How to Write a CV to Start a Career: Tips for Young Graduates in Hospitality

How to Write a CV to Start a Career in Hospitality and Catering: Tips for Recent Graduates

Starting a career in hospitality and catering can seem daunting for recent graduates, but it’s possible to craft a compelling CV even without significant professional experience. Here are some tips to effectively highlight your skills and experiences.

1. Highlight Your Academic Background

Degrees in hospitality, restaurant management, or any relevant field are crucial. Make sure to present your education clearly:

• Degrees and Certificates: List the name of the institution, the degree title, and the start and end dates.
• Key Subjects: Mention important subjects studied, as well as any significant projects.
• Notable Projects: If you worked on significant projects or received any honors, highlight them. For instance, a project on hotel operations management or a case study on customer service can showcase your skills in management and service.

2. Emphasize Internships and Academic Projects

Internships and academic projects, even if unpaid, are valuable experiences:

• Internships: Describe the tasks performed, skills developed, and results achieved. Mention tools used and skills gained in client relations and event management.
• Projects: Include projects completed during your studies, specifying tasks performed and skills acquired.

3. Value Your Student Jobs

Student jobs, particularly in the HORECA sector, demonstrate your work ethic and experience with the professional world:

• Experience: Outline your responsibilities and skills gained in roles such as server, bartender, or assistant in a restaurant or hotel.
• Skills Developed: Highlight practical skills and industry understanding gained from these experiences.

4. Present Your Technical and IT Skills

Technical skills are crucial:

• List Your Knowledge: Include hotel management software, reservation systems, or inventory management tools. Specify your proficiency level for each skill.

5. Highlight Your Soft Skills

Soft skills are highly valued:

• Skills: Emphasize your communication, time management, and teamwork skills. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you developed and applied these skills.

6. Mention Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Extracurricular or volunteer engagements showcase transferable skills:

• Activities: Describe your involvement in associative, sports, or artistic activities, focusing on the skills acquired.

By following these tips, you can create a CV that highlights your strengths and helps you start your career in hospitality and catering successfully.

Conclusion

To craft an effective CV in the hospitality and catering sector, it’s essential to highlight not only your academic background and professional experiences but also your student jobs, technical skills, soft skills, and extracurricular activities. By integrating these six tips, you can create a CV that reflects not only your skills and experiences but also your enthusiasm and potential for a successful career in this dynamic field.

By emphasizing these aspects, you show recruiters that you possess the qualities needed to excel in hospitality and catering, even as you start your career. Good luck with your job search and career development!