How to Become a Hotel Receptionist

Last Updated: December 23, 2022 References Approved

The hotel receptionist's role is vital, as they are essentially the face of the organization, being customer-facing and in charge of booking reservations. Gaining office administration experience and maintaining a professional attitude can help you to land a job as a hotel receptionist. Take hospitality courses and learn a new language to impress future employers, and show potential bosses that you will provide excellent customer service by maintaining a network of contacts who can refer to your skills.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Duties and Requirements

1
Understand the job description. While job duties will vary from hotel to hotel, there are certain responsibilities that all hotel receptionists are required to manage. These include handling reservations and cancellations, processing payments, answering guests' questions, taking messages, and answering the phone.
- This role requires you to be able to stay calm during stressful situations. Practice both your patience and your negotiating skills.
2
Prepare to work a variety of shifts. Working as a hotel receptionist will require you to work days, nights, weekends, and sometimes overnight. Be prepared to keep a flexible schedule.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Usually, the front desk is open 24/7, and this is one of the biggest cons of this position. If you don't feel like working in the middle of the night, the shifts can be quite unpleasant for you.
Advertisement
3
Get a well-balanced education. A minimum of a high school diploma will be required, and some college courses or a degree in hospitality will also help you to become a hotel receptionist. Learning a second language, especially one used by tourists in the location that you wish to work in, can be advantageous.
- Take English and communications classes that will provide you with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Take math and finance classes so that you are prepared to handle payments and money.
- Look for opportunities to take hospitality courses. Many community colleges and online schools offer classes in travel, tourism, and hotel management.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Experience and Skills

1
Obtain experience in office and front desk functions. Work as a receptionist or an office assistant in a professional setting. This will help you learn skills required of a hotel receptionist.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Getting experience managing a front desk can make you a valuable candidate for hire. Remain on good terms with former employers so that they can provide you with a recommendation.
- Answer phones, greet customers, organize paper and computer files, and get experience managing multiple administrative functions.
- Maintain a network of contacts. Stay in contact with higher-ups and terminate your employment on good terms with your employer so that they can give you a personal reference when you ultimately apply to a hotel receptionist role.
2
Sharpen your customer service skills. Working as a clerk in a retail setting, or a call center will give you the customer service experience that you need to become a hotel receptionist.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Provide answers to questions, resolve complaints, and maintain a cheerful, positive and professional attitude when dealing with customers.
3
Learn various types of computer software. Stay up-to-date with technology, since you may need to learn new computer programs quickly. Many hotels will use specific databases and online reservation systems. Master a variety of programs so that you can be prepared for any software scenario.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Learn how to use the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook. Become familiar with creating a spreadsheet of data, as data entry will be a key part of your job.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
4
Put together a resume that reflects your education and experience. Make sure that you have an objective section, which highlights your goal of becoming a hotel receptionist. Emphasize your strengths and any relevant skills. Use a sample resume to format the document correctly.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Be sure to proofread your document for spelling errors and be sure to use professional language throughout.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Resume and Application Process

1
Look for open receptionist positions online. Check online job search websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster and Indeed. You can perform a search using specific keywords such as "hotel receptionist" and choosing the city or state you want to work in.
2
Call hotels in your area. Call the front desk and ask whether they are hiring a receptionist. You may instead want to visit in person so that employees will be able to connect your face with your name.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Drop off your resume at local hotels where you would like to work. Ask to speak to the manager and introduce yourself. This will give you a chance to demonstrate your professional and positive attitude.
3
Apply for the job. Once you find a job, send a resume and a cover letter to the hiring manager. Your cover letter should express why you are interested in the receptionist role, and which assets you have that you would bring to the role. If you have previous experience working as an administrative assistant or receptionist, be sure to mention that in the cover letter.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Keep your cover letter limited to one typed page, as the employer has to read through many applications. Use positive and energetic language to convey your personality throughout.
4
Interview for the role. Wear professional clothes, and take note of what their current receptionist wears in order to maintain a consistent look. Hotels value their branding, so if the hotel uses specific colors in their logo and branding, wear those colors to the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your past experiences and your future goals with the company.
- Following the interview, send an email thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Hopefully, you will hear back within a week or two with news that you got the job.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I introduce myself?

Community Answer

A good way to introduce yourself over the phone would be, "Good morning/afternoon/evening. Thank you for choosing (name if hotel) in (city). My name is (name). How can I assist you?" In person you could just say, "Good morning/afternoon/evening. My name is (name). How can I assist you today?"
Question

How do I learn foreign English?

Community Answer

Foreign English is often very similar to local English, but varying accents, speaking speeds, and regional slang can often make it very hard to understand. Typically the best way to learn how to understand a foreign English variant is to associate with people that speak it, and try to listen carefully to how they speak.
Question

Do I need a diploma to become a receptionist?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. It's always an advantage when applying for a job, but usually work experience is enough.You should ask the company that you are applying to, directly.