Chapter 3 Exploring Hospitality Careers

Competencies for Exploring Hospitality Careers Describe in general terms the makeup and size of the lodging and food service industries, identify advantages and disadvantages of a career in hospitality, and list the personal characteristics that correspond to each of the three personal skills areas: data, people, and things. Summarize career options in the lodging industry, list the advantages of working in a chain hotel and an independent hotel, and describe typical management positions in lodging operations. (continued)

Competencies for Exploring Hospitality Careers Briefly describe segments of the food service industry and the career opportunities available within them, and outline career options in the club and cruise line industries. Describe career ladders in the hospitality industry, summarize the purpose and contents of a résumé, and explain how to prepare for a job interview, sell yourself during the interview, and effectively follow up after the interview.

Hospitality Industry Careers Pluses More career options than most industries Varied work responsibilities People-oriented work Highly flexible hours Room for long-term career growth Perks (continued)

Hospitality Industry Careers (continued) Minuses Long hours Nontraditional schedules Pressure Low starting salaries

Lodging Career Opportunities Large Chain Better training Gain valuable additional education and experience Advancement opportunities More units means more places to climb the ladder of success Better benefits A large corporation usually means better life and health insurance, more generous vacation/sick time, retirement plans, etc. (continued)

Lodging Career Opportunities (continued) Independent Greater creativity More opportunities to set standards and initiate change More career control Opportunities for personal relationships with the people who can aid your career growth Better learning environments Wider range of responsibilities means greater depth of knowledge and more hands-on training

Lodging Management Positions General manager Food and beverage manager Catering manager Controller Human resources manager Marketing/sales manager Resident manager Chief engineer MIS manager

Food Service Management Positions General manager Dining room manager Beverage manager Kitchen manager Chef Mâitre d' Banquet manager

Job Interview Tips Research the employer Dress well and conservatively Demonstrate confidence Sell yourself Take control, when possible Ask questions Communicate clearly Ask for the job Write a thank-you letter