Discover What Vertical of Hospitality is Right for Your Skills
Understanding the Landscape
The hospitality industry is vast, encompassing a wide range of sectors including catering, restaurants, events, hotels, and more. Each sector has unique demands and requirements, offering different realms of opportunity for professionals like yourself. In the dynamic world of hospitality, there's a niche for every skill set and passion. Whether you're a seasoned Pro or just starting out in the industry, discovering the right vertical can make all the difference in your career satisfaction and success. From catering to event staffing, restaurant employment to hotel operations, there's a myriad of opportunities awaiting you. Let's dive into how you can find the perfect match for your skills and interests.
Exploring Different Verticals
Catering and Event Staffing If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy the excitement of catering to large crowds, being detail-oriented, and not being afraid to create something out of nothing then catering and event staffing might be your calling. From intimate weddings to corporate galas, there's always a demand for skilled catering staff from event servers, full-service bartenders, event cooks/action station attendants, and more.
Full-Service Restaurants Restaurants are the heart of the hospitality industry, offering a variety of roles from kitchen staff to wait staff. These are fast-paced environments that have more attention to detail in the steps of service, along with value put upon not only food preparation, but also presentation. Be prepared for last-minute shift requests, and picking up shifts on demand, as flexibility is often key in this vertical. Tops roles in restaurants include Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers, and service staff.
Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) Fast Service Restaurants, often referred to as Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), are pivotal players in the hospitality industry, providing swift dining experiences ranging from drive-thru to counter service. Within the Quick Service Restaurants vertical, diverse roles are available, encompassing kitchen crew, cashiers, to go servers, and customer service representatives. Exploring QSR job boards and online platforms specialized in hospitality employment can unveil a plethora of opportunities tailored to your expertise. Flexibility reigns supreme in QSRs, as you navigate through varied schedules and adapt to swift shift changes inherent to this fast-paced environment.
Hotels & Lodging Hotels operate 24/7, providing a range of services from accommodation to dining. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of hotel the environment, but also enjoy events you could explore Banquet event team roles like Event Server, Event Prep, Bartending, and more, or you could set yourself up for success. If you are more geared towards the hotel and guest-focused accommodations, then Front Desk (FOH Support), Housekeeping, or Maintenance roles might be a better fit for you. This industry is guest centered and operated 24/7 so be prepared to cover shifts that may have long or late night hours.
Retirement Communities Retirement communities within the hospitality vertical offer a diverse array of services catering to the unique needs of elderly residents, operating around the clock to ensure their comfort and well-being. If you thrive in dynamic environments focused on delivering exceptional service, and breakfast, lunch, dinner service, and special community events, finding opportunities for FOH or BOH shifts within retirement communities might be the best fit for you. Be prepared to get to know the elderly communities members and willing to work breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours. Guest-focused customer service is a must-have skill in this vertical.
Clubs & Resorts Clubs and resorts within the hospitality vertical offer a diverse array of services, catering to guests' recreational and leisure needs around the clock for break, lunch, dinner service and special events. If you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating relationships delve into picking up Gig shifts that resorts and clubs are posting on Gigpro. They provide employment opportunities for both FOH and BOH roles throughout the year.
Event Venues and Stadiums If you revel in the dynamic atmosphere of event venues and thrive on providing exceptional service to diverse crowds, working in the hospitality vertical of event venues and stadium concessions could be an ideal fit for you. Whether it's overseeing VIP lounges at major concerts or ensuring smooth operations in concessions during sports events, there's a constant need for proficient hospitality professionals to take care of the needs of the masses and add to their entertainment experience.
Finding Your Path
Assess Your Skills and Interests Take stock of your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Are you passionate about culinary arts? Do you excel in customer service? Understanding your skills and preferences will guide you towards the right vertical and hone in on the role(s) that you enjoy the most.
Research and Networking Utilize online resources such as Gig apps, hospitality job boards, and staffing agencies to explore various opportunities. Network with professionals in your desired vertical to gain insights and advice.
Gain Experience Consider taking on temporary hospitality jobs or internships to gain hands-on experience and insight into different verticals. This will not only enhance your skills but also help you determine which sector aligns best with your naturally inclined skills and career goals you want to pursue.
Stay Flexible The hospitality industry is dynamic and ever-evolving. Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances. Embrace hospitality shift work and on-demand Gigs to broaden your experience and skill set.
In the world of hospitality, there's a vertical for every skill set and passion. Whether you thrive in the fast-paced environment of catering, the bustling atmosphere of restaurants, or the dynamic world of hotel operations, there's a niche waiting for you to explore. By understanding your skills, researching opportunities, gaining experience, and staying flexible, you can discover the perfect fit for your career in hospitality. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and find your path in this exciting industry!