10 Key Hospitality Skills to Stand Out and Impress Your Employer

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, standing out is essential for success. The industry evolves every year, making it more important than ever to offer a blend of technical and soft skills. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance, mastering skills in the hospitality industry can make a lasting impression on current and future employers.

To help you succeed in the competitive world of hospitality, we’ve outlined the top 10 hospitality skills that can help you shine in your resume and career. These skills are crucial for excelling in customer-focused industries and can make all the difference when applying to hospitality roles, including those at Westgate Resorts.

Top 10 Hospitality Skills for Your Resume

Showing off those hospitality skills on your resume is vital for several reasons, it demonstrates your ability to excel in a customer-focused industry and helps you stand out to potential employers.

Now, let's break down what those skills actually are.

1. Problem-Solving

Across a plethora of hospitality roles, problem-solving skills help to set you up for success. 

When you’re well-equipped to solve any problem that comes your way, you can handle unexpected situations with ease. 

No matter if you’re in Sales, Marketing, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, or any other department, problem-solving skills mean you help keep the work environment positive and the guest experience top-tier. 

Employers value employees who can handle unexpected situations with ease, making problem-solving one of the most important hospitality skills.

2. Customer Service

At Westgate Resorts, customer service is at the heart of everything we do. 

Exceptional customer service not only helps retain guests but also boosts the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat business. By delivering top-notch service, you'll foster lasting relationships with guests and create memorable experiences.

3. Communication

Written and verbal communication is a big part of what we do at Westgate Resorts; it’s how the wheels keep turning and we get stuff done! It’s essential for success in hospitality.

Solid communication skills facilitate clear, effective interactions with guests and team members. Mastering this skill minimizes misunderstandings and contributes to seamless operations.

4. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is vital when you work in hospitality because it ensures every aspect of a guest’s experience is managed from the moment they step through the door. 

Whether it's noticing small issues before they escalate or ensuring every aspect of a guest’s stay exceeds expectations, this skill is a must-have. Small details can make a big difference in customer satisfaction, so perfecting this skill will set you apart in the industry.

5. Multitasking

What do you think of when you picture a hospitality setting? Most likely a fast-paced work environment with a lot going on.

When you’ve got a fantastic team behind you, they help every workday fly by, but multitasking is another skill that will ensure your success in this industry. 

When you’re skilled in multitasking, you can manage multiple tasks at once and maintain high standards, even in busy situations.

6. Teamwork

Strong teamwork is essential in hospitality. 

Working together as a cohesive unit allows you to meet shared goals, solve problems quickly, and ensure a smooth guest experience. Positive teamwork fosters a supportive and enjoyable work environment, leading to better performance and job satisfaction.

7. Cultural Awareness

Maybe this isn’t a skill per se, but we’ve included this quality because when you’re working in hotels and resorts, cultural awareness is key.

Understanding and respecting cultural differences enables you to provide more personalized, respectful service to guests from all backgrounds. Cultural sensitivity also promotes inclusivity in the workplace, creating a more welcoming environment for both employees and guests.

8. Leadership

We’ve got a lot of different leadership opportunities within Westgate. Stepping into one of these roles means you’re going to need to know a thing or two about leading a team. 

Effective leadership fosters a positive work environment, helps navigate challenges, and gives you the chance to inspire and train your team. Leadership in hospitality also involves coaching and mentoring team members to ensure everyone works toward a common goal.

9. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) helps in every aspect of life, not just when you work in hospitality! It enables you to connect with guests and colleagues on a deeper level, so you can understand their emotions. 

This skill helps you navigate difficult situations, empathize with others, and resolve conflicts in a way that creates a more positive and harmonious atmosphere. EQ is especially valuable in hospitality, where customer satisfaction is paramount.

10. Sales

It may be an overlooked skill when you initially think of hospitality, but having some sales skills under your belt will help you across different departments. 

Whether it’s upselling in Food and Beverage or working directly in Sales and Marketing, having a solid understanding of sales techniques can increase revenue and contribute to business growth. Sales skills can enhance your prospects, whether you’re working directly in a sales role or in another capacity.

Expand Your Hospitality Skills at Westgate Resorts

Well, there you have it, the top 10 hospitality skills that will wow your employer!

Why not take what you’ve learned and apply it to working with Westgate Resorts? Browse our available jobs today to enhance your resume hospitality skills and advance your career!