The hospitality industry of Indian is a paramount juncture witnessing exponential growth field by rising domestic demand, international travel and a boom in luxury and boutique hotels. The demand for talent professionals has never been this great; traditionally, the backbone of recruitment in the Indian hospitality industry was formal education degrees, diplomas from well-known institutions like IIHM, IHM and other hospitality schools - all these have been considered as a gold standard to enter the hospitality industry. 

But is this a conventional pathway, the most effective? With guests' needs evolving and demands becoming personalised, and with experience-driven services rising, a question arises: Do only degrees guarantee hospitality excellence? Or should demonstrable skills and real-world competencies have greater weight in recruitment decisions? 

While traditional degrees still hold value, skill-based hiring is getting traction in the Indian hotel industry and is likely to become prominent in future. Is it time for the Indian hospitality industry to shift its hiring lens from degrees to skills? Can skill-based hiring transform how Indian hoteliers recruit, train and retain talent? 

With Foodism Connect, let’s explore the answers to these questions, which can reshape the future of the hotel industry in India. 

What is skill-based hiring, and why is it relevant in the Indian hotel industry?

It is the skill-based recruiting which is a practice of evaluating candidates based primarily on their abilities, practical expertise and competencies over formal degree or qualification. In an industry where guest satisfaction, hands-on performance and interpersonal skills are paramount, skill-based hiring practices can directly impact the service quality and profitability. 

Let’s know how much the Indian hospitality industry is ready to embrace this shift. Can skill-based hiring companies provide better matches for the demands of the Indian hospitality sector? 

Why should Indian hoteliers prioritise skills over degrees? 

It is important to understand the reason why skills are important than degrees - 

• Skills are developed through experience and hence can immediately be applied to real-life situations. Unlike theoretical knowledge that requires translation out of the books!
• Focusing on sharpening skills opens doors for a diverse talent pool, irrespective of limiting the hiring process based on the candidate’s educational background. 
• With better skills, candidates will be able to keep up with the ever-evolving Indian hospitality industry with their capability of continuous learning. 
• Employees hired based on their skills over qualification tend to engage more in their work with better communication, empathy and problem-solving abilities. 

Are global trends already signifying trends of skill-based over degrees?

Yes, global trends are indicating a shift towards skill-based hiring alongside a diminished focus towards traditional degrees. The trend is driven by the growing recognition of practical skills and expertise in today’s job market. Hoteliers are actively rethinking their hiring practices, prioritising candidates who efficiently demonstrate their skills and competencies even if they lack a formal degree. Globally, luxury hotels like Taj Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Marriott and ITC Hotels have been leaning towards skill-based recruiting along with leadership programs and performance-based promotions over relying solely upon degrees. Like Hyatt pledged to hire youths by 2025 as an initiative to highlight the growing emphasis of hoteliers on skills and experience over traditional qualifications

These practices also come with certain challenges within the hospitality industry. 

What potential challenges do skill-based hiring companies face in the Indian hospitality sector? 

The concern is do Indian hoteliers still consider a degree as the gold standard? Will luxury heritage hotels in India be inclined to adopt skill-based hiring to integrate cultural diversity? The answer is Yes. Big players in the hospitality industry (as mentioned) are more into integrating diverse experiences for their guests, and such hotels uphold the Indian traditions in a modern way. 

However, Indian hoteliers face challenges related to - 

• High turnover rate because of factors like long working hours, low wages or limited career opportunities. 
• Gap in the skills required by the industry with the skills available in the workforce. 
• Increased competition for top talent 
• Evolving expectations of the guests make the hoteliers seek candidates with a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills
• Companies need to invest in upskilling and reskilling employees to address the skill gap. 

Is a hybrid model a better approach to Indian hospitality recruitment? 

A hybrid model can be a beneficial option for the Indian hospitality industry, which offers a balanced mix of flexible way to attract and retain talent. The most effective hospitality training programs frequently incorporate the benefits of both online and in-person learning. In the ever-changing hospitality sector, training is critical for remaining competitive and providing excellent guest experiences. While digital learning provides flexibility and accessibility, the long-term effectiveness of in-person training in developing soft skills, building team cohesion, and creating a service culture cannot be underestimated. A hybrid strategy, which takes advantage of both online and in-person approaches, is frequently the most successful way to provide hospitality professionals with the skills and information they need to succeed, leading to both employee satisfaction and a better bottom line.

Is the future of hospitality skills first? 

India's hotel industry is poised for a talent revolution. The question is not whether skill-based hiring can replace degrees, but rather when and how rapidly Indian hotels can create systems that prioritise what is important – service aptitude, inventiveness, and operational excellence. By adopting skills-based hiring procedures, the Indian hotel industry may get access to a more diversified talent pool, upskill faster to meet changing visitor expectations, and more. Prepare employees for a competitive global landscape. 

The guests do not ask for your degrees; instead, they recall how you made them feel. And that is a skill worth hiring for.

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