Look, if you’re dreaming about working in hospitality in 2025, you better buckle up. This industry moves faster than a bartender on New Year’s Eve. You gotta stay sharp, flexible, and a little bit obsessed if you wanna snag the gig you’re after. So, ditch the boring advice—here’s what really matters when you’re hunting for that hospitality job.
Get Good—Like, Actually Good
Let’s be real: everyone says they have “great people skills” on their resume. Yawn. If you want people to remember you, you gotta actually prove it. Work on talking to strangers without getting awkward, handling Karens without losing your cool, and fixing problems before they turn into Yelp reviews. And please, don’t sleep on the tech stuff—if you can’t figure out a basic PMS or booking system, you might as well be applying for a job in 1997.
Make Friends (Not Just LinkedIn Connections)
Networking isn’t just wearing a suit and swapping business cards at some overpriced seminar. Go to events, chat up people, slide into DMs, whatever works. The more people who know you (and actually like you), the more likely it is you’ll hear about the next hot job before it even gets posted. Sometimes it really is about who you know, not just what you know.
Get Your Hands Dirty
No one’s impressed by a resume full of theory and zero practice. If you’ve never had a shift that went sideways, you haven’t really worked in hospitality. Pick up a part-time gig, volunteer at events, or just hustle wherever you can. Trust me, you’ll learn more in one week of real work than you will in a semester of lectures.
Don’t Send Boring Applications
If your resume and cover letter read like everyone else’s, straight to the “No” pile you go. Customize your stuff for every job. Throw in actual numbers, stories, and—seriously—show some personality. The people reading these get bored too, so give them something to remember.
Get Cozy With Tech
If you think hospitality is all smiling and handshakes, think again. There’s a ton of software running the show behind the scenes. Learn your way around whatever’s hot right now—CRM, PMS, online booking, you name it. If you can show you’re not afraid of new tech, you’ll look way better than the folks who still print out guest lists.
Find Your Niche
Being a jack-of-all-trades is fine, but if you can get really good at something—luxury stays, green hotels, wild event planning—do it. Employers love someone who can bring a little extra to the table, especially in a specific area. Plus, you’ll actually have something interesting to talk about at interviews.
Go Where the Jobs Are (Hint: Online)
Don’t just scroll your social feeds—hit up online job platforms. For example, you can discover career opportunities at OysterLink and land a job in no-time. Set up alerts, keep your profile sharp, and apply, apply, apply. No one’s going to come knocking on your door unless your last name is Hilton.
Don’t Flop the Interview
If you make it to the interview stage, don’t wing it. Stalk—err, research—the company. Know their vibe. Practice without sounding like a robot. Show up looking sharp (or at least not like you just rolled out of bed). Be cool, be real, and don’t be afraid to ask questions back.
Roll With the Punches
Hospitality is unpredictable—one day you’re serving celebrities, the next you’re mopping up after a food fight. Be open to gigs you didn’t expect. Sometimes the “weird” jobs turn out to be the best ones for learning (and for stories later on).
Never Stop Leveling Up
If you get stuck thinking you know it all, you’re toast. Jump into workshops, pick up certifications, keep an eye on trends. The best people in the industry are the ones who never stop being curious.
TL;DR: Hospitality in 2025 is wild. You need skills, guts, real experience, and the ability to roll with whatever comes at you. Stand out, work hard, stay hungry, and don’t forget to actually love what you do—guests can spot a fake a mile away. Good luck out there.
