Top ten tools for getting a graduate job in the hospitality industry by Fabienne Rollandin

Without satisfied customers, there is no revenue.

When recruiting from university, hospitality employers look for a key set of skills from graduates. If you are able to provide evidence of occasions when you have used and developed these competencies, you will stand a far better chance against the opposition for a graduate job in the industry.

1. Customer service: The hospitality profession is described by Fabienne as a ‘people-orientated industry’, with customer service at the heart of any hospitality business. Without satisfied customers, there is no revenue.

2. Languages: ‘Languages are a valuable skill to have as there is a huge scope for career opportunities abroad’, says Fabienne. ‘Being multi-lingual is also a desirable skill for UK employers, whose hotels receive international guests on a daily basis.’ Regarding current students at Glion she adds that ‘Most of our students speak at least two languages and many speak three or four.’

3. Specialist knowledge: Interestingly, you may be able to set yourself apart from the competition by having something up your sleeve from seemingly unrelated work experience. Fabienne points out that ‘In today’s hospitality industry, there’s an increasing demand for more specialist knowledge. Health and safety knowledge and a background in sustainability are both commonly sought after.’

4. Financial management: Being comfortable with money is only going to help you. Several hospitality roles require you to be able to manage budgets, whether they involve purchasing stock for a hotel or reviewing accounts including staff wages.

5. Understanding of the industry: Also termed commercial awareness, this is crucial for climbing the ladder whether you work in hotels, restaurants or any other aspect of the hospitality industry. You gain this by finding practical work experience. Fabienne comments that Glion students ‘participate in two six-month work placements, so on graduation they already have 12 months’ work experience to add to their CV, as well as a clear idea of which road they want to pursue in their career. In fact, in the last year of their academic programme, students choose an area of specialisation that gives them a deeper knowledge and understanding of their chosen field.’ That’s the level of linguistic abilities some of your competition will have.

6. Marketing abilities: ‘The hospitality industry is the UK’s fifth largest industry and the second largest employer, after government’, explains Fabienne, which means it is also extremely competitive. If you have the ability to spot the unique selling points (USPs) of your employer and its business model, then you can make yourself valuable in the development and innovation of your company.

7. IT skills: The hospitality industry is not cut off from the improvements and increased presence of technology in the workplace. On the contrary, as Fabienne explains, ‘The industry is continuously looking for experts in different fields. With online booking and the growing presence of social media, technology is just one example.’

8. Professionalism: Fabienne sees the hospitality industry as ‘a fast-paced team environment that requires a professional attitude, an entrepreneurial and business-orientated mind.’ A great deal is conveyed to customers in your attitude towards them and in how your business operates. A disinterest in your patrons’ views and overall satisfaction with the service you provide is only going to hold you and your business back.

9. Flexibility and adaptability: Many roles in the hospitality industry require you to work with people from a variety of different backgrounds and nationalities. As such, being flexible in your approach in such a manner to take on board different working cultures, and indeed an appreciation that good levels of hospitality and service differ across the globe will prove beneficial.

10. Managerial potential: Fabienne states that Glion’s courses can include, ‘the principles of marketing and travel and tourism, financial accounting, food and beverage management, managing rooms revenue and business administration.' This shows just how many areas of the business a manager must be able to appreciate. Any aspiring graduate would be wise to dip their toes into these fields in order to garner relevant experience applicable to future management roles.