How to Create a Hospitality CV

How do you create a hospitality CV that will stand out from the rest?

Applying for hospitality or events jobs can be a time-consuming process. You are competing with many other passionate hospitality professionals who want the same job just as much as you. To get you started, here are a few tips on how to create a hospitality CV.
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1. Layout is the key
The first thing a potential employer notices when they pick up your resume will be the layout. So think about it – is your CV hard to read? Are there too many colours and strange fonts on it? Is the font too small? Fancy formatting just clutters your CV, and one that is too difficult to read will more often than not go straight into the ‘no’ pile. It’s also important to remember to keep it short, no more than 2-3 pages and always send it in a PDF format.

2. Check your contact details
It seems obvious, doesn't it? But ensuring that you have included your correct contact details is a must, especially if you are applying for a job while on a working holiday visa. Ensure your Australian phone number and email are easy to find at the top of your CV. 

3. What about a photo?
Including a profile shot on a resume is a debatable topic. Some employers agree that a photo is included while others debate that it's not necessary. Including one is completely up to you as a candidate, but when applying for hospitality or event jobs it’s important to remember that you are applying to work in an industry where presentation is a priority, so make sure if you do include a photo it is a professional looking pic.

4. Paint a picture
Your resume should read like a story of your experience, so it needs a logical start and finish. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards. Make sure the dates of your previous roles are listed and where appropriate, explain any lengthy absences from the workforce. It helps to continually update your experience and skills on your resume, even if you are not currently undertaking a job search. That way when the time comes to find a new role, most of the hard work will already be done. 

5. Qualify your experience
Having an RSA is a must when working in any hospitality or events role, so make sure this is listed on your resume. In addition to this must have, if you have completed any courses (from a university course to a cocktail or coffee making class), or if a previous employer provided specific training around customer service, guest relations or even specific product training then reference those too. Not only does it shows you are committed to learning more about the industry, but it may set you apart from the rest.

6. Honesty is the best policy
When it comes to applying for frontline positions, honesty is the best policy. Do not state on your resume that you were a headwaiter, supervisor or team leader when you weren’t. Embellishing on your previous experience may seem like a necessary shortcut to secure the role you are applying for, but there are consequences if you do this - especially when the recruiter or employer asks you (and they will!) specific questions about this experience that you won't be able to answer. You are better off keeping it real and being transparent about your aspirations to progress when you reach the interview stage.

7. Attention to Detail
Checking your spelling and grammar seems like another obvious step, doesn’t it? But it’s the one thing that is often overlooked. Reviewing your work is an important step to take, especially if you list one of your skills as "attention to detail" and then don't take this critical step. Spell checking is not always a reliable source, so have a friend look over it for you - two sets of eyes are better than one!

8. Check your social profile
If a potential employer were to look at your Facebook wall right now, what would they see? Checking your social media account is something that not all aspiring hospitality staff will think to do, but let's not forget that 94% of recruiters use social media in their recruitment efforts. If you have LinkedIn, check that you have your correct details and have an appropriate and professional headshot. Do you have Facebook or Instagram? Then take some time to consider what the photos on your wall say about you.