image of m&b waitress serving food to an elderly couple

Transferable skills to land a job in hospitality

Transferable skills to land a job in hospitality

Rebecca Skeet our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 24/09/2024

What are transferable skills?

So first things first, transferable skills are the abilities you pick up along the way. Whether that be in a previous job, industry, at school or university, these skills are handy no matter where you go. 

This is exactly why the hospitality industry is a great place to start. Think of each shift as a chance to level up your future career

At M&B, you’ll build and strengthen these valuable skills while working in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance what you already know, these skills will set you up for success in hospitality.

What skills are needed to work in hospitality

Working in hospitality requires a mix of practical skills and people skills. 

Here are a few scenarios where transferable skills are used while working in the hospitality industry:

  • Interacting with customers and team members - will help you develop excellent communication skills, as you'll need to be clear and confident in all your conversations.
  • Handling unexpected situations - builds strong problem-solving abilities, since no two days in hospitality are ever the same and you’ll have to think on your feet.
  • Working closely with others - helps you refine your teamwork skills, making sure everything runs smoothly and that tasks are completed together.
  • Juggling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines - sharpens your time management and multitasking abilities, both of which are essential in a fast-paced environment like hospitality.

How to identify your transferable skills

Figuring out your transferable skills is easier than you might think. Start by looking at the tasks you do every day, whether it’s at work, in school, or even during your hobbies.

Think about times when you've worked well under pressure, handled a tricky situation, or led a group project - those are all experiences that can be valuable in future jobs. 

If you have a specific job in mind, take a look at the job description to understand what you’ll be doing day-to-day, the skills you’ll need to complete those tasks successfully and make a note of examples where you’ve used those skills in the past. 

How to highlight the transferable skills you’ll bring to the job

Here are four tips you can use to draw connections between your past experiences and the skills needed in hospitality. These tips will show employers you’ve got what it takes!

  1. Use specific examples - instead of just saying you’re a good communicator, explain how you've used those skills - like giving presentations at school, leading a sports team, or even coordinating events with friends.
  2. Show adaptability - hospitality is all about handling new situations. Think of times when you’ve had to adapt quickly, like starting a new role, adjusting to a busy schedule, or managing unexpected changes during an event.
  3. Demonstrate customer service skills - even if you haven’t worked directly with customers, show how you’ve helped people—whether that’s supporting classmates, volunteering, or dealing with people in a retail setting.
  4. Highlight soft skills - these are the personal traits that help you connect with people and handle different situations smoothly at work. Mention skills like time management, multitasking, and problem-solving. For example, balancing schoolwork and a part-time job or staying focused during high-pressure situations like exams are great examples of what you’ll need in hospitality. 

Land a job in hospitality today

Showcasing your transferable skills is a fantastic way to stand out, even if you’re new to the hospitality world. 

By highlighting your past experiences, adaptability, and soft skills, you’ll demonstrate to employers that you’re ready to take on a new challenge. 

If you’re eager to put your skills to work and dive into a fun career, why not explore the opportunities at M&B? 

Check out our latest job openings or sign up for job alerts today. 

List #1

Some articles you might like

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

girl holding a tray of food standing in front of a restaurant
Five reasons to choose a Christmas job at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/01/2024

Summary

Christmas is coming, and we can hear Santa's bells fast approaching. That's right, it's almost time to dust off the Christmas jumper and get the decorations out of the box. If you're not excited j

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

image of mel
Building a better future: Our partnership with Social Bite

Teaser

Company update

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/31/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we believe that success isn't just measured by the number of guests we serve, but also by the positive impact we have on our community. That's why we are thrilled to annou

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

shift supervisor
What to expect in a Shift Supervisor job at M&B

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/14/2024

Summary

Are you a natural leader, problem-solver, and passionate about working with people? Then a Shift Supervisor job could be a brilliant choice for you. A Shift Supervisor—sometimes called a Shift Ma

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

smiling lady on laptop sitting at pub
The dos and don'ts when writing your hospitality CV

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/07/2024

Summary

So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens

Teaser

CV writing a chance to figure out your core skills, which pub and restaurant job is right for you and which type of company you want to work at.

Find out more
Sue Bayley

by

Sue Bayley

Sue Bayley

by

Sue Bayley

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Full Time Experienced Bartender

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

EGO - Penhow, Penhow, NP26 3AD

Departments

Bar Staff

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

EGO

Location

Penhow

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  As Bar Staff at E

Reference

2342498

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Part Time Shift Supervisor

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Wallace, Coventry, CV6 2JF

Departments

Shift Supervisor

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Sizzling Pub & Grill

Location

Coventry

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Part Time Shift

Reference

2342420

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Part Time Bar Staff

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Sharmans Cross, Solihull, B91 1HT

Departments

Bar Staff

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Sizzling Pub & Grill

Location

Solihull

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  As Part Time Bar

Reference

2344284

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search