The hospitality industry had 2.8 million jobs in 2024, constituting almost 7.5% of jobs in the UK. Also, the demand for hospitality workers has soared considerably in recent years. With a strong and competitive market, it has become even more necessary for applicants to write and design effective CVs and hotel job cover letters that will surely grab the employer’s attention. In this blog, we will bring to light how to write a cover letter for hotel jobs. We will also provide cover letter examples for various hospitality departments.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Hotel Job?
An effective hospitality cover letter should be written following this definitive format:
Header
Highlighting the cover letter header is essential as it is the first thing the hiring manager will see once they pick up your application. This section at the top must contain:
- Your Name
- Contact Information (Phone number, Email address, LinkedIn, or other relevant social media accounts)
- Though it is not mandatory to include your full address, you can include a city location if you wish
Greeting
Using the hiring manager’s full name in the cover letter greeting or salutation for the hospitality role or any other job is always preferable to establish a personal connection. However, this is often not possible in the case of a large organization. In that case, you can use phrases like “Dear (Company Name) HR Department” or “Dear (Hotel Name) Manager.”
Introduction
The cover letter introduction is the first few sentences with which you begin the application. This section should be engaging, energetic, and unputdownable to convince the hotel management that you are worth their time. In this part, you can include points like:
- How you have created memorable experiences for guests.
- Showcase all your impressive skills and experiences as a hospitality professional.
- The reason behind your passion for the hospitality industry.
Body
While writing a cover letter body, you can elaborate on your hospitality skills and hands-on experience. You can focus on your previous hospitality position and extensive experience. If you are changing your domain or department, focus on and add transferrable skills relevant to the job role you are applying for.
Conclusion
The best cover letter for a hospitality position should always end on a positive note and a call to action. This encourages the hotel manager or the hiring authority to get in touch and increases your chance of being called down for an interview. The gesture is polite and implies that you are looking forward to the possibility of working in their hotel.
Sign Off
An application for hotel job must end with a polite and respectful sign-off. Words like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” are good options. Your full name should follow it.
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What Essential Skills & Qualities to Add in Hotel Job Cover Letters?
A letter for application for employment in a hotel should include specific skills that are crucial for hospitality work:
Customer Service
The hospitality industry is all about customer service and guest experience. Thus, while writing a hospitality cover letter, you must use specific examples where you have tackled situations and gone above and beyond to satisfy a guest. This will show potential employers within the hospitality industry why you are perfect for the job role.
Team Player
Hospitality operations entirely depend on teamwork. From the hotel front desk manager position to the chef in the kitchen, everybody must collaborate to ensure smooth operations. You can mention how you have helped a colleague or have worked as part of a team to fulfil your role in the hospitality industry.
Attention to Details
Job roles in hospitality and tourism require keen eyes and attention to detail. Whether noticing a guest’s preferences and customising their experience accordingly or ensuring that an event runs smoothly, being detail-oriented can make a big difference. Different hospitality roles have different responsibilities, but be it a manager or housekeeping, attention to detail is one of the skills that must be included in your letter.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
The hospitality industry can be fast-paced and overwhelming at times. This happens especially during festive and holiday seasons. Customize your cover letter to include situations where you have stayed calm yet delivered excellent service. This will reassure employers that you can handle the job’s demands.
Passion for Hospitality Industry
Just a degree in hospitality management is not enough anymore. Ensure your cover letter highlights how passionate you are about the industry. It should also show that you have updated knowledge about all the industry trends. You can do this by mentioning how you’ve adapted to changes in the industry and how they align with the hotel’s goals.
What are the Tips to Create an Effective Cover Letter?
It is not necessary to write a cover letter or application for a hotel job. In fact, not every hospitality job requires it. Yet, it is important to remember that cover letters for hotel jobs give you a space to provide extra details about yourself, like your experiences and skills. It sends a clear message to your employer that you are a potential and hardworking employee who is not reluctant to go that extra mile and is dedicated to the position.
Here are some tips for drafting an effective yet simple cover letter for hotel jobs:
Read Job Description
The primary step to drafting an effective letter is carefully reading the job description. Some job descriptions are intricately detailed and thus help you understand what the job requires you to do. This not only gives you a clear vision regarding the job role but also assists you in adding details and specifics about yourself that are relevant to the role.
Proofread Your Cover Letter
Grammatical errors and typos constitute a significant turndown regarding letters, CVs, or professional documents. The best cover letter for job vacancy in a hotel is always one that has no errors and is easy to read. Having a second or third opinion is always better, so getting it read by friends and family is always recommended to ensure easy readability and avoid silly mistakes.
Keep it Concise
Another important thing to keep in mind is that numerous cover letters for a job vacancy in a hotel are received. The employer has to go through them all to select the best candidate. Thus, keeping the letters brief and to the point is preferable. It should only be a few paragraphs long. This grabs the employer’s attention and makes it engaging to read.
Provide Examples
Providing examples means adding experience and real-life examples that you have previously encountered while working in the hospitality industry. This portrays a clear vision of why you are suitable for the role. Take into account a few valuable instances and write a concise and practical summary in your letter for any vacant position in a hotel.
What are the Basic Mistakes to Avoid in a Cover Letter for Hotel Job Application?
If you can avoid making these specified mistakes, your letter will stand out and grab the interview you have been dreaming about.
- Avoid writing a generic letter and, instead, customize it for every company and role you apply for. Hiring managers do not see copy-paste letters on a positive note. Also, avoid using common phrases.
- Your appearance plays an integral part in the hospitality industry. Similarly, your letter for a hospitality job is how you communicate with your employer. Therefore, ensure it is professionally designed and formatted.
- Do not forget to highlight relevant skills, including communication skills, problem-solving skills and maintaining a positive and friendly demeanour. These skills in cover letter impacts it positively.
- Do not neglect your cover letter for hospitality. It is a common trait of candidates to focus only on the resume. However, this letter is your chance to make a solid and positive impact and prove you are the perfect fit for the role.
Cover Letter Examples for Hotel Jobs with Zero Experience
Creating a cover letter with no experience can be tricky. Still, it is an opportunity to highlight:
- Coursework
- Extracurricular activities suitable for a career in hospitality.
- Relevant Skills
- Internships
Moreover, applicants can express strong interest in the hospitality industry and specific companies. It showcases their motivation and dedication. See the below sample cover letter for hotel job with no experience.
Cover Letter for Hotel Job Example: Various Departments
Front Office Jobs
Get clearer ideas from these hotel receptionist cover letter examples.
You can check out these hotel porter cover letter examples.
House Keeping Roles
Also, read our hospitality staff cover letter examples.
Food Production Jobs
Food And Beverages
Recommended Reading: Waitress Cover Letter Example.
Want to apply for the hotel manager position? Check these cover letters for hotel manager.
Range of Salary within the Hospitality Sector
The average salary for a hospitality team member in the UK is around £443 per week. However, this can increase with experience in the hospitality industry or a proper degree in hospitality.
The average hourly pay for hospitality jobs in the UK ranges from around £12 for front desk staff to £17.48 for chefs.
Here are some other average salaries for hospitality jobs in the UK:
- Hospitality management: The average salary in London is £52,206 per year, with an estimated additional pay of £6,867 per year.
- Recruitment Department: The average salary is around £19,169 per year.
- General Hospitality Manager: The average salary is around £62,964 per year.
Benefits that Hospitality Staff Enjoy
Some of the top benefits of hospitality jobs are:
- Fair salary
- Holiday entitlement
- Training and Development Sessions
- Flexible hours
- Mentoring
- Bonus or Tips.
Moreover, as domestic tourism increases, the hospitality industry is expected to grow by 12% by 2025.
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