Being that hotels are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is a need for both full-time and part-time employees. Many employees work at a hotel, motel, or lodge part-time in addition to their full-time job. Since a hotel is open 24/7, the need to hire workers at all times of the day opens up many positions (unlike regular 9-5 jobs). Hotel maids or housekeepers keep the hotel in a state of cleanliness at all times, which is extremely important to upholding a hotel's reputation. Bartenders are needed to serve drinks, hosts and hostesses are needed to greet guests as they arrive, waiters and waitresses are needed to serve food prepared by cooks and chefs, and doorkeepers must help people into their cars and call for taxis. General maintenance workers fix the general problems that may occur with the hotel's heating and cooling systems, sinks, and toilets. There are many jobs that are necessary to keep a hotel running smoothly and efficiently.
There are a few types of different hotels where part-time work can be available depending on the season and other factors. Extended-stay hotels usually acquire guests who stay for at least five consecutive nights and have full kitchens, living rooms, and Internet access. Those who stay are typically families who look to prolong their vacation time and those who are on long business trips. Resort hotels are usually located just off beautiful natural surroundings, such as mountains or beaches. They offer many luxury amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, and basketball or tennis courts. Since resort hotels are located in seasonal spots, the business for part-time hotel work will increase during the peak seasons. Casino hotels, where people can gamble any time they want, are also open 24/7. This can open many positions, such as part-time casino hotel black jack or poker dealer.
Education for part-time hotel jobs, for the most part, will include on-the-job training and learning as you go. Hotel clerks will learn from hotel employees who are more experienced and can guide them through the daily routine. Those who wish to advance their career into full-time from part-time may want to look into training in hospitality management. By taking hospitality courses you will be able to learn how to manage more effectively and understand financial statements, which can lead to upper management positions.
Those looking for part-time of even full-time work in the hotel profession should be able to handle many tasks at once, such as answering phone calls, checking in and checking out guests, providing general costumer service, bringing in fresh towels, and doing laundry if working in a smaller establishment. If tourists are looking for some type of entertainment or popular sites to see, some hotel clerks may suggest locations to visit and answer other detailed questions. Hotel clerks are responsible for reporting problems regarding the quality of the hotel rooms and relaying them to managers. Those who want a summer or seasonal job should be able to find work that requires no previous training, such as clerical work. Hotels can be a great start for those seeking their first official position because the tasks can be relatively simple and repetitive.
Earnings for part-time hotel employees will depend on many factors, such as the size of the hotel, type of hotel, location, and season. Luxury hotels on average will have high salaries for their employees because they provide many services and require hotel employees to have more responsibilities.
There are currently nearly 220,000 full- and part-time hotel employees, and this number is expected to increase up to nearly 260,000 over the next decade. The economy plays a role in the level of tourism that occurs. When the economy is thriving more people have the funds to go on trips, thus creating the need for more part-time hotel employees. Seasonal changes also affect the hiring of more or fewer part-time employees. Part-time employees may increase when business conventions take place, also.
Part-time hotel clerks can make between $16,000 and $22,000 per year. Those who work in upscale hotels can make up to $27,000 per year. Baggage handlers, or “bell boys,” may earn tips if the guests choose to reward them. Waiters and waitresses earn below minimum wage, and a large part of their salary is based on tips, so it's very important to be courteous when speaking with guests. Cooks and chefs on average have some of the highest earnings in the hotel because becoming a chef takes years of training and education, especially those in baking. Housekeepers also may receive tips when guests check out of their room. Customer service is vital to making sure that guests return to the hotel again for their future trips. Those who work the late shifts are usually compensated generously. Most non-managerial workers in the hotel industry make minimum wage.
Part-time work in a hotel is a great way to build your experience in the field and can lead you to more opportunities in the future.
