Beginning a new career path is intimidating, whether that happens at age 16 or mid-way through someone’s professional career. The hotel industry, and hospitality as a whole, is an easier industry than most to break into. It’s unlikely for someone new to hotels to enter straight into a management position. However, there are a few entry-level hotel jobs that serve as a wonderful introduction to the industry.  

Hotels often promote from within, so entry-level positions can (quickly) lead to growth opportunities for those looking to make a career within the industry. The Economic Research Institute estimates that the average salary for hotel GMs in the United States is $163,569 annually ($79/hour). Obviously, those salaries vary greatly based on factors such as geographic location, quality of the establishment, and whether a hotel is part of a chain or independently owned.

Salary is a big draw when it comes to GM positions. But, going from no industry experience directly into one of these roles is unlikely. To get a full understanding of how hotels operate, securing an entry-level position is wise for gaining that functional knowledge. The following roles each provide the opportunity for employees to gain experience and expertise regarding how a hotel operates from day to day.

The Role of a Hotel Housekeeper 

The housekeeping team within a hotel plays a critical role in daily operations within the facility. They are responsible for turning over rooms upon checkout, keeping common areas clean, and keeping up with laundry responsibilities throughout each shift. While supervisory positions within a housekeeping department generally require experience, the role of a housekeeper is generally considered entry-level – as much of the role‘s main responsibilities can be learned during an onboarding period. Succeeding in the role of a housekeeper can lead to supervisory positions on the team or even hotel management positions. 

What makes an ideal housekeeper? As mentioned, much of the duties of this role can be learned on the job. But, there are a few characteristics or skills that make someone an ideal person for the position. Housekeepers must have excellent attention to detail, and the quality of their services directly impacts the guest experience. These staff members also often work solo or in groups of two during a typical housekeeping shift, meaning the ability to work effectively unsupervised is highly valuable.

The Role of a Hotel Front Desk Agent

For those looking to interact more frequently with guests, the role of front desk agent is a great opportunity to support a hotel on more of the customer service side of things. Front desk agents are often the first point of contact for guests staying at an accommodation, as well as the staff member interacting with them most throughout their stay. These staff members handle the check-in and check-out procedures, field guest inquiries and complaints, and tackle much of the administrative side of running a hotel.

Usually, a front desk manager oversees the team behind the desk within a hotel, so that position is a common next step for those in agent positions for some time. Many front desk agents also go onto higher-level management positions such as GM after mastering guest satisfaction and hotel operations.

What makes an ideal front desk agent? Above all, these hotel employees need a customer service orientation and a desire to exceed expectations in working with guests. Effective communication, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and strong organizational skills are also all highly relevant.

The Role of a Hotel Porter

While lesser known, the role of a porter within a hotel or extended stay accommodation is equally as important to successful operations as the above roles. The daily responsibilities of a porter vary greatly from one shift to another. However, the position usually involves cleaning and caring for certain common spaces on the grounds, including stairwells, entrances/exits, and parking areas. Along with cleaning, this often involves some maintenance duties. These duties span aesthetic-focused tasks like touching up paint, while others stem from safety considerations like removing obstacles from fire exits and keeping parking areas free from debris.  

What makes an ideal porter? General handiness is a great skill set for someone looking to enter the hotel industry as a porter. Any maintenance (electrical/plumbing/painting/HVAC) knowledge or experience is highly sought after.

There are other valued characteristics within an applicant pool that don’t involve specialized experience. These include strong communication skills and the ability to work autonomously without much direction. Both of those are required for someone to succeed in the role of a hotel porter.

Finding Entry-Level Hotel Job Opportunities

The hotel industry values time spent in entry-level positions when evaluating candidates for higher positions. So, for those looking to become a GM (or higher) in the future – any one of the above positions would provide relevant and valuable experience and expertise. Finding an entry-level position isn’t difficult either. Our database of hotel job opportunities is full of opportunities in the above-mentioned roles as well as other entry-level (and management) positions.   

First time seeking employment at all? The application and interview processes within the industry take some getting used to. We try to make the experience quick and simple. Applying for a position within our database takes just minutes to accomplish. Also, our blog contains loads of information and resources to help applicants be successful in the hiring process. From ways to improve a resume to interview guidance and tips for your first day on the job, the tools needed to succeed within the hotel industry are just a few clicks away!