Every day is a stage when you have your first day in a hospitality job. Time is of the essence, everyone on your team is important, and your smile is one of your best assets. You could be working at a busy hotel, café, restaurant, or in an exciting event management business, and your adrenaline, excitement, and nerves will all be thrown into the mix on Day 1. Don't worry, every hospitality worker has been there before! 

This blog will guide you on what to expect and how to prepare, and include some professional advice to ensure your entry into the hospitality industry is seamless and memorable.

1. The Early Bird Catches the Fly

First impressions are everything in hospitality, so be on time! Being on time is not just polite; it is part of practice and culture.

What to expect

• In most cases, you will be asked to arrive 15-30 minutes before your shift.
• Security checks, orientation, form signing, issue of uniforms, lockers, etc., are some of the common events your first day will involve.

Pro tip: 

Pack your bag the night before. You will want to have in your bag:

• A notebook and pen
• Black shoes (more than likely required)
• Breath mints (yes)
• Extra copies of IDs and documents
• A water bottle and la ight snack

2. Uniforms, Grooming, and Presentation Are Important

In hospitality, your appearance reflects the brand you work for.

What to Expect:

• You will likely have a formal uniform fitting session or information on how to dress if no uniforms are provided.
• You will also have the grooming policy (hair, fingernails, tattoos, piercings, etc.) explained.

Pro Tip

• Ensure shoes are clean, hair is tidy, and fingernails are kept short.
• Hospitality is a "people-first" industry, meaning looking polished is part of being guest-ready.

3. Orientation: Not Just Paper

Your first day will also likely include getting introduced to the team, a walk-through of the property, and an introduction to your role.

What to Expect:

• You might be briefed about the values of the brand, the service philosophy, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• You might have the chance to follow along with a senior employee or be put through some very basic training modules.
• You will likely also receive a staff ID and locker; instructions on how to use a time log; a review of emergency procedures.

Pro Tip:

Be a sponge. Take in everything right away. Listen more than you speak; write down everything you hear, and ask questions.

4. Hospitality Jargon is Real

Here is some of the "hospitality vocabulary" you will hear...

• 86'd (out of stock)
• Back of House (the kitchen, stairs, storage, or staff area)
• Front of House (the guest areas)
• Turn a table (to clean and reset for guests)

What to Expect:

• A steep learning curve with a lot of hospitality terminology.
• You may feel like everyone is speaking a second language and not understand everything they are saying. Give yourself a break; you will pick it up quickly, and it will become second nature.

Pro Tip:

Create a glossary for yourself. The hospitality terminology you learn will become the dialect you use. You will be more confident as you gain fluency.

5. The Speed of Business Can Be Lightning-Fast

There is usually a sense of momentum in hospitality — and it will be most evident during busy times!

What to Expect:

• When you have lots of guests, there will be a sudden rush; some examples include hosting/bartending with lots of tables at once or being that one person to help others.
• You will likely be asked to go to action very quickly; maybe clearing a table or helping a larger group check-in. 

Pro Tip:

Breathe. Don't be afraid to ask if you are not sure what to do. The great part of working in hospitality is that you are not alone. Everyone remembers their first day in the industry hustle. Plus, if you stay eager and treat your colleagues with respect, they will probably help you too!

6. Guest Experience is King (or Queen)

Whether you're at the front desk, a waiter, a concierge, a barista, or in housekeeping, front and centre, it is helpful to remember that you are contributing to the guest experience.

What to Expect:

• You'll be expected to smile.
• You may not directly be interfacing with paying guests on Day 1, but remember to watch how others interact with guests.
• Guest holidays, needs, & preferences must be treated with the attention, discretion, & urgency that they require.

Pro Tip:

Learn these phrases by heart:

• “Of course, I’ll look into that for you right away.”
• “Let me find someone who can assist you better.”
• “I’d be pleased to help.”

Your tools are tone of voice, eye contact, & empathy. Be generous with all three.

7. You Will Most Likely Make Mistakes — And That's Okay

Let’s be realistic. You will get the room number wrong, forget a table number, or pour water in a wine glass. It just happens.

What to Expect:

• Mistakes are part of the learning experience.
• Management & supervisor staff are aware that newbies are probably overwhelmed.
• Feedback is mostly always corrective. Don't take it personally.

Pro Tip:

Be humble and own your mistakes. Saying "I am sorry; I will fix it right away" is worthwhile. Treat every mistake as an opportunity to learn.

8. Each Department Has its Own Culture

From the kitchen crews to the front office and event teams, each department has its own formality and vibe.

What to Expect:

• You may observe very tight teams with some unspoken cultural norms.
• For example, the kitchen team may be pretty direct while the guest service team may be more polished and scripted.

Pro Tip:

Take the time to observe before taking action. Each department values different attributes of staff — flexibility and adaptability are your keys to success as your superpower.

9. Your Soft Skills are Being Evaluated

On Day 1, your supervisor has already read your attitude and observed your willingness to learn, and your natural style of communication.

What to Expect:

• You may not receive feedback right away, but the first impression is formed early.
• Your punctuality, manners, attitude, appearance (especially looking long and lean), and performance will weigh heavier than your technical skills you learned on the job description in the first day.

Pro Tip:

Smile a lot. Thank your trainers. Offer to help if you have time, even the things you think are insignificant. Remember: There may be no replacement for experience, but a high-level enthusiasm is more important than experience on Day 1.

10. Break Time, Meal Time, and Schedules

The hospitality industry probably does not really experience a 9-to-5 workday.

What to Expect:

• Your breaks may be scheduled for short times and may occur during slower guest flow times.
• Meals may be provided by the hotel/café (ask HR).
• Your shift time will be determined by the needs of the business and could be from morning, to mid, and to evening.

Pro Tip:

Carry a snack. Stay hydrated. Become aware of how shift rotations work early to get a jump-start in planning for your work schedule.

The Final Call

The first day of your hospitality position is the start of an exciting, uncertain, and incredibly exciting career. It is a profession that values grace under pressure, embraces teamwork, and will have you creating memories for others. So, walk in proud and excited, with your smile lighting the way, and an open heart -- the world of hospitality is calling your name. 

Need help navigating your career in hospitality? Join Foodism Connect, where hiring managers, mentors, and industry professionals from across India make the hiring process in hospitality easier, smarter, and more human.