How to Become a Hotel Desk Clerk

The desk clerk position is a front door into the larger hotel and hospitality industry. As the face of the hotel, a hotel desk clerk has a the responsibility of ensuring that a guest's first impression of the hotel is a good one. Because of the experience this builds, many find it to be the beginning of a career in the industry. Follow a few steps to become a hotel desk clerk.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Brush up on clerical and customer service skills and experience. While many hotels will hire hotel desk clerks on the basis of appearance and the ability to interact with people, having good typing, phone and clerical skills will greatly increase your chances of getting a good job. If you have no experience with customer service, think about doing a short course at a community college to learn some of the basics.

2. Search for a position in hotel growth markets. Although you might find openings in local hotels and motels, if you really want to maximize the opportunity as a hotel clerk, you should look to hot hotel markets. Las Vegas, New York and parts of California see extensive annual growth in the hotel industry and hotel desk clerk position openings.

3. Turn to the American Hotel and Lodging Association for resources. The AHLA can give you valuable information about new hotels, markets and opportunities. Also, contact The Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association for advice and educational resources about how to become a hotel desk clerk.

4. Be prepared for a cyclical industry. Hotels are sensitive to cyclical economic trends and often have to let go of people or reduce hours during slow periods. Because of this you should distinguish yourself as hotel desk clerk and also consider jobs for the off seasons in case you need to supplement your income.

Resources

• American Hotel and Lodging Association

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