How to Find a Job in Hospitality

The tourism industry in Vancouver provides more than 70,000 full-time jobs.

 

It is one of the largest industries in Vancouver and generates $4.8 billion every year.

 

There are more than 23,000 hotel rooms in Vancouver and 5000 bars and restaurants.

 

 

This West Coast city is home to a busy harbour and port that receives more than 230 cruise ships each year. Over 10 million people visited Vancouver in 2017, which is the highest number in the history of the city!

 

Another interesting achievement is that Vancouver’s YVR Airport has been voted the best airport in North America. When you arrive, you will understand why!

 

Vancouver is known to be one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, so there is every type of cuisine that you can imagine; from Japanese style hot-dogs to French fine-dining.

 

However, hospitality doesn’t just involve hotels and restaurants. The hospitality industry includes:

 

• travel operators
• airport services
• casinos
• entertainment and events
• amusement parks
• spas and fitness centers
• resorts and cruise ships
• adventure tourism
• public transportation

 

 

It is also a two-sided industry and you can follow a corporate path (sales) or an operational path (front of house). The job roles range from housekeeping and bar work to marketing and event management! You can really explore your talents and interests in this huge industry.

The most important part of looking for any kind of job in Vancouver, is to have a Canadian style resume and cover letter and to be prepared for a Canadian job interview.

 

However, if you want to land your dream job in the hospitality and tourism field, there are some specific tips and advice that can help you get ahead of the game and stand out from the crowd.

 

Although many employers provide training on the job, it is a very big advantage to have direct experience in the industry. A coop diploma in hospitality management provides you with an AHLEI (American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute) qualification and paid, full-time experience.

 

You will tick a lot of boxes when you have completed your diploma, making you a great candidate for many different positions!

 

Most of the people in high positions worked their way to the top from an entry-level position.

 

If you are changing your career direction, then it is a great place to begin. It allows you to gain incredible experience and insight in to how the industry works.

 

There are many opportunities for promotion and progression in the hospitality industry, so if you can step into many different positions easily, then you have an advantage over other candidates. Take every opportunity to go above and beyond.

 

Soft-skills include communication skills, problem-solving ability, attitude and flexibility and generally the ability to work well in a team.

 

Transferable skills are the skills that you can take with you to different kinds of jobs, like the ones listed above. You can transfer them from job to job.

 

You cannot gain a qualification in soft or transferable skills; they must be developed through experience. If you can demonstrate that you have these skills, then you are winning!

 

Be aware of situations when you have used your soft skills and give examples when you meet with the employer. It doesn’t have to be in a similar job. Even experiences from college or voluntary work can demonstrate that you have these abilities.

 

It is important in any job to be aware of what makes a company successful and you should know how to contribute to that success.

 

Research the competitors and the current trends. Research ways that the company tries to stand out in a competitive market.

 

An employer wants to hire someone who is dedicated to the industry and committed to the development of the service provided. Loyalty and reliability are important characteristics.

 

It doesn’t matter if it is a small coffee shop or a large corporate hotel brand. You should be sure about why you want to work there. What can you personally offer the company and what is your professional goal?

 

If you would like to know more about how you can get started in this exciting field, then contact us.