The hotel industry – like any other service-oriented space – generally requires a certain level of professionalism among staff in order to provide guests with a pleasant experience. While guests only physically witness a portion of hotel operations during their stay, the most successful hotels are the ones whose staff carries over that professionalism into the behind-the-scenes work and collaboration it takes to keep a hotel running smoothly.

Professional Facility & Staff Appearance

First impressions are critical for hotel guests, so ensuring a clean and professional appearance among hotel staff is an important part of that. Dress codes and uniforms differ greatly from one hotel to another, but the requirement of maintaining a professional appearance is common in most. For employees, at a minimum that means clean and tidy clothing and general appearance.

Keeping the grounds and spaces at a hotel clean and safe is equally important to present guests with a pleasant experience. Maintenance technicians and hotel porters often play a role in keeping the hotel in professional and safe conditions.

Professionalism During Guest Interactions

Professionalism extends far beyond simply a person’s appearance; it’s important for hotel staff to interact with guests in a manner that conveys respect, competency, and a willingness to accommodate and ensure a great stay. This means actively listening to any guest questions or concerns, personalizing their experience when possible, and serving as a strong representative of the hotel in every interaction.

Maintaining an air of professionalism within a hotel might seem easy in times of smooth operations. However, a hotel staff’s professionalism often either shines or implodes during issues or times of disagreement. When guest issues arise – as they inevitably will – it’s important for staff to de-escalate the situation, listen and gather information from everyone involved, and utilize strong judgment and hotel best practices to develop and implement appropriate solutions.

Maintaining a Professional Work Environment Internally

Professionalism is important not only in situations where employees interact with guests. Maintaining a professional internal work environment is equally important. On the employer side, this translates to creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for employees. Clear and ongoing communication, clarity around expectations and responsibilities, and ample space to exchange feedback all help create the positive work environment hotel staff need to thrive in their roles.

Professionalism from an employer also shows in their empowerment of their employees and the role they play in supporting growth. Strong hotel employers offer dedicated staff opportunities to grow in their careers, take on new responsibilities and challenges, and advance professionally with ongoing support and coaching.

For managers and individual contributors alike, mutual respect and honesty are two of the most important needs in fostering a professional team environment. Daily operations within a hotel are truly a team effort. Approaching each shift with mutual respect for others on that team is the best way to ensure the team succeeds. This mindset needs to start in upper management and trickle down to daily hotel staff for an organization to really thrive.

Professionalism During the Hiring Process

On both the employer and potential employee sides, professionalism begins during the hiring process. For employers, ensuring a clear and efficient hiring process is key to making a strong first impression on potential team members. This means effective job descriptions, clear and consistent communication throughout the interview process, and providing ample opportunities for potential employees to ask questions and learn more about the organization and its values. Employers that prioritize providing a pleasant hiring experience for applicants often attract the best potential candidates.

For applicants, maintaining professionalism during the application and interview process comes down to a few simple steps:

• Be Prepared: Arrive on time (or early) for all interviews, dressed appropriately and prepared with copies of your resume and any questions about the opportunity. Know the role you’ve applied for and be prepared to discuss how you think it aligns with your experience and/or expertise.
• Be Honest: It’s tempting to attempt to make yourself look stronger on an application. Rather than embellish any qualifications, identify growth opportunities and discuss them (and any training opportunities) with the hiring manager early on in the process.
• Be Respectful: As mentioned above, mutual respect between an employee and workers begins from the first interaction. Ensure all communication, written or verbal, remains respectful during the hiring process.

For those looking for an opportunity in the hotel industry with an employer commitment to maintaining their side of that mutual respect, take a moment to browse our current job opportunities around the nation. We are always looking for positive and dedicated individuals to join our team at all levels – from entry-level positions to regional management roles.  
Brand new to the industry? We offer extensive training for those entering the world of hotels – providing a solid foundation of industry knowledge and operational insight to set you up for success in the role and your hotel career. Our industry blog can help prepare you further for the hiring process and initial onboarding in a hotel role as well!