How to Get a Job at a Hotel

Hotels in suburban Cook County serve vacationers, business travelers and event groups, which means they value employees who can multitask, solve problems quickly and communicate effectively with diverse guests. Key skills to develop include:

• Customer-service excellence: Experience handling guest requests and resolving issues is preferred.
• Technical know-how: Familiarity with hotel reservation systems is a plus.
• Event support: Many suburban lodgings host conferences and weddings, so experience in event setup or coordination adds value.
• Leadership experience: For management-track roles, showcase your ability to supervise teams and manage daily operations.

Even if you’re applying for an entry-level job, having these skills — or simply showing you’re willing to learn — will give you an advantage.

Hotels in suburban Cook County serve vacationers, business travelers and event groups, which means they value employees who can multitask, solve problems quickly and communicate effectively with diverse guests. Key skills to develop include:

• Customer-service excellence: Experience handling guest requests and resolving issues is preferred.
• Technical know-how: Familiarity with hotel reservation systems is a plus.
• Event support: Many suburban lodgings host conferences and weddings, so experience in event setup or coordination adds value.
• Leadership experience: For management-track roles, showcase your ability to supervise teams and manage daily operations.

Even if you’re applying for an entry-level job, having these skills — or simply showing you’re willing to learn — will give you an advantage.

Your resume should clearly reflect why you're a fit for hotel work, even if your past experience isn’t directly in hospitality. Focus on:

• Roles where you worked with customers or handled fast-paced environments (retail, food service, etc.)
• Specific achievements, such as improving guest satisfaction or managing team projects
• Action-driven descriptions like “Assisted guests during high-volume events” or “Managed daily front-desk operations for 150-room property”

Customize your resume for each application, especially if you’re applying to hotels that specialize in certain services, like large event venues or extended-stay properties.

To find the right hotel jobs in Cook County, use job-search strategies that target your preferred locations and hotel types. Some methods include:

• Online job boards: Browse with hospitality-focused filters on general job boards like Linkedin and Indeed.
• Hotel brand websites: Check the career pages of major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt or local small businesses.
• Local resources: Suburban chambers of commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureaus often list job fairs and hiring events.
• Hospitality-focused sites: Platforms like HCareers and Hospitality Online sometimes post openings before general job boards.

Applying directly through hotel websites or attending local hiring events can help you get noticed faster than applying through large job platforms alone.

Hotel interviews often focus on how you handle guest interactions and work under pressure. Prepare examples from past experiences that show your problem-solving skills, teamwork and attention to detail. For entry-level roles, be ready to discuss:

• How you’ve managed multiple tasks at once
• A time when you resolved a customer complaint
• Your approach to maintaining a positive attitude during busy shifts

If you’re applying for management positions, expect questions about leading teams, overseeing budgets or handling guest escalations. Interviewers might also ask how you’d manage operations during high-capacity events or collaborate with local vendors.

Many hotel managers began their careers in entry-level positions. Starting as a front-desk agent, housekeeping attendant or banquet staff can quickly lead to promotions if you consistently show reliability and initiative. Some spots allow employees to cross-train in different departments, giving you broader experience that can accelerate your career growth.

Let supervisors know you’re interested in growth opportunities and volunteer for additional responsibilities when possible. This proactive approach often leads to internal promotions.

Many hotel chains in the Chicago suburbs offer formal training programs designed to develop employees into future leaders. These programs provide hands-on learning in guest services, operations and management. Ask about career-development programs during interviews. Showing that you’re interested in long-term growth within the company can set you apart from other candidates and position you as a strong fit for management jobs down the line.