Hotel receptionist

Are you a friendly, organised person who excels at customer service? If so, a career as a hotel receptionist may be perfect for you.

You'll take bookings and give guests the keys to their room when they arrive. People will come to you for advice about the hotel's facilities and services. For example, guests may ask you where breakfast is served or when the gym is open.

A hotel receptionist must always be friendly and professional. You'll often look after several areas at once, so you need to stay calm under pressure.

You'll work as part of a team and may be responsible for one specific area. For example, you may be in charge of managing telephone reservations or guest check-outs.

Your tasks might include:

• dealing with bookings made online, by phone or face-to-face

• helping guests check in and check out.

• allocating rooms and giving guests their keys, telling them about facilities and services they may be interested in

• dealing with special requests from guests, like booking theatre tickets or storing valuable items

• handling complaints and comments from guests when they arise

• taking messages and passing them on to guests

In smaller hotels, your duties may extend to other tasks such as showing guests to their rooms and serving drinks in the bar.

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