How does an 18-year-old with no experience pursue a Receptionist's career? Our expert advises...
The issue
My daughter, who is 18, is interested in a career in hotel reception work.
She has no hotel experience, but has done reception, admin and shop work. She enjoys being customer-focused and has no doubts that this type of work is for her.
She's looking for a trainee position, but, although we have searched the hospitality websites, these seem to be few and far between. She would have no problem moving away from where we live in Surrey.
How should she go about starting her career?
Expert answer
David Goldfarb, formerly director at MaydayExec, replies:
Contacting hotels directly may work for your daughter.
Take action
She should:
- Write to the Human Resources departments of the hotels she wants to work for and, if possible, address her letter to the HR manager by name.
- Her letter should be well-written, detailing the reasons she wants to pursue a career in reception. Previous involvement in customer service situations should be highlighted, with an emphasis on how she achieved positive results.
- She could also talk to recruitment consultants in the hospitality industry, who can help her in searching for a suitable position.