking skills. This is required to integrate many tasks at the same time.

3. Can-Do Attitude

Possessing a can-do attitude makes way for a successful career in every sector. This is not just helpful in the hospitality sector. Maintaining a can-do approach to problem-solving helps to find solutions. Even in extremely difficult situations. It creates a positive and solution-focused work environment. Achieving a can-do attitude improves motivation. It opens doors for more opportunities and challenges.

4. Effective Communication

Being articulate is necessary for every sphere of life. Thus making this essential for the hospitality sector too. For communication to be effective, it has to be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Other people must be able to understand the purpose of your message. If not, you have failed to deliver the message and your communication has no real value. Without effective communication, it is impossible to get any job done successfully.

Everyone has to be on the same page. Thus, it requires a continuous transfer of information via many channels. It demands competence in both oral and written communication. Another vital part of communicating is speaking clearly and confidently in public. You have to be clear, confident, precise, and articulate enough while speaking. 

5. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a skill that comes in handy in many situations. As conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. While functional conflict increases efficiency and productivity, dysfunctional conflict does the opposite. Constructive conflict resolution provides an opportunity for productive change and growth. On the other hand, dysfunctional conflict reduces productivity. It hampers work relationships and creates a hostile work environment. Some fruitful ways to manage dysfunctional conflicts are –

• Mediate the conflict
• Arbitrate the conflict
• Control the conflict
• Accept the conflict
• Eliminate the conflict

Your ability to handle conflict shows how competent you are in your position. It is also an important criterion to decide if you are to be promoted. 

6. Be Tech-Savvy

Innovative technology is constantly replacing expensive human labor in every industry. Being up to date about technology can help you stay ahead of others in the job market. Stay up to date about useful technologies used in the hospitality industry. 

7. Organizational skills

Organizational skill refers to the ability to be systematic, structured, and efficient. Well-nurtured and conscious organization skills help improve efficiency and productivity. Hospitality personnel who are well organized can multitask easily. More importantly, without losing track of any critical or time-sensitive tasks. This is very easy to learn. And there are many tools and software products available to facilitate this skill. For instance, if you are in charge of an event or project for your hotel, you can have tech support. You can use any project management software like Trello or Click Up. These apps will help you keep track of all your tasks. For instance, give you a timeline, meet deadlines and organize your dashboard.

This is one of the easiest skills to acquire but very important for success. Cluttered or disorganized screams are unprofessional and ineffective. Some important organizational skills to master are –

• Resource Management
• Time management
• Project management

Maintain an optimistic outlook in all spheres of life. But more specifically in your professional life. Face every challenge head-on, focusing on the positive side. If you keep up a positive attitude, ultimately you’ll be more resilient. Focus on a problem-solving approach instead of being irritated, and grumpy. A positive attitude is more likely to get you rewarded, promoted, and recognized. Strive for optimism and resilience!