Are you considering a career in the resort industry? Each
year, thousands of people choose resort jobs as a way to travel the country,
gain valuable work experience and meet new people.
Imagine enjoying a resort vacation lifestyle every single
day! Hotel and resort jobs offer employees the opportunity to experience the
best in outdoor and leisure activities while building a rewarding career.
Resorts typically offer short-term lodging to travelers,
with the added benefits of beautiful scenery, recreational activities and
luxury accommodations. Many offer conference facilities, banquet halls, golf
courses and even luxurious spas. From the smallest private lodges in Nova Scotia to the
expansive Jasper Park Lodge property, resorts offer a unique vacation experience
for guests? one that you, as an employee, are paid to enjoy!
An opportunity for everyone
From the Executive Chef to the Front Desk Agents to the
Housekeepers, each employee plays a valuable role in the overall success of the
resort. A General Manager oversees the operation of the resort property while
department Managers supervise each individual departments, such as:
- Food
and Beverage
- Human
Resources
- Housekeeping
and Laundry
- Front
Desk, Concierge and other Guest Services
- Groundskeeping
- Recreation
- Banquet
Services
Unlimited growth potential & career building
With skiing, swimming, guided tours, golf and other leisure
activities offered by many resort properties, the job opportunities are
endless. Within each department, the jobs range from entry-level positions to
upper management; for example, you could begin your foodservice job as a Busser
in the hotel dining room. With ongoing training and experience, you gradually
climb the ranks, working your way through:
- Hosting
- Serving
- Captain
or Senior Serving
- Supervising
When the Dining Room Manager is awarded the Food and
Beverage Manager position, you are happy to fill their shoes! The potential for
growth and career advancement through apprenticeships and ongoing training is
excellent.
Lynn Johnston, Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE)
and Regional Director at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa, estimates that 80% of her hotels
supervisory and management team are promoted from within the company. "Our
hotel has an extremely low staff turnover rate, at 21.7% annually. Much of our
management team worked their way up the chain and our employees typically stay
with us a long time," Johnston
says.
In fact, hotels and resorts succeed by providing a level of
customer service to their guests made possible through continuous staff
training and motivation.
Living and loving the resort life
People enter the resort industry for a variety of different
reasons, but many stay simply because there is no other life like it!
Working in a resort isn't all fun and games, though; the
environment can be fast-paced and hectic. During "peak" times at the
resort, hours of work increase. "Down" times provide a refreshing
break, with more days off and time to enjoy the surrounding area. However, down
times can also be hard on your bank account! Save money through the peak times
so you can enjoy the down times without financially stretching yourself too
thin.
Because resorts are usually located in non-urban settings,
many staff live on site. A positive team-player attitude and agreeable
disposition are critical to your success at work and in staff accommodations.
Top five tips: find your perfect resort job today!
1. Do Your Homework - The key to success in the hospitality
industry is in landing a job you will truly enjoy. Apply for positions in
resorts where you are willing to relocate. Examine your personal likes,
dislikes, skills and talents; do you love working with people? A foodservice
job might be a great fit for you. Do you prefer to work behind the scenes? A
back-of-house hotel job like stewarding could be your dream come true!
2. Know Your Strengths - Promote your skills and personality
to the company you wish to work with. Don't be shy! Resort and hotel jobs
require:
A positive and friendly attitude
- The
willingness to learn new ideas and skills
- Good
attention to detail
- A
professional appearance
- Excellent
interpersonal and communication skills
3. Perfect Your Resume - This is your first contact with a
potential employer. Make sure you are sending the right message! When asked
what her company looks for when pre-screening candidates for employment, Johnston explains,
"It depends on the position, but we look for employees with a
professional, well put together resume and relevant experience." And the
number one quality she looks for in interviews? "A great attitude!"
4. Be Prepared - The hiring process at the Crowne Plaza
is mirrored in resorts across the country. Human Resources staff screen resumes
and select candidates for interviews and testing. While some companies, such as
the Jasper Park Lodge, interview candidates by telephone, the Crowne Plaza
holds panel interviews on site. Many hotels use psychological and skills
testing to determine if you are well suited for a position with their company.
Make sure you understand the interview process and practice mock interviews
with a friend.
5. Get a Head Start With Hcareers! -Sign up for the Hcareers
newsletter for instant and ongoing access to job seeking tips and advice from
experts. Browse www.hcareers.com to get a
feel for what resort jobs are currently available.
Good luck in your search!