Hotel Management Resume: Tips And Downloadable Template
Landing a hotel management job starts with a standout resume that captures your skills and experience quickly. But crafting the perfect resume can be challenging, especially when trying to balance industry expectations with personal strengths.
I understand the pressure to make a great first impression, which is why I’ve compiled expert tips to help you shine. With years of experience in hotel management, I know what hiring managers look for, and I've created a downloadable template to get you started.
Let’s make your resume work as hard as you do!
What Is Hotel Management?
Hotel management is the process of running a hotel—which includes overseeing daily operations like making sure guests are happy, hiring hotel staff, keeping the hotel clean, handling bookings, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It also involves managing finances, marketing the hotel to attract guests, and making sure the hotel is profitable. Hotel managers focus on delivering a good experience for guests while keeping the business successful.
A hotel manager's salary may land anywhere from $38,135 to $102,353. The average salary is $60,694 USD.
10 Hotel Management Resume Tips & Tricks
Here are 10 expert tips to help make your hotel general manager resume stand out:
- Start with a strong summary – Begin with a brief paragraph about your skills, experience, and what makes you a great fit for hotel operations.
- Showcase leadership skills – Highlight any times you've managed teams, handled conflict, or led projects. Employers want leaders.
- Focus on guest satisfaction – Mention specific ways you’ve improved guest experiences, like increasing positive reviews or handling complaints well.
- Include key metrics – Use numbers to show your success, like increasing occupancy rates, reducing costs, or boosting guest satisfaction scores.
- Mention Software Skills – State any hotel management software that you are experienced in, plus the number of years of experience for each.
- Highlight problem-solving and other key hotel manager skills – Talk about situations where you solved problems, like managing a sudden rush of guests or fixing an operational issue.
- Use action words – Start bullet points with words like "led," "improved," "managed," and "increased" to make your experience sound more dynamic.
- Tailor your resume to the job – Adjust your resume for each job description by focusing on the specific skills and experience that match what they’re looking for.
- Include certifications and training – Mention any certifications or special training you’ve completed, like hospitality management courses or safety training.
- Keep it clean and simple – Use a clear layout, with easy-to-read fonts, bullet points, and enough white space to make it look professional and organized.
- Start to answer common hotel management interview questions before they are even asked - Speak to leadership, crisis management, marketing success, etc.
Hotel Management Resume Sample
Keeping those resume tips in mind, here is what one of many hotel management resume examples might look like. Or, jump right to the downloadable template below.
[Your Name]
[City, State] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Experienced hotel manager with 7+ years in hospitality management. Proven track record in boosting guest satisfaction, increasing occupancy rates, and streamlining operations to reduce costs. Skilled at leading teams, problem-solving, and ensuring top-notch guest experiences. Seeking to bring my leadership and operational skills to [Hotel Name].
Work Experience
Hotel Manager
Sunrise Hotel, New York, NY | June 2020 – Present
- Led a team of 50+ staff, resulting in a 20% increase in guest satisfaction ratings over two years.
- Increased occupancy rate by 15% through strategic marketing and event planning.
- Reduced operational costs by 10% by implementing new vendor contracts and optimizing inventory.
- Handled guest complaints and resolved issues promptly, improving overall guest experience.
Assistant Hotel Manager
Ocean Breeze Resort, Miami, FL | March 2016 – May 2020
- Supervised daily operations, including front desk, housekeeping, and food services.
- Managed special events and conferences, leading to a 25% increase in event bookings.
- Implemented staff training programs that improved service quality and guest interactions.
- Worked closely with the marketing team to promote seasonal offers, raising revenue by 18%.
Front Desk Supervisor
Seaside Inn, Orlando, FL | May 2013 – February 2016
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring smooth check-ins and guest services.
- Trained new front desk staff and improved overall team efficiency by 15%.
- Resolved guest complaints quickly and efficiently, leading to a 5-star rating increase on review platforms.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida | 2013
Certifications
- Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) – American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
- First Aid & Safety Training – Red Cross
Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Guest satisfaction and conflict resolution
- Operational efficiency
- Budgeting and cost control
- Event planning and coordination
- Sales and marketing strategies
- Multitasking and time management
This template can be tailored to specific job applications, and it follows a clear structure that highlights key skills and accomplishments.
Hotel Management Resume Download
You can download our hotel management resume here. Don’t forget to make a copy and save it to your own Google Drive! You can also find generic resume templates around the web and tailor them to your needs.
5 Key Things To Include In A Hotel Management Cover Letter
Cover letters should be unique to you, truly showing off your personality in a way that pops. So instead of a generic template, here are my best cover letter writing tips:
Tailor it to the Job
It's important to customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. Don't send the same letter to every company. Instead, read the job description carefully and mention specific skills or experiences that match what the company is looking for. This shows you're paying attention and that you truly want the job, not just any job.
Showcase Key Achievements
Your cover letter is a chance to highlight your best achievements. Think about past jobs or projects where you made a big impact and share those stories. This will help you stand out by showing how you’ve used your skills in real situations, rather than just listing them. Keep it relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Keep It Concise
A cover letter shouldn't be long. One page is enough to get your point across. Focus on the most important things you want the employer to know about you. Avoid long sentences or unnecessary information. The hiring manager should be able to quickly read and understand why you're a good fit for the job.
Express Enthusiasm
Make sure your cover letter shows you're genuinely excited about the job and the company. Mention why you're interested in working there, whether it's the company culture, the industry, or a specific project they’re working on. Showing enthusiasm can make a big difference because it lets employers know you’re serious about joining their team.
Include a Call to Action
At the end of your cover letter, invite the employer to take the next step. Let them know you're available for an interview and looking forward to discussing how you can contribute to their team. This adds a confident touch and encourages the employer to contact you.
Become A Better Hotel Management Candidate
How do you become the best hotel manager candidate? Continuous learning and keeping up with the latest trends are my best advice to hotel management candidates looking to sharpen up their skills. Here are some suggestions:
- Get a hospitality management degree to have official, on-paper qualifications if you don’t already
- Read books about hotel management to learn tips and tricks from experts in the industry
- Listen to hospitalist podcasts, which often keep abreast of the very latest trends and news across the hotel industry
- Attend hospitality conferences to network with people and companies you might one day work for or with
- Join hospitality communities online or in your area to network with folks, as well as get and give advice
- Sign up for hospitality newsletters, starting with the newsletter for the hotel you are applying to to show you’re a keener
FAQ: Getting A Job In Hotel Management
Here are some common questions many have when looking for a job in hotel management.
What skills do I need to become a hotel manager?
To have a successful career in hotel management, you need strong management skills and the ability to handle multiple hotel departments like front office, guest relations, and food and beverage services. Key soft skills such as interpersonal communication, customer service skills, and decision-making are also critical. Additionally, hard skills in areas like financial management and revenue management are important for maintaining hotel profitability.
What should I include in my hotel management resume?
Your resume should focus on your relevant skills and experiences that align with the hotel industry. Include sections like a resume summary, a detailed experience section with your job titles and responsibilities, and a skills section that highlights both soft skills (like teamwork) and hard skills (like managing hotel revenue). Be sure to list your education, especially if you attended a hospitality-focused institution like Cornell University.
How do I optimize my resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
To ensure your resume gets through applicant tracking systems (ATS), use relevant keywords such as “hotel manager position,” “revenue management,” and “customer satisfaction.” Tailoring your resume format to include industry-specific terms will improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and potential employers.
What experience is necessary to become a hotel manager?
Many hotel manager resume examples highlight experience across various areas of hotel operations, such as managing hotel departments like guest relations or front office. It’s also essential to have experience in driving profitability and improving customer satisfaction. If you’ve worked in the hospitality industry, make sure to showcase your achievements, especially in roles that involve managing staff or growing hotel revenue.
What is the best way to search for hotel management jobs?
When searching for hotel management jobs, focus on using a resume builder that aligns with the requirements of the hospitality industry. Leverage professional networks and job search platforms that specialize in the field. Also, keep your eye on job boards that recruiters commonly use to find candidates with experience in hotel departments, guest relations, and revenue management.
Do I need to speak multiple languages for hotel management?
While not always required, knowing multiple languages such as Spanish or English can be a big advantage in hotel management, especially in international or tourist-heavy areas. Being able to communicate with a diverse guest base can significantly improve customer service and guest relations.
How important is financial knowledge in hotel management?
Understanding financial management and revenue growth is crucial for hotel managers. You’ll be responsible for the hotel’s profitability, which includes managing budgets, forecasting, and driving revenue management strategies to ensure the hotel operates efficiently while meeting financial goals.
What role does customer service play in hotel management?
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of hotel management. Ensuring positive guest relations, handling customer complaints effectively, and delivering excellent customer service are all key responsibilities. The ability to maintain high levels of guest satisfaction often determines a hotel’s success and reputation
What Next?
Don't forget to browse around the site for more great hotel management tips, templates, and tools. Plus, join The Hotel GM newsletter for expert tidbits sent right to your inbox!
