What recruiters look for in hotel talent

In the Dutch hotel industry, finding good staff is both important and challenging, whether for boutique hotels or large hotel chains. Whether you are applying as a housekeeper or hotel manager, recruiters pay attention to qualities that show you can provide guests with an excellent experience and work professionally with colleagues.

Below you will find the qualities hotel recruiters consider most important. This way, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Communication and interpersonal skills

Hospitality is all about people. That is why strong communication skills are essential, both towards guests and colleagues. Employers look for candidates who can communicate clearly, kindly and convincingly, and who listen well to what others need.

Being able to listen actively and build a conversation are valuable skills. After all, hotel guests expect personal attention. During an interview, you can demonstrate this by giving examples where your communication helped solve a problem or improve guest satisfaction.

2. Customer focus and service orientation

In every hotel role, service is key. Recruiters are looking for people with a natural sense of hospitality. Candidates who understand guests and can anticipate what they need, often before they even ask.

Be ready with examples of times when you delivered exceptional service or positively surprised a guest. A customer focused attitude also requires patience, empathy and the willingness to help at any moment. These are the kinds of qualities that turn an ordinary stay into a memorable experience.

3. Flexibility and problem solving ability

The hotel world is unpredictable. Last minute bookings, special requests or emergencies are all part of the job. That is why recruiters value candidates who stay calm under pressure and think creatively in unexpected situations.

Flexibility in tasks and working hours is just as important. Can you switch gears quickly? Solve problems while the clock is ticking? Share a story where you resolved an issue under time pressure and kept the service running smoothly. This shows that you can keep up with the pace of hotel work.

4. Teamwork and leadership

A hotel only runs well if everyone works together, from housekeeping to front office to management. Recruiters look for team players who collaborate smoothly, communicate clearly, resolve conflicts and support colleagues when needed.

Leadership is also a plus, especially if you want to grow in your career. Being a leader is not just about a job title, but about showing initiative. Think of motivating your team or stepping up during busy moments. For example, a manager welcoming guests personally or a housekeeper helping out a colleague. These actions show that you inspire others and are not afraid to take the lead.

5. Attention to detail and quality

In hotels, the small things make the difference. Recruiters look for people who work accurately and are focused on quality. That applies to everything, from cleaning a room flawlessly to remembering the preferred pillow of a returning guest.

Attention to detail not only leads to happy guests, but also to better reviews and a stronger hotel reputation. During your application, highlight how you maintain high standards. For example, by noticing and correcting a mistake on a bill, or by returning a forgotten item to a guest. That proves that quality is second nature to you.

6. Reliability and work ethic

A hotel cannot operate without reliable staff. Last minute cancellations or careless work immediately disrupt operations. That is why recruiters pay close attention to punctuality, commitment and a sense of responsibility.

Being on time, taking your tasks seriously and going the extra mile when needed are signs of a strong work ethic. Positive references about your reliability will give you an advantage. Show during interviews that you are the dependable team member everyone can count on.

7. Passion for hospitality and cultural fit

Finally, recruiters look for people with genuine passion for the hospitality industry. Candidates who truly enjoy making guests happy and take pride in their work. That kind of attitude radiates enthusiasm and makes a real difference.

Show that you understand what the hotel stands for, and that your values align with the company culture. Cultural sensitivity is also important. Hotels welcome guests from all over the world, so respect and inclusivity in dealing with guests and colleagues are essential. Recruiters appreciate it when you can demonstrate that you are aware of differences and behave professionally and respectfully.

A strong cultural fit and a shared vision of hospitality are often just as important as experience or qualifications.

Boosting your hotel career with Hotelprofessionals

As you can see, recruiters look for a number of specific qualities. The good news is that many of these can be developed and clearly demonstrated on your resume and during interviews. Think of concrete examples where you were customer focused, flexible or reliable. This proves that you are ready to shine in a hotel environment.

Looking for the next step in your hotel career? Hotelprofessionals makes it easy to find the right vacancy that fits your talents and ambitions. Our platform brings together job openings from both large hotel chains and small boutique hotels across the Netherlands.

With the right skills and a fitting role through Hotelprofessionals, you will soon take the next step toward your dream job in hospitality and a bright future in the service industry.