Hotel industry seeks range of staff

As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, industries such as hospitality are rebuilding their work forces, creating opportunities on all entry points.

"We are seeing jobs available in most of the operational areas of the hotels," said John Trujillo, director of leadership development, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston. "If applicants are willing to consider all opportunities, all brands, all disciplines and all geographic regions, there are infinite possibilities."

While the "perfect job" may not be available immediately, there are still opportunities to enter the field and gain experience in other areas.

"Some opportunities, whether they are in full-service flagship brands, lifestyle, luxury, extended stay, or focused service will give applicants the tools to develop themselves for their next career move," Trujillo said. "I always advise them to be open to recommendations, especially if it is the company for which they want to work."

Hotels are unique in their hiring requirements. It's not entirely necessary to have a college degree, but experience goes a long way.

"Hotels like people who know how to do the job," said Paul Schultz, vice president of hospitality for Landry's Inc. and president of the Galveston Lodging Association. "You can have a career even if you don't have a degree."

However, most employers like a balance of education and work experience along with leadership skills and the ability to work in teams and be flexible.

Hotels are a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week business with opportunities in housekeeping, food service, sales, banquets, guest services and even retail."One must be extremely flexible," said Schultz. "Many applicants may expect a Monday through Friday, 40-hour week, this is industry does not provide that."

Also be prepared to relocate and experience new cultures whether in the U.S. or abroad."Over the last 10 years, I have noticed that students do not necessarily want to leave their hometown," said Trujillo. "In most cases, that will limit the opportunities."

Most will consider the larger hotel management companies, but also consider the hundreds of other management companies that manage multiple brands in their portfolio. Trujillo said these management companies provide just as many opportunities and allow the flexibility to experience multiple brands without ever leaving that one company.

Hoteliers also must be willing to work in a constantly changing environment and do whatever is needed to provide the very best guest experience.Trujillo said today's savvier guests, and instant feedback - both directly and to a multitude of social media outlets - motivate hotel brands to constantly reinvent themselves to keep up with guests' changing needs.

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