"I enjoy working under pressure and having a lot of responsibility. You meet loads of interesting people and its great when someone comes up to you and says they have had a really good time."

Hotel Receptionist My name is Jonny and I worked for a 5* hotel in Leeds. I enjoy my job as it is varied with lots of different duties to do. One day it could be lifeguard duties the next day fitness instructing. I get to know a lot of people and generally have a good time. When you work in the hotel industry you get a lot of personal benefits, the companies offer cheap weekends, you can work abroad or around the country. There is a variety of in house training, which has improved my CV and keeps my qualifications up to date. I am keen to continue with education and plan to go to University to study Sport, Fitness, and Diet & Nutrition. I'd like to get promoted to a fitness leader and then move to a bigger more professional gym. Eventually one day I’d like to own my own personal training company.

A Day in the Life

When on an early shift at the hotel I get up a 6am and arrive at work at 6.45. No I’m not really an early morning person but once behind the desk I really enjoy dealing with people and it makes it worth while. At 10.30am I also get Breakfast another perk of an early morning start!

After the morning rush I go through the reports and tidy up – it’s important to know our customers, who they are and when they are arriving so we can be fully prepared and welcome them to the hotel.

Lunch is served in the staff hotel restaurant and meals are all free of charge – a great opportunity to catch up with friends in other departments.

After lunch it is time to close audits and count any takings before the next shift starts. I then handover and ensure messages are passed on and customer requirements are noted so that can have an enjoyable stay with us!

Background and Training

I originally came from Birmingham and came to Leeds to study tourism management at HND level. Whilst at University I did a placement year working in a hotel in Zimbabwe where I got my first taste of the hospitality industry and I’ve never looked back!

I enjoy dealing with people and working in a team. Yes, there are times when it is stressful but when you have helped a customer and they leave happy, it is very rewarding.

There are great training opportunities – in fact I’ve just completed a first aid course – so now I’m a first aider in the hotel and I am someone who never used to like the sight of blood!

Career Progression

I would like one day to be a front of house manager working my way up to revenue manager.

Who knows if it will still be in Leeds as there are always transfer opportunities in this country and abroad – that’s what is great about working for an international company.

Qualifications Needed

No set minimum qualification although a good general education is expected. Maths and English are useful as is a foreign language.

Most hotel receptionists start with higher qualifications and relevant practical experience.

Qualities Needed

Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong sense of team work.