How to Find Your Perfect Hospitality Job This Holiday Season

by XPRESS, 21 November 2024

As the year draws to a close, you might think the holidays aren’t the best time to search for a new job. However, for those in hospitality, the end of the year can actually be a great opportunity. Hotels, restaurants, and event venues are busy preparing for the holiday rush and often need extra staff. Whether you're looking for a seasonal role or a permanent position, here are some tips to help you land your dream job in hospitality before the year ends.

The holidays bring a surge in demand for hospitality businesses, creating plenty of job openings. Here are some roles that often become available:

Event Coordinators and Managers: Hotels, venues, and resorts host many holiday parties and corporate events. Event coordinators are in high demand to assist with everything from setting up the venue to coordinating guests.
Chefs and Kitchen Staff: If you have culinary experience, the holiday season is the perfect time to apply for roles such as chefs, sous-chefs, or kitchen assistants. Hotels and restaurants need extra staff to handle special holiday menus and large group bookings.
Guest Services and Front Desk Staff: Hotels and resorts are busier than ever during the holidays. They need front desk personnel, guest service representatives, and concierges to manage the influx of guests.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: The demand for housekeeping and maintenance staff also increases as hotels and resorts need to keep up with the high volume of guests and ensure rooms are in top condition.

There are more applicants during the holidays, so it’s important to make your application stand out. Here’s how:

Customize Your Resume Tailor your CV for each role. If you’re applying for a front desk position, highlight your customer service experience. For a kitchen role, focus on your experience with special events or working under pressure.

Write a Strong Cover Letter A good cover letter shows that you’re passionate about the role and the hospitality industry. Mention why you enjoy working during the holiday season and why you're the best fit for the job.

Show Your Availability Holiday jobs often require flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Be sure to emphasise your availability to work during these peak times.

While the holidays are busy, they’re also a great time to connect with people in the hospitality industry. Here’s how to network effectively:

Use Social Media and LinkedIn Many businesses post job openings on social media. Follow the companies you’re interested in and stay updated on job vacancies. LinkedIn is also a great tool for connecting with recruiters and industry professionals.

Attend Networking Events Look for local events such as career fairs, industry mixers, or community holiday events. These are excellent opportunities to meet potential employers looking for seasonal staff.

Reconnect with Past Colleagues or Employers The holidays are a time when many people reconnect. Reach out to former colleagues or employers to let them know you're looking for work. They may know of openings or be able to refer you to someone.

Volunteer for Short-Term Projects If you're not actively working, consider volunteering or offering your services for short-term projects. This can help you build experience and may even lead to a permanent job.

The end of the year can be stressful, but don’t get discouraged. Employers are busy with holiday events, so they may take time to review CVs and schedule interviews. Keep applying, follow up on your applications, and stay positive.

The holiday season is full of opportunities in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re applying for a seasonal position or aiming for a permanent role, now is a great time to act. With the right approach—customising your CV, networking, and staying proactive—you can secure your dream job before the new year.

Good luck with your job search, and here’s to finishing 2024 with a fresh career in hospitality!