1. Make yourself stand out

The key to securing a job is to be prepared!  The early bird catches the worm, so get busy!  Getting a job can often be extremely competitive and no job will just be handed to you.  It is important to try and maximise your chances in as many ways as you can.  Have a standout CV, introduce yourself in the right way, prepare for interviews properly.  Set your goals and work to achieve them!

There are several things that you can do now to prepare properly to give yourself the edge and the best chance to capitalise on the opportunities that will present themselves.  Putting a little extra effort consistently across all parts of the process can add up and really make the difference for you.

Your CV is an especially important tool that will be key to unlocking doors on your career journey.  A good CV, prepared the right way, can get you noticed.  These summer opportunities will be snapped up by those who can demonstrate that they have the skills, qualities, and attitude to succeed.

Tailoring your CV to the Tourism and Hospitality sector means trying to look at it from the employer’s perspective.  Tourism and Hospitality employers will be looking for young people who they feel are suited to work in their business.  It will help if you can demonstrate that

-          You are good with people? 

-          You have the right attitude?

-          You can work as part of a team? 

-          You have some relevant experience?

-          You understand the importance of customer service?

-          Your education might be relevant to the sector?

Try to make your CV as professional looking as you can.  Rather than a simple word document, use graphic design templates found on free programs like Canva to make yours stand out from your competitors.

Do not settle for just emailing your CV around or dropping it in to reception.  Go out and deliver them in person which will make a much better impression.  Dress up smart, take your CV with you and ask nicely if you could speak to the manager/owner.  Give your best smile, introduce yourself and tell them that you are keen and available for work.  Ask would they mind if you left your CV and then thank them for their time.  This is a great opportunity to leave a positive impression and gain another potential advantage 

Many people get nervous around the idea of an interview- this is understandable.  However, preparation is key and the better prepared you are the more you might be able to control your nerves.  Give yourself the best chance at interview by researching the business- What new developments has there been?  What are their strengths?  Practice questions that you feel you may be asked.  Enlist the help of someone you trust to grill you and give honest feedback on your answers.  Be on time, look smart at interview and try to be authentically you. Be confident, what is the worst that can happen?

4. Covering all angles!

• Check out our Live Jobs section on TourismCareers which will also highlight job opportunities in your own area.
• If you’re in college, make sure you know where your college is posting jobs – it might be on the website or on their social media account.  Go to the Careers Office if you are not sure and get their advice.
• If you know of local tourism and hospitality businesses in your area, check their social media accounts or just drop in with your CV.
• Use the Job Search function on Facebook to find jobs in your location; there are many job categories to choose including Restaurant & Food Service and Travel & Hospitality
• Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and don’t be afraid to reach out – this will benefit you now and further into your career.

There are so many benefits for young people when securing a job.

Work experience adds huge value to your CV- future employers like to see this that you have worked and will really value the experience that you can bring.

You will greatly improve your people and communication skills.  These skills are more commonly known as ‘soft’ skills.  Countless studies have shown that these are THE most important skills required for the jobs of the future.  The Tourism & Hospitality sector is a fantastic space to meet new people.  You will have the opportunity to greatly broaden your own network.  ‘Networking’ is such an important part of your career journey.  Doing a good job will ensure that your employer will have a good word on you which will help secure promotions or favourable references.  Giving care and attention to the people you come across can also help to open future doors for you- people notice these things!  You never know who you might impress and how it could pay off down the line. 

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