What Hospitality Employers Look for in Job Applicants
The hospitality industry is fast-paced, customer-focused, and highly competitive. Whether you’re applying for a front-of-house role or a back-of-house position, standing out among other job applicants is crucial. Employers aren’t just looking for experience—they want the right attitude, work ethic, and soft skills.
According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in hospitality remain strong, but competition for the best roles is increasing. To improve your chances, you need to know exactly what employers want to see in your application.
1. A Well-Crafted, Error-Free Resume
Your resume is your first impression, and it only takes a few seconds for an employer to decide if you move forward. A well-structured resume should include:
✅ Relevant experience – Even if it’s from a different industry, highlight transferable skills.
✅ Certifications – Food handler permits, TIPS certification, or management training can boost your chances.
✅ Clear formatting – Keep it simple and professional, using bullet points for readability.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that employers prefer concise resumes that focus on skills and achievements over excessive detail. Keep it to one page and tailor it to each job posting.
2. A Professional Online Presence
Many hiring managers search for applicants online before reaching out. Here’s how to ensure your online presence works in your favor:
🔹 Update your LinkedIn profile – Even for hospitality roles, having an up-to-date profile helps.
🔹 Check your social media – Employers might glance at your public profiles, so remove anything unprofessional.
🔹 Create a StaffedUp profile – A completed profile on StaffedUp makes applying seamless and helps employers find you faster.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Hospitality jobs require constant interaction with customers and coworkers. Employers value job applicants who can communicate clearly and professionally. When applying:
✔️ Write a short, polite, and well-structured message with your application.
✔️ During interviews, practice active listening and answer questions concisely.
✔️ Use positive, customer-focused language to show you understand hospitality service.
4. Reliability and Work Ethic
No employer wants to deal with last-minute call-offs or unreliable staff. Show you’re dependable by:
📌 Highlighting previous roles where you managed high-pressure situations.
📌 Emphasizing your ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
📌 Providing professional references who can vouch for your work ethic.
5. A Customer-First Mindset
The best hospitality employees create memorable guest experiences. Employers prefer job applicants who:
✔️ Show enthusiasm for customer service.
✔️ Have experience handling difficult situations professionally.
✔️ Can work well under pressure while maintaining a friendly attitude.
Set Yourself Apart with StaffedUp
Now that you know what hospitality employers look for, it’s time to put these insights into action. Craft a polished resume, showcase strong communication skills, and highlight your reliability and customer-first mindset.
With StaffedUp, applying for hospitality jobs is easier and faster. Create your profile today at StaffedUp and connect with top employers looking for candidates like you.
