How to Write a Hospitality CV That Gets You Hired


A hospitality CV is a tailored document that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements within the hospitality industry. Unlike a generic CV, it focuses on qualities such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These are key attributes that employers look for when hiring in restaurants, hotels, catering, and other service-led environments.

Your hospitality CV should present you as not just someone who can do the job, but someone who can enhance guest experiences, work effectively under pressure, and contribute positively to a team.



Why a Strong Hospitality CV Matters


The hospitality sector is competitive, with many candidates applying for the same roles. A well-structured CV helps you stand out by:

● Showcasing transferable skills like customer care and multitasking. ● Demonstrating adaptability across different hospitality environments. ● Highlighting achievements that prove your value, such as boosting guest satisfaction or increasing sales.


At 26 Recruitment, we know employers want to see more than just duties, they want evidence of impact. That’s why your CV needs to balance responsibilities with measurable results.



How to Write a Hospitality CV Step by Step


1. Start with a Strong Personal Profile


Your personal statement (also called a CV summary) should be a short paragraph at the top of your CV. Use it to introduce who you are, your career goals, and what makes you a strong candidate.

● Keep it 3–5 sentences. ● Mention hospitality-specific strengths (e.g., customer service, leadership, efficiency). ● Tailor it to the role you’re applying for.


Example:

“Enthusiastic hospitality professional with 5 years’ experience in high-end restaurants and hotels. Skilled at delivering exceptional customer service, managing busy shifts, and training new staff. Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while maintaining high standards.”



2. Highlight Key Skills

Employers in hospitality want to see relevant skills upfront. Include both soft skills and technical abilities.


Examples of skills to include:

● Customer service ● Team leadership ● Conflict resolution ● Food & beverage knowledge ● Health and safety compliance ● Multitasking under pressure



3. Detail Your Work Experience


List your work history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include:

● Job title ● Employer and location ● Dates of employment ● 3–5 bullet points outlining responsibilities and achievements

Example:

Front of House Supervisor | The Grand Hotel, London | Jan 2020 – Present


● Supervised a team of 10 in a 200-cover restaurant. ● Implemented a new reservation system, reducing wait times by 25%. ● Trained new staff on customer service standards, improving guest feedback scores.



4. Education and Training


Include your education, starting with the highest level achieved. If you’ve taken hospitality-related courses or certificates, such as Food Hygiene Level 2, Health & Safety, or Barista Training, make sure to list them.



5. Additional Sections to Consider


Languages: If you speak multiple languages, it’s a huge asset in hospitality.
Achievements & Awards: Include employee of the month, service excellence awards, or sales records.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering at events, festivals, or community centres can show teamwork and initiative.



Top Tips for Writing a Hospitality CV


● Tailor for each role: Adjust your CV to match the job description. ● Quantify results: Numbers make your CV stronger (e.g., “served 100+ guests per shift”). ● Keep it concise: Aim for 1–2 pages. ● Proofread: Typos can create a poor first impression. ● Use a professional format: Clean, simple, and easy to read.



Common Mistakes to Avoid


● Using the same CV for every job. ● Focusing only on duties, not achievements. ● Making the CV too long or too short. ● Forgetting to update contact details. ● Overloading with irrelevant information.



FAQs About Hospitality CVs


1. Should I include hobbies on a hospitality CV?

Yes, if they are relevant, for example, cooking, event planning, or languages.


2. How long should a hospitality CV be?

One to two pages is ideal.


3. Do I need a cover letter as well?

Yes, a cover letter tailored to the role helps employers see your personality and motivation.


4. Should I include references?

You can write “References available upon request” unless specifically asked to list them.


5. What’s the best format for a hospitality CV?

A simple, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points works best.


6. Can I apply without experience?

Yes, focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and reliability.



Conclusion


A well-written hospitality CV can open doors to exciting opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and beyond. By focusing on customer service skills, achievements, and tailored content, you can present yourself as the ideal candidate. At 26 Recruitment, we specialise in helping job seekers like you stand out. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, a strong CV is your first step towards success.

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