If you're seeking a position as a hospitality worker, you want potential employers to know right away that you have the ability to deal with the public and keep their business running smoothly whether it's a restaurant, resort or hotel. Sometimes, you want more than just sections outlining your education and work experience on your resume; a skills section can quickly show employers you have skills that would be a benefit at the job. Here are some tips on writing a resume skills section so your qualifications in hospitality will be readily apparent.
Should You Include a Skills Section in Your Hospitality Worker Resume
Not every hospitality worker needs a skills section in their resume. Your education and work experience sections may clearly show you have the qualifications for the job. For example, you may be seeking employment as a hotel manager. If you have prior work history in this capacity or you graduated from a hotel management program, this is probably sufficient to demonstrate your qualifications; however, if you omit a skills section, make sure that your experience and/or education section is complete and enumerates your job-specific and transferable skills.
Writing a resume skills section is an especially smart move if you want to point out special, relevant abilities that wouldn't show up otherwise but would make you stand out above other candidates. A skills section is a good way to enhance a thin resume if you are a new graduate or haven't been in the work force for some time yet still possess the requisite skill sets. Also, because resume software as well as hiring managers are receptive to keywords, use the skills section as a way of incorporating keywords from within the job posting.
What to Include in a Hospitality Worker Resume Skills Section
The hospitality industry encompasses many types of jobs, so when writing a resume skills section, think about what capabilities you want to highlight, especially if they don't appear in your education and work background. Make your skills as relevant to the job you're applying for as you can. Your knowledge of auto repair doesn't matter when you apply for work as a concierge, but your diplomacy skills do. Other things to mention when writing a resume skills section, depending on the particular hospitality job you're seeking, include foreign language proficiency, computer/point of sale knowledge, cleaning skills, local area knowledge, sales skills, leadership capabilities and being a good team player.
Notice that some of these skills are what human resources professionals call "soft skills." While these abilities aren't areas that require technical training or schooling, they are nonetheless important in hospitality work; present as well-rounded a background as possible when writing a resume skills section.
Example of a Great Hospitality Worker Resume Skills Section
Below is an example of a hospitality worker skills list that can inspire you when writing a resume skills section for your own resume. If you have many skills, feel free to present them in a table. Keep your list of skills to about seven or eight per column. Use capital letters and short phrases, and leave off periods at the end of each item. Notice that the skills are clearly tailored to a particular location and position.
- French Language (Fluent)
- Spanish and Italian Languages (Conversational)
- Wine Tasting
- Vendor Management
- Inventory Software
- Multitasking for Guests' Needs
- Retreat Planning
When writing a resume skills section, use all the resources at your disposal and let your unique combination of abilities make your application a standout from the competition. You'll find many more suggestions regarding resume writing at LiveCareer.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
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