When people think about hotels and the hospitality industry as a whole, what’s commonly considered as achieving success is maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction. Ensuring that guests enjoy their stay is just one part of that overall satisfaction. Guest safety is another important part, and most hotels have a security plan in place and employ staff members specifically to focus on maintaining a safe and secure environment for guests (and staff). Often, this means employing courtesy officers. When recruiting courtesy officers, employers look for a few qualifications in an applicant’s experience and skills that indicate they’d make a solid team member.
Common Courtesy Officer Responsibilities
Among their other duties, courtesy officers primarily focus on patrolling the hotel grounds, including all common areas, hallways, stairwells, and the structure’s perimeter. Regular patrols mean early identification of any safety concerns, including fire hazards, unwanted people on the property, or unauthorized gatherings. It’s not uncommon that hotels are victims of vandalism or theft, so having a courtesy officer on duty serves as a deterrent to potential attacks.
When issues do arise, courtesy officers work to quickly resolve them and/or report to management if it requires escalation. Hotels have strict requirements when it comes to reporting incidents, accidents, and other safety/security issues. Processes and protocols must be followed closely to ensure everyone’s safety and keep the hotel safe from any legal disputes because of poorly handled situations.
What Makes a Qualified Courtesy Officer?
Many of the specific duties of a courtesy officer can be learned during the initial onboarding and training period in the role, but there are certain qualities employers look for when recruiting and interviewing candidates for the position. Courtesy officers need strong communication skills, as they collaborate with management and other hotel personnel daily. For everyone’s safety and security, it’s critical that these officers effectively communicate any concerns, record detailed and accurate information, and remain professional in instances that require guest interaction.
Attention to detail complements strong communication skills. Following directions and processes correctly, anticipating potential issues, and noticing any suspicious behavior among guests or others on the property all require this attentiveness.
When it comes to previous experience, many hotels consider the role of courtesy officer an entry-level job and don’t have specific work experience requirements. Most require a high school diploma or relevant certificate and some physical abilities as the role requires regularly moving around the property and occasionally lifting heavy objects.
Typical Courtesy Officer Compensation
While some hotels employ courtesy officers as full-time, salaried staff members, the role is often an hourly position. Hotels generally offer benefits beyond wages to courtesy officers that are classified as full-time. These might include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), and retirement benefits such as 401k.
When officers consistently display the characteristics mentioned above (attention to detail, strong communication skills, etc.), opportunities to advance within the industry are plenty. These team members gain a comprehensive understanding of all safety and security measures within a hotel during their time in the role. That understanding is incredibly valuable for those looking to move into management positions later in their careers. It’s important that leaders such as general managers fully understand all operational aspects of the establishment – safety and security being one of the most important.
How to Find a Job as a Courtesy Officer
Courtesy officers play a critical role in hotel operations, so managers are constantly on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment to add to their team. For those looking to secure this type of role, where is the best place to start? Finding a fulfilling job with a hotel starts with knowing where to look. Find a jobs database with clear job descriptions that is easy to navigate. Ensure alignment with any qualifications or responsibilities the role entails prior to applying. When submitting an application or resume, be sure to highlight relevant skills and experience that make you specially qualified to secure and succeed in the role.
In a courtesy officer interview, hiring managers look for professionalism and that clear communication. Preparing for the interview is a great way to ensure an applicant can focus on showcasing those qualities during the interview. Preparations might include reviewing the job description, preparing questions if anything is unclear, or learning about the company (values, history, etc.).
Whether the role of courtesy officer is the right fit or you are looking for a different type of hotel job opportunity, our locations nationwide are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join their teams. In addition to competitive hourly wages and salaries, we offer comprehensive benefits as well as ongoing training and growth opportunities. We aim to be the employer of choice when it comes to the hotel and extended stay accommodation industry. That means we invest in ALL of our team’s success, from top-level management to entry-level workers like courtesy officers, housekeepers, and front desk agents. We encourage anyone looking for that investment from their employer to check out our current job opportunities!