How to Write a Hospitality CV in 2024

The hospitality and tourism sectors, integral components of the UK's service industry, have faced significant challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a noticeable uptick in government funding and support for the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH). This backing reflects a commitment to rejuvenating these vital sectors since 2020.

As the industry also navigates a shifting landscape, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hospitality brings both opportunities and challenges. While AI can enhance guest experiences and optimise profits, it is crucial to recognise that the human element remains paramount.

Whether you are a hospitality graduate, a student, or an experienced professional like a Hotel Manager, a good CV is pivotal to showcasing your passion and enhancing career prospects. Every role, whether customer-facing or behind-the-scenes, plays a vital role in the sector's success.

This guide aims to provide a simple, step-by-step approach to help you create a CV tailored specifically for hospitality jobs. Welcome to a resource dedicated to assisting you in presenting your skills and experiences effectively in a competitive job market.

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Hospitality CV example

Download this hospitality CV sample in PDF.

Ram is an experienced hospitality professional with over 5 years of expertise in overseeing hotel operations and consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. His skill set includes proficient staff supervision, hotel operations management, and he has exceptional customer service skills.

Check out the matching hospitality cover letter example!

Explore more examples and tips for role-specific hospitality jobs such as:

• Chef

• Waiter

• Cleaner

• Hotel Manager

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Receptionist

• Bartender

• Housekeeper

• Caterer.

What should I put on my hospitality CV?

A good CV means tailoring it to the specific job you're seeking, taking into account diverse formats. Whether you're a hospitality graduate, student, or a recent school leaver exploring part-time opportunities in the hospitality sector, there are multiple approaches to effectively present your skills, qualifications, and experience on your CV.

It's crucial to keep in mind that your CV should be well-structured, ensuring satisfaction for both recruiters and applicant tracking systems(ATS). A CV includes essential sections that must be incorporated in some form. While various strategies exist in the realm of CV writing, we will specifically guide you through the key elements of a CV for the purpose of this discussion.

How do I write a summary for my hospitality CV

A personal profile is your chance to really highlight your professional experience. When writing a personal profile, make sure to highlight your strengths and achievements, leaving a positive impression of why you are the best candidate for the job.

For more examples and tips, refer to the chef CV example.

For similar examples, refer to the below:

• Receptionist CV

• Admin CV

Refer to ther restaurant manager CV example.

If you need more guidance, check out our guide on how to write a cleaner CV.

Explore our catering assistant CV example for more tips!

Refer to the following CV examples within the hospitality sector:

• Bartender CV

• Beauty therapist CV

• Waiter or waitress CV

• Kitchen porter CV.

Hospitality skills to include on your CV

The best skills for hospitality jobs depend on the specific career path you pursue within the industry. When showcasing your abilities on your CV, it's essential to highlight a mix of soft skills, hard skills, and transferable skills relevant to your desired role.

Hospitality student CV example

Hotel chef CV example

Hotel receptionist CV example

Housekeeper CV example

Refer to our article on how to include language skills for more inspiration.

How do you write hospitality experience on a CV?

Regardless of whether you possess relevant experience or are embarking on the early stages of your career, the work experience section of your CV offers a valuable platform to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Notably, in the dynamic and fast-paced industry, it becomes crucial to emphasise the tasks you performed and the achievements you attained in your past or current roles. This approach effectively showcases your ability to thrive and make a significant impact within the demanding hospitality sector.

Hotel Operations Manager, LuxeHaven, UK | 2019 - 2023

Led and managed daily hotel operations, overseeing a team of 50+ employees and maintaining a strong focus on guest satisfaction and employee engagement. Oversaw the successful planning and execution of large-scale events and conferences, ensuring seamless coordination and guest satisfaction. Conducted regular staff training and development programs, maintained a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

• Implemented efficient systems and processes to enhance guest experiences, resulting in a consistent increase in positive guest reviews by 25% over the past two years.

• Fostered a culture of excellence, teamwork, and customer service, resulting in the hotel being awarded "Best Customer Service Hotel" in the region for three consecutive years.

Front-of-house Manager, SereneVista Hotels, UK | 2019 - 2023

Managed all front-of-house operations, including a team of 30+ reception, concierge, and guest services team members, ensuring smooth and efficient guest experiences from arrival to departure. Collaborated closely with housekeeping, maintenance, and F&B departments to ensure seamless communication and coordination. Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates, new procedures, and address concerns, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Implemented innovative guest engagement strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in positive guest feedback and a TripAdvisor rating of 4.7 out of 5.

• Implemented a training program focused on enhancing staff's soft skills, resulting in improved guest interactions and a 25% reduction in guest complaints.

Example of achievement to add to a hospitality CV: 

• Hospitality student: Successfully organised and executed a campus-wide event, managing logistics, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring a seamless experience for over 200 attendees.

• Hospitality graduate: Spearheaded a team project during studies, developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to improve guest satisfaction scores in a simulated hotel environment, resulting in a 15% increase in positive feedback.

• Hotel chef: Elevated restaurant ratings by introducing a seasonal menu that received commendable reviews, contributing to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a notable boost in repeat business.

• Hotel receptionist: Implemented an efficient check-in system, reducing wait times by 30% and enhancing guest satisfaction scores. Recognized by management for exceptional service and attention to guest needs. 

• Food and beverage manager: Successfully streamlined inventory management procedures, reducing waste by 15% and optimising stock levels. Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising quality, resulting in a 10% increase in overall departmental profitability.

• Housekeeping: Implemented a comprehensive training program for housekeeping staff, resulting in a significant improvement in room cleanliness scores and a 25% reduction in guest complaints related to housekeeping services.

• Caterer: Coordinated and executed a high-profile corporate event, exceeding client expectations in both presentation and taste. Received positive client feedback, leading to repeat business and referrals.

For more examples, refer to how to list achievements on a CV.

No experience? No problem! If you have little to no experience, refer to our skills-based CV example. Below are examples of students and recent hospitality graduates in the UK.

Front Desk Receptionist, Hotel Langham, London, UK | 2022 - Present

Assisted guests with check-in and check-out procedures in a timely and friendly manner. Managed reservations and room assignments, ensuring accuracy and guest satisfaction. Handled guest inquiries and concerns professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain a positive guest experience. Collaborated with housekeeping and maintenance teams to ensure rooms were clean and properly maintained.

• Successfully managed a high volume of guest inquiries and concerns, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate based on guest feedback surveys.

• Implemented a streamlined check-in and check-out process, reducing waiting times by 20% and enhancing overall guest experience.

Food and Beverage Server, Hotel Langham, London, UK | 2022 - Present

Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced restaurant environment, taking orders and delivering meals with efficiency and accuracy. Demonstrated knowledge of menu items, including specials and dietary restrictions, to assist guests in making informed choices. Maintained cleanliness and organisation of dining areas, including setting tables and clearing dishes. Worked collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of food orders.

• Recognised as the "Employee of the Month" twice for consistently delivering exceptional service and receiving positive feedback from guests.

• Contributed to a 15% increase in restaurant revenue by upselling menu items and promoting special promotions effectively.

Housekeeping Assistant, Hotel Langham, London, UK | 2022 - Present

Supported housekeeping staff in cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public areas to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Efficiently organised cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring they were readily accessible for use. Responded promptly to guest requests for additional amenities or services, demonstrating a commitment to guest satisfaction. Assisted in inventory management and ordering of housekeeping supplies to ensure adequate stock levels were maintained at all times.

• Played a key role in maintaining a 95% cleanliness score on guest room inspections conducted by management.

• Implemented an inventory tracking system, reducing stock shortages by 25% and minimising wastage, resulting in cost savings for the department.

Alternatively, if you are switching careers and have an interest in food and beverage or perhaps travel and tourism, check out our article on how to write a career change CV for more tips.

Education and professional hospitality training on a CV

The UK is one of the world's top destinations for people who want to enter into a career in hospitality. Moreover, tourism is a major industry and contributor to the economy, with endless job opportunities. When it comes to including education or courses and certifications on a CV, it is important to have formal qualifications for more management positions.

Examples of hospitality training in the UK:

• SVQ Level 2 in Food and Beverage Service

• SVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

• SVQ Level 4 in Hospitality Management Skills

For introductory certificates in hospitality, refer to city and guilds where you will come across the below courses:

• Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Food & Beverage Service

• Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Food Preparation & Cooking

• Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Hospitality Services

You may also consider exploring qualifications within the hospitality industry, which provide detailed breakdowns of various certifications and their respective awarding bodies. This includes but is not limited to, apprenticeships offered by organisations such as City & Guilds.

• The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

• The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

• The Event Academy

• The Institute of Customer Service

• The City and Guilds of London Institute

Key takeaways

The UK is one of the world's top destinations for people who want to enter into a career in hospitality. Moreover, tourism is a major industry and contributor to the economy, with endless job opportunities. When it comes to including education or courses and certifications on a CV, it is important to have formal qualifications for more management positions.

• Organise the CV with clear and distinct sections for easy readability.

• Emphasise relevant work experience that aligns with the job you're applying for.

• Ensure a polished and error-free CV to make a strong first impression.

• Use concise and impactful language to showcase your skills and achievements.

• Tailor the CV to the specific job role, focusing on what makes you a perfect fit.

• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

Next steps?

Our professional CV templates are well-structured and can be easily recreated in our CV Builder. If you are seeking professional writing support, find out more about our CV Writing Services or refer to our extensive list of CV examples for inspiration.

FAQ

What qualification do you need for hospitality?

Entry-level positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Higher-level roles often benefit from relevant vocational qualifications, certificates, or degrees in hospitality management or related fields.

What is the level 4 hospitality qualification?

In the UK, a Level 4 qualification in hospitality typically refers to higher education qualifications such as an HNC (Higher National Certificate) or foundation degree in hospitality management.

What is the highest qualification in the hospitality industry?

The highest qualification often involves advanced degrees such as a Bachelor's or Master's in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related fields. Professional certifications and extensive industry experience also contribute to career advancement.

Where can I study hospitality in UK?

Numerous institutions in the UK offer hospitality courses, including universities, colleges, and vocational training centers. Examples include the University of Surrey, Oxford Brookes University, and the London School of Hospitality and Tourism.

Does hospitality pay well in the UK?

Salaries in the hospitality industry can vary widely. Entry-level positions may have modest pay, while managerial roles and positions in high-end establishments generally offer more competitive salaries. Tips and bonuses can also contribute to overall earnings if you are applying for a concierge job for example.

Is hospitality in demand in the UK?

The demand for hospitality jobs in the UK can fluctuate based on economic conditions and global events. Traditionally, the industry experiences periods of high demand, particularly in tourism hubs and major cities, creating opportunities for skilled professionals. However, it's important to stay updated on current market trends.

What are the different types of jobs in hospitality?

In the hospitality sector, diverse roles include hotel management, front desk staff, concierge services, food and beverage positions, event planners, and housekeeping staff. These professionals collaborate to provide guests with a seamless and enjoyable experience, ranging from check-ins to culinary services and event coordination. For a more detailed breakdown, refer to the below:

Food Services:

• Chef

• Waiter

• Cleaner

Service Management:

• Hotel Manager

• General Management

• Concierge

Housekeeping and Maintenance:

• Housekeeper

• Cleaner

• Security

• Maintenance

Culinary Arts:

• Baker

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Restaurant Manager

• Kitchen Assistant

Sales and Marketing:

• Sales and Marketing

• Hotel Manager

• General Management

• Concierge

Catering and Bar Services:

• Barista

• Bartender

• Receptionist

• Beauty Therapist

• Hotel Spa

• Catering

Technical and Support Roles:

• Handyman

• Electrician

• Consultant

• Plumber

Event Services:

• Wedding Planner

• Event Planner