Entry-Level Roles to Start Your Hospitality Career
Job Search Tips / September 15, 2025Breaking into a new industry can feel daunting—but hospitality offers plenty of entry points for anyone with determination, a strong work ethic, and a customer-focused mindset.
Whether you’re interested in restaurants, hotels, or events, here are some of the top entry-level roles to launch your hospitality career.
Entry-Level Restaurant Roles
Host / Hostess
Hosts manage reservations, greet guests, answer phones, and organize the waitlist. This role is often the first point of contact for guests, making it a great way to develop customer service and organizational skills.
Busser / Food Runner
Busser and food runner roles are ideal for gaining experience in the restaurant flow. Food runners deliver dishes to guests, while bussers clear tables and reset them. These positions often serve as stepping stones to server or bartender roles.
Server
Many restaurants, especially chains, hire entry-level servers with little to no experience. These programs allow you to be trained from the ground up, learning service standards, POS systems, and table management skills.
Dishwasher
Dishwashing is a critical kitchen role that ensures operations run smoothly. Many renowned chefs—including Anthony Bourdain, Mario Batali, and Thomas Keller—started their careers as dishwashers. This is a solid way to gain entry into kitchen work and eventually move up to prep or line cook positions.
Prep Cook
Prep cooks handle essential behind-the-scenes tasks like chopping vegetables, portioning proteins, and preparing sauces or dressings. This position is often the first step toward becoming a line cook or moving into supervisory kitchen roles.
Entry-Level Hotel Roles
Housekeeping / Room Attendant
Housekeepers ensure guest rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-stocked. This role provides a reliable entry point into hotels of all sizes, from boutique properties to luxury chains.
Bellperson / Porter
Bellpersons assist with guest check-in and check-out, carry luggage, and provide information about hotel amenities. This customer-facing position helps you demonstrate professionalism and service skills while building your network within the hotel.
Reservation Agent
Reservation agents manage bookings over the phone or online, assisting guests with questions and scheduling. Many of these roles can now be performed remotely, offering flexibility for entry-level candidates.
View Reservation Agent Jobs Here >
Front Desk Agent
Front desk agents are the face of the hotel, handling check-ins, check-outs, and guest inquiries. Some hotels hire entry-level agents, while others prefer candidates with prior experience. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are key in this role.
View Front Desk Agent Jobs Here >
Other Entry-Level Hospitality Opportunities
Catering / Event Staff
Event and catering companies need staff to help with setup, food service, and guest assistance. Working under an events manager provides exposure to large-scale operations and can be a pathway to event coordination roles.
Human Resources Coordinator
HR coordinators support recruitment, scheduling, employee onboarding, and administrative tasks. This role is ideal for those interested in the operational side of hospitality or HR-focused careers.
View HR Coordinator Jobs Here >
Additional Roles
- Concierge Trainee – Assist guests with recommendations, reservations, and local experiences.
- Valet / Parking Attendant – Provide first impressions for guests arriving by car, often in luxury hotels or resorts.
- Barback – Support bartenders in high-volume restaurants or hotels by restocking and maintaining bar stations.
Final Thoughts
Hospitality is a diverse industry with many doors open to motivated individuals. Starting in an entry-level role allows you to learn the fundamentals, build professional relationships, and position yourself for career growth. Whether your goal is to become a chef, hotel manager, or event coordinator, every role is a stepping stone to a rewarding career in hospitality.
