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Hotel Management Career
by Josh Stone
Though the industry is likely to do well in the long term, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics predicts there won't be very much growth in the number of jobs for
hotel managers. A lot of new hotels will be economy class and extended-stay
hotels, and these kinds of accommodations don't hire as many managers as
shorter-stay, more upscale ones. However, increasing business travel and
domestic and foreign tourism will drive employment growth of hotel managers and assistants.
Hotel and motels rent rooms to customers. These businesses need employees to
clean rooms and check in guests. Larger hotels also need employees to plan
conferences, set up rooms for events, and prepare meals for guests. Hotel and
motel managers oversee all these departments and make sure employees do good work.
Duties vary with the size and type of the business. In small hotels and motels,
one manager may be in charge of all departments. In large hotels, each department
may be run by an assistant manager. General Managers are in charge of the entire
hotel. They often help create budgets, policies, and advertisements. They also
may set room rates and fees.
There are several types of assistant managers. Executive housekeepers are in
charge of the workers who clean the hotel. They inspect the hotel to make sure
that all areas are clean. Front office managers are in charge of reservations
and room assignments.
Food and beverage managers oversee restaurants and banquets. They plan menus,
set prices, and order supplies. Convention services managers coordinate all
hotel activities related to meetings. They meet with clients and plan schedules.
Then they work with the food service and front office managers to serve and
lodge the visitors.
Assistant managers hire, train, and supervise the members of their staff. They
assign duties to workers and schedule their shifts. They also solve customers'
complaints and answer questions about their departments. In addition, managers
write reports about their department. They also order food or supplies and may
negotiate contracts with vendors. Assistant managers meet and talk with the
general manager several times a week. They also talk to other assistant managers
when coordinating large events, such as weddings.
In general, managers of small hotels and motels have more duties than managers
of larger businesses. This is because there are fewer employees in smaller
hotels and motels. Thus, managers are likely to fill in for absent workers. For
example, managers may occasionally clean rooms, take reservations, check guests
in and out, or make general repairs.
Managers of small hotels and motels have many administrative tasks. They
interview, hire, and train new staff. They schedule laundry service deliveries
and order supplies. In addition, they keep track of income and expenses.
In short, hotel managers wear a million different hats and juggle a million
different tasks. As managers who oversee the running of entire hotels or motels,
they must have an incredible eye for detail, enormous organizational ability,
and lots and lots of energy. Initiative, self-discipline, effective communication
skills, and the ability to organize and direct the work of others are also
essential for managers at all levels.
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