Frequently Asked Questions about applying for hotel jobs
How does the application process at hotels work?
Applications for hotel jobs usually follow a few fixed steps:
Step 1: You respond to a vacancy by submitting your application (usually online) with your CV and cover letter.
Step 2: You often receive a confirmation that your application has been received.
Step 3: The employer reviews all applications and invites suitable candidates for a first interview. This first interview is often introductory, a chance to get to know you and see if you fit the role and team.
Step 4: Depending on the position, there may be a second round, such as an in-depth interview with a manager or future colleague. Sometimes you may be asked to work a trial shift or spend part of a day at the hotel to get a feel for the atmosphere.
Step 5: After the interviews, the hotel informs you whether you are hired. If positive, you discuss employment terms and sign a contract. If negative, you usually receive a polite rejection by email.
What documents do I need when applying?
A good CV and cover letter are almost always required. Make sure your CV is up to date and your letter clearly explains why you are suitable for the role. Have references ready (for example, from previous employers). Diplomas or certificates are usually not required at this stage, unless explicitly requested. Tip: bring an extra printed copy of your CV to the interview.
Is experience required to work in a hotel?
Not always. Many hotels have entry-level roles such as housekeeping, service, or dishwashing that require no prior experience. Hotels mainly look for motivation and hospitality and often provide on-the-job training. Show in your application that you are eager to learn and enthusiastic.
Are diplomas always mandatory for hotel jobs?
No. For most roles, such as housekeeping, waiter or steward, a diploma is not required; motivation and hospitality are often more important. However, a relevant diploma can be an advantage for higher or specialized positions, such as head chef or management roles with alcohol responsibilities.
What should I wear to a hotel job interview?
Dress neatly and appropriately for the type of hotel. At luxury hotels, formal attire (suit or neat dress) is suitable; at smaller hotels, smart casual is often enough. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. Ensure your clothing is clean and well-fitting, and pay attention to details such as hair and nails.
What career growth opportunities are there in hospitality?
The hotel industry offers many opportunities for advancement. Many managers started at entry-level and worked their way up to positions such as front office supervisor or revenue manager. Hotels often offer training and internal courses; showing motivation and initiative helps you progress quickly.
How soon can I expect a response to my application?
It varies by hotel. Usually, you receive an automatic confirmation, but a personal response can take days to weeks. If the vacancy has a closing date, you often won’t hear back until after that date. Wait at least two weeks before politely following up on the status of your application.
Are there part-time or seasonal hotel jobs?
Yes. Many hotels offer part-time roles (such as reception, steward, or service) from 8 to 24 hours per week. There is also a lot of seasonal work during busy periods, such as summer or holidays. Often, this can lead to a permanent (side) job if it works out well for both sides.
Can I work in a hotel as a student?
Yes. Many hotels offer flexible part-time jobs that combine well with studies, such as service, reception, housekeeping, or kitchen help. Experience is usually not required; motivation and availability matter more. Hotels often accommodate class schedules and exams.
Can foreigners apply for hotel jobs in the Netherlands?
Yes. Many hotels in the Netherlands are international, and English is often sufficient, especially in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. For some positions, Dutch is a plus. EU citizens can work directly; non-EU citizens need a work and residence permit. Always mention your language skills and work eligibility in your application.
What questions can I expect during a hotel job interview?
Hotel interviews include many standard questions you find in other jobs, plus some hospitality-specific ones. Examples include:
“Why do you want to work at this hotel (or in this role)?” – This gauges your motivation and knowledge of the hotel.
“Why did you leave your previous employer?” – Asked to understand your past. Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers; focus on what you’re seeking in the new role.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” – Prepare two strong and two weaker traits, with examples. Traits like hospitality, flexibility, and stress-resistance are valued in hotels; mention them if they apply.
“Why should we hire you?” – An opportunity to sell yourself: highlight relevant experience or skills (e.g., language skills, customer service, enthusiasm).
“How do you handle difficult guests or stressful situations?” – Crucial in hotels. Provide an example of a challenging moment and explain how you stayed calm and professional.
“Do you have experience in hospitality?” – Be honest. If not, emphasize willingness to learn and experience with customer service or teamwork (e.g., through a part-time job or school project).
“When are you available and how many hours can you work?” – Hotels ask this to check if you fit their schedule, especially for part-time or flexible shifts. Be clear in your response.
Depending on the role, you may also get job-specific questions. For example, if you’re applying for a reception role, they may test how you’d respond to a guest inquiry or complaint. For a kitchen role, they might ask about hygiene knowledge or recipes. Prepare by reading the job description carefully and thinking about how your experience matches the requirements.
Tips for making a good impression at your hotel interview
A hotel interview is your chance to show that you are hospitable, professional, and a valuable addition to the team. Some tips to leave a lasting impression:
Be on time (but not too early): Plan your route and aim to arrive about 5 minutes before the scheduled time. Being late is bad, but arriving 15 minutes early can also be awkward — 5 minutes early is perfect.
Dress appropriately and neatly: As mentioned earlier, ensure a polished appearance that fits the hotel. From head to toe, look well-groomed — first impressions are formed in the first minute. Think posture, smile, firm handshake, and eye contact.
Be friendly to everyone: Greet the receptionist, smile at passing staff, and introduce yourself politely to your interviewer(s). Don’t underestimate the receptionist’s role — recruiters often ask them how you came across when you arrived. Show genuine friendliness from the moment you step in.
Show enthusiasm and ask questions: Demonstrate that you are eager and interested. Answer questions energetically and ask good questions yourself at the end of the interview (e.g., “What does a typical workday look like?” or “What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate?”). This shows genuine interest in the role and the hotel.
Prepare well: Research the hotel (website, reviews, recent news) so you’re not walking in blank. As mentioned, prepare answers to common questions and practice them aloud if needed. Bring a printed CV and, if useful, a short note with key points you don’t want to forget. Preparation boosts confidence, and confidence shows during the interview.
Stay professional but be yourself: An informal, open atmosphere is fine, but remember it’s still an interview. Keep it friendly but avoid being overly casual or making inappropriate jokes. Show your authentic personality — hotels value genuine hospitality over rehearsed performances.
With these tips in mind, you’ll increase your chances of leaving a positive impression. Good luck with your application! Remember: hospitality is all about enthusiasm and service. If you show you put the guest first and want to be part of the hotel team, you’ll already have an edge over the rest.