How to Write a Good Cover Letter For Hospitality Jobs: What is Hospitality as it Relates to Job Seeking

Are you seeking an exciting, new career in a hospitality-related field of employment? Writing a good cover letter may be a determining factor with respect to being hired for a hospitality job.

What is hospitality and how does it relate to job seeking?

Dictionary.com suggests that hospitality refers to “the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers”, as well as the “the quality of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way”. 

What you write in your cover letter and how it relates to your resume, reveals your love of people, your people-related skills, as well as your comprehension level with respect to the basic requirements of hospitality jobs.

Your cover letter should reflect your degree of professionalism. How you present yourself to your potential employer in your cover letter will show how you are likely to interact with other people, particularly strangers. Respect for others is extremely important in the field of hospitality.

Including accurate identification is vital in your cover letter heading. Your cover letter must display your correct address, as well as that of your potential employer.

The body of your cover letter should reveal your current academic qualifications, training programs you have taken, as well as certificates or awards for exceptional hospitality-related service. Previously held hospitality jobs or volunteer service with hospitality-related experience are important. Note that your references should be verifiable.  

Hospitality jobs vary in scope. For example, a background in music will be important for employment with a musical group on a cruise liner. Knowledge of art and artists is important for conducting tours of art galleries. Potential employees with demonstrable customer service skills needed by travel agencies, hotels or restaurants often qualify for hospitality jobs.

Do you know how to deal with large groups of people at conventions, on conferences or tours? Perhaps you have special areas of interest like deep-sea diving, underwater exploration and fishing. You may prefer outdoor activities that include fishing, mountain climbing, hiking or cycling in remote areas. Your personal level of activity will be an indication of the kind of job that would suit you, as well as the training you may need for a specific job in hospitality.

Are you willing to travel? Do you have a valid passport and driver’s license?            

Having excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills will usually help you to get a job in the hospitality field. You may know other languages or have the ability to translate for others. Another factor that may work in our favor is familiarity with currency exchange.

Your availability for a job interview is important, so in closing your cover letter, include your contact information via your home telephone or smart phone number, as well as your e-mail address.

Hospitality jobs are on the increase globally, but so are potential candidates for these kinds of jobs, so write your cover letter accordingly. Be prepared to tackle something new and different. It might mean hard work, but it may also prove to be fun!