Is a Career Change into Hospitality Right for You?

Are you currently not happy with your job and thinking about a new direction for your career? Many people find themselves looking for a role that involves a lot more human interaction and like to work in a faster-paced environment. 

Making a move into the service sector is a big decision, but it is one that can be hugely rewarding and satisfying. If you are someone who gets a buzz out of making people happy and thrives under pressure, you might find that you are ready to switch roles and join the energy the hospitality industry brings. 

Understanding the World of Hospitality

Hospitality is more than just serving food or drink or checking guests into their rooms. It is an industry that thrives on providing excellent experiences and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. 

When you are looking through hospitality jobs, there is a huge variety of opportunities. Including hotel management, event planning, front of house service, housekeeping and so on. 

Unlike some industries where you might feel stuck in one position for years, hospitality offers a clear route for those who want to lead and grow. Lots of people start in waiting and bar roles, and over the years, can work themselves into a management role. 

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

One of the best things about moving into a new industry is discovering how many skills can be transferred. Even if you have spent your time working as a retail assistant, you have developed many skills that are perfect for working in hospitality. For example, being able to communicate well, dealing with complaints in the right way, or even handling transactions are all skills which are highly valued. Your experience with stock management and maintaining high standards on the shop floor translates directly to keeping a restaurant or hotel running smoothly. 

You already understand the importance of being punctual and reliable, which are two of the most important traits any employer looks for. If you can stay calm when things get busy and keep a smile on your face, you are already halfway to success.

The Importance of People Skills

Every successful service business is a team of people who are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about their guests' experience. If you are a natural at reading a person's mood and offering help before they even ask, you will thrive in the industry. 

Communication skills aren’t just about talking, it involves listening to what a guest needs and finding a way to make it happen. If you go above and beyond for your guests, not only will it feel good to have made their experience special, but they will also no doubt give you a little shoutout or might leave a great review. This human element is what makes the industry so rewarding, as you get to see the immediate positive impact of your hard work on someone’s day.

Practical Steps to Make the Switch

If you are ready to take the next step, the best thing to do is look at your current experience and consider how that aligns with the roles you are looking for. You might decide to look for an entry-level position to get a feel for it and work your way up, or you might look at your skills and think you are confident enough to apply for a supervisory role. 

It is a good idea to refresh your CV to highlight your customer service achievements and your ability to work well as part of a team. Using a specialist site like Switch Roles can help you find employers who value your specific background and are looking for fresh talent.

Why Now is a Great Time to Join

The service industry is always looking for motivated individuals who are ready to work and willing to learn. Within the industry, there is a great sense of community as you are all working very hard to achieve the same end goal: guest satisfaction.

Some people find that the flexibility of the hours can often suit their lifestyle rather than the usual 9-5. Whether you are looking for retail assistant jobs or you want to jump straight into hospitality jobs, there has never been a better time to explore what is out there.

If you are excited about the prospect of a new challenge and want to find a workplace where your personality can shine, a career in hospitality could be the perfect fit. Take some time to research different brands and see which ones align with your values and your career goals.

Looking for your next big move? Check out our latest hospitality vacancies and see where your skills can take you.