Hospitality & Travel Resume Guidelines

1. Writing the Job Description Section

The US travel and tourism industry in the USA has 25 sub-sectors, but accommodation, air travel, and food services account for more than 50% of jobs. Be specific about the sector that you are in and highlight the primary purpose of your role, as well as, the five most important duties under each position you have held during the last decade. If you are in travel, hiring managers would be interested in knowing your trip planning and coordination skills in terms of bookings, itineraries, and client services. For someone employed in air travel competencies in-flight services, catering, checking in procedures, security checks, emergency procedures, and keeping passengers safe, fed and comfortable, is generally the main purpose of the role. Moving to food services you may indicate if you are employed as the back of the house (think Chef, Kitchen Manager) or Front of House (restaurant manager, waiter, barista), and then explain your talents in preparing dishes, overseeing kitchen operations, welcoming patrons or managing the day-to-day operations of the establishment.

2. Hospitality & Travel Resume Skills to Highlight

Instead of using a skills list containing one-word competencies, incorporate each of your skills and personality traits as a feature and benefits statement: Caring – Empathize tired guests by offering them a complimentary beverage and sending additional comfort items to their rooms. Going the Extra Mile- Enthusiastic and eager to go beyond the job scope to boost guest satisfaction, by offering accompanying them on informal tourist excursions or organize flowers and champagne for a special occasion Proactive – Anticipating guest needs and have solutions ready for unique situations, for example, preordering a crib and bottle warmer for a family with a small baby or toddler Local Area Knowledge – Advising guests regarding off-the-grid attractions to visit, giving directions to charming eateries or exciting local events which they may enjoy. Resourceful – Stepping in during times of crises and on standby to offer alternatives in case of medical incidents or an issue occurring during a wedding event.

3. These details should appear on your resume

  • The locations or regions you are willing to work in
  • Your availability to work during weekends, public holidays, and during night shifts
  • Familiarity with technology platforms such as front desk technology, booking systems, reviews applications, travel guide apps, email and calendar management systems
  • The languages you can speak, read and write
  • The locations you have worked in before (countries, cities)

4. Digital & Social Media Detox

Inspecting your online presence is a smart idea before applying for jobs. Hiring managers and recruiters will be looking at your online profiles (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), and any unsavory or unprofessional content, political activism, or compromising photographs may jeopardize your application. Instigate damage control where needed, by removing sensitive material, updating your privacy settings to private, or restricting viewing access to connections only.

5. Keyword Customization

Help the person reviewing your resume by customizing keywords and competencies that align with those used in the vacancy advertisement. The correct usage of keywords throughout your entire resume (not just the skills section) will greatly boost your suitability rating.