Transferable skills to land a job in hospitality

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.