How To Get Promoted

Or, 5 Ways to Get Promoted Faster at your Hospitality Job

A common question people ask is how to get promoted, especially when they’re new to their hospitality career. Some “go getters” even ask that question in their job interview.

Most General Managers and other top executives began their careers as housekeepers, front desk agents, waiters or doormen. Ask around and you will find that many of the top management in your hotel “rose through the ranks”. Some rose very quickly and not because “they knew someone”. But because they had a clear game plan!

I’m pretty sure they’ll be more than happy to tell you their story. How they began their career just like any other hotelier, and with perseverance, drive and hard work. And how they were able to reach new heights in their career.

This only means one thing: the hotel industry is definitely a place to grow. And it offers plenty of room for career advancement. Certainly, hard work and effort to get along well with people can go a long way.

There are, however, things you can do to fast track your climb up the career ladder. Here are six tips to get promoted and quickly advance to the higher position you’ve been eyeing.

Take advantage of cross-training programs.

One of the best ways to stand out, among a sea of equally qualified employees, is when you are able to perform well in more than just your own department. And hotels typically offer cross-training programs.

These are an opportunity to train across different hotel departments. Cross-training equips employees with more hotelier knowledge, experiences and skills. Cross-training can also open your eyes to other possible career paths within the hotel.

And, if you’ve done some Cross-training, you can be occasionally asked to step in and work in other departments, if needed. Which shows flexibility and adaptability; very desirable traits!

By stepping up to take this challenge, it shows your dedication to continuous self-improvement and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone, to learn new skills and to be able to help out wherever it is needed. A sure fire way to get promoted!

Earn hotel industry-specific certificates

Another way to get promoted is to show your dedication to enriching your craft and expanding your knowledge about the hospitality industry. You can do this by immersing yourself in certificated courses on the different aspects of the industry.

Not only will you gain more knowledge out of it. You will be able to add it on your resume. And attending these types of classes or courses can introduce you to a whole new network of people within the industry.

Making that extra effort to apply for these certifications can open doors to bigger opportunities, as well as give you that extra edge of having knowledge that most people in your workplace would not have access to.

Get yourself a mentor.

Find someone you truly admire in the industry and see if they are open to mentoring you. Chances are, they will be more than happy to do so and impart their knowledge.

As with most things, having someone who can show you the ropes, and share with you what they did that worked and what didn’t, can truly save you from making many mistakes that can delay your career advancement.

Watch closely what they do, how they tackle their tasks, how they deal with people, how they solve problems and how they deal with challenges. Pick up the things that are helpful and see how you can improve practices and behaviors that you find are not as effective.

It’s always nice to have someone you can consult with regarding things within the industry you may not be sure of, and provide guidance whenever it’s needed.

Master the basics

Before you can even think about taking the next step up the career ladder, you must first master the basics. And be an exemplary team member, wherever you are right now.

You need to be at the top of your game before you try and pitch yourself for a promotion.

Remember that there are no shortcuts when it comes to good work ethics and practices. So, what areas do you need to stand out in, to be identified as a top performer and contributor in your organization?

Punctuality: This is one of those things that the management can easily pull up records for. And it can immediately affect your chances at a promotion. Make sure to always show up to work on time (earlier would be better), or give sufficient notice if you will be late or absent. Punctuality is always highly regarded no matter what position you are in. It shows your commitment to work and your respect for the company and your colleagues.
Positive attitude: Everyone loves to work with someone who can lighten up the mood with their positivity, no matter how tiring or stressful the day may be. Don’t be one of those people who drags down the spirits of the entire team with negative remarks, whining and complaining when you don’t get your way. A person who does his job with a light heart and an upbeat spirit is a joy to work with, and certainly a better candidate in the eyes of the management.
Organization skills: Sloppy work and forgetfulness are things nobody wants to see in someone who is applying to be a department leader. If you can’t manage your own workload, how would you be able to oversee the work of everyone else? Make sure to always be on top of your tasks so you’ll never be caught off-guard, and always keep your work area neat and clean!
Teamwork: Be an excellent team-player. Love everyone and be loved by all. People who are well-liked and respected by their colleagues are more likely to bag that promotion, since people want to maintain a healthy working environment where everyone is happy and gets along well with each other.

These first 4 points are exactly what Tiffany Somes did, when she joined Ferra Hotels Boracay. You can read her story here. Tiffany made sure to get experience across lots of different departments, fast tracking her way to a promotion.

One hotelier working across lots of hotel departments as a waiter, front desk, back office and as a concierge. Article: Get Promoted in Hospitality by MY RANGGO Hospitality Magazine Philippines — Train, and get experience, across the different departments. It starts out as a “side ways” move but puts you in a good position for a promotion later.

Let your boss know you’re aiming for the promotion.

This is something that a lot of people forget to do! Not knowing it could actually play a huge part in whether or not you are given the chance to get that higher position. Managers are often left guessing who’s interested in the position and who’s happy cruising by in their current place.

They may not know you want it, or may not have thought of you as a candidate yet. Make sure to tell your boss that you are interested in applying for the promotion. And actively ask what you can do to help yourself be the best candidate and get promoted.

Ask how you can do your job better, and what steps you can take to help you secure the promotion. Be humble yet ambitious, passionate and driven. The management will then have you at the forefront of their minds when thinking about the best candidate.

Never stop selling yourself by maintaining a pristine work record and making things easier for your boss. Help your teammates shine, by being an excellent team player, and always make sure your presence is felt. Not only by the management but also by everyone else in your team and your guests.

While there is no substitute for actual hard work and excellent work ethics, these five tips will surely boost your chances at getting that promotion and taking the next step towards advancing your hospitality career.