If you are wondering how to get a job in a hotel with no experience, you are not alone; thousands of freshers each year aspire to enter the exciting and fast-paced world of hospitality. Whether you are looking to move into a new career after graduating or you are fresh out of uni, hotel jobs offer a variety of career paths, from front desk, kitchen support, and guest relations to hotel management. Even better? You do not need experience to start out. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to secure a job in a hotel with no prior experience, including resume tips, essential soft skills to develop, interview preparation, and the best cities in India to launch your hospitality career.

Why Freshers are welcome in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is all about personality, flexibility, and communication as opposed to anything else (degrees or experience). This means that many entry-level hotel jobs will provide training on the job, which also means that hotels hire based on attitude and willingness to learn.

Whether it’s a 5-star luxury hotel or a boutique property, hotel chains are always on the lookout for fresh talent with customer-centric mindsets. So, don’t be discouraged if you lack prior experience - what you bring to the table matters more than what’s on paper.

1. Create a Hospitality-Focused Resume (Even with No Experience)

Your resume is your first contact. You might not have ever worked in a hotel, but you can build your resume to reflect hospitality-related qualities. 

Here are some ideas for developing a strong resume for hotel jobs without experience:

• Begin with an attention-grabbing objective: 

Enthusiastic and service-focused person interested in an entry-level hotel job to start a career in hospitality. Eager to provide guests with a wonderful experience.

• Emphasise your transferable relevant skills:

Highlight experience from your part-time retail job or a volunteering opportunity - showcase experiences demonstrating customer service, working as part of a team, problem-solving, and adaptability.

• Remember to include soft skills:

Be able to communicate strong social skills, time management, able to multi-task and attention to detail.

• Keep it simple and reader-friendly:

One page only, bullet points, make sure the layout makes it easy to scan.

2. Major Soft Skills Required for Hotel Employment

For hotel employment opportunities for new hires, soft skills can make you stand out. Employers may prefer a candidate with enthusiasm and courtesy over someone with years of experience in a related field.

Top Soft Skills to Have for Entry-Level Jobs in a Hotel:

• Communication Skills: You will need to be able to communicate clearly with both guests and coworkers in any position within the hotel.
• Positive Attitude: Having a "can-do" attitude will go far for you, even with guests dealing with difficult situations. 
• Team Collaboration: A hotel is a team effort, and we depend on other departments.
• Flexibility: Things can change rapidly in hospitality, so be flexible.
• Cultural Competence: We have guests visiting us from across the world. It is important to respect and acknowledge the variety of cultures of your guests. 

Pro Tip: You can engage and develop soft skills in your normal life—volunteering, your college fests, or even an internship in a non-hospitality industry. 

3. Entry-Level Jobs in Hotels You Can Apply for Without Experience

You don’t need a hospitality degree or an employee background to apply for the following hospitality positions:

• Front Desk Associate
• Guest Service Executive
• Hotel Receptionist
• Bellman / Porter
• Housekeeping Room Attendant
• Room Service Associate
• Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef
• Wait Staff / Restaurant Server
• Banquet Server
• Call Centre Agent (Hotel Reservations)

These positions will give you transferable skills and knowledge to advance in a hotel career as a Front Office Manager, Guest Relations Executive, or F & B Supervisor.

4. Top Cities in India to Start Your Hotel Career

There are hospitality jobs across India; however, there are certain cities with more availability and stronger career experience because of international chains, luxury hotels, and tourism activity.

• Best Cities to Apply for Entry-Level Hotel Jobs in India
• Mumbai – Hub of luxury hotels and a fast and furious hospitality pace.
• Delhi NCR – Loads of 5-star hotels, also lots of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), which is an important and growing segment.
• Bengaluru - Tech tourism and hospitality start-ups.
• Goa - The best for permanent beach resorts and seasonal jobs.
• Jaipur - Heritage properties and the wedding tourism explosion.
• Hyderabad - Ascending market, with lots of great hotel brands entering.

Pro Tip: Sign up on sites like Foodism Connect and create your best hospitality-related resume. Most hotel chains also allow you to apply directly through their websites.

5. Interview Tips for First-Time Hotel Job Seekers

Once your application is shortlisted, it's time to shine at the hotel job interview. Even if you are up for the entry-level role, the interview is your chance to display passion and personality. 

• Dress the part: formal attire, groomed appearance, and clean shoes - it is important to present well in hospitality. 
• Prepare answers to some typical questions:
  • Why do you want to work in hospitality?
  • How would you deal with an angry guest? What does excellent customer service mean to you?
  • Can you work weekends and nights?
• Smile and use eye contact - a warm and genuine smile is a great way to convey confidence and friendliness, both of which are important in hotel jobs. 
• Ask some good questions - for example: "What does a typical day in this role look like? Or what training do you provide for new employees?

6. Get Certified (Optional, but Valuable)

While getting hotel jobs without formal education is possible, a short online hospitality course or certification can improve your chances of standing out. Many platforms offer affordable and beginner-focused options:

• Coursera – Hospitality and Tourism Courses for Beginners
• edX – Introduction to Hotel Management
• Skill India – Hospitality Programs
• IHG Academy – Hospitality Training Programs and Manager Training Courses / Marriott Careers Learning Training Platform.

7. Use Internship & Apprenticeship Routes

Many hotel groups have organised internship and apprenticeship programs for freshers. Depending on the group you apply to, they may have stipends for freshers and/or permanent opportunities after the completion of training.

Here are some major hotel chains to look into providing training for freshers:

• Taj – IHCL Step-Up & Management Trainee Programs, starting salaries can range from 20-45K / month, depending on the location, due to the structured, rigorous training options.
• Oberoi – Systematic Training and Education Program (STEP): The program has a prerequisite of previous training or experience with the organisation, and is not necessarily the easiest program/programs to get onto, corresponding to the many applicants.
• ITC Hotels – Hospitality Training Programs for freshers expectations: monthly salaries could range from 24-35K, depending on your previous training/qualifications.
• Marriott India – Voyage Program for Freshers: A common and often sought program by freshers; however, it is likely the most competitive way for the groups in India.
• Radisson – Internships across departments.

Tip: Be proactive and instead of applying for jobs online, email a hotel directly with an email and resume acknowledging that you are interested in an internship or entry-level position.

8. Differentiate Yourself with a Hospitality Portfolio (Even if You Are Not Employed).

One example of a creative way to differentiate yourself is to develop a digital hospitality portfolio, which could include:

• A short video introducing yourself and the reason you want to enter the industry. 
• Testimonials from individuals you have assisted (e.g., event planning, volunteering).
• Photographs of you in college fests or public-facing roles. 
• Certificates demonstrating that you completed hospitality courses or soft skills workshops. 

Your Hospitality Career Starts Right Now

It is not only possible to gain a hotel job without experience – it is a wonderful way to enter a long-term career in one of the most dynamic industries on the planet. All you need is a great attitude, strong communication skills and a desire to serve guests. 

Find entry-level hotel jobs, connect with top hospitality employers, and build your resume profile in minutes. Join Foodism Connect today and take your first step into the world of hospitality!