As a hotel operations manager, articulating the breadth of your hospitality experience without overwhelming your resume can be a challenge. Our guide will provide you with strategies to concisely showcase your accomplishments and skills, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers.
- Incorporate hotel operations manager job advert keywords into key sections of your resume, such as the summary, header, and experience sections;
- Quantify your experience using achievements, certificates, and more in various hotel operations manager resume sections;
- Apply practical insights from real-life hotel operations manager resume examples to enhance your own profile;
- Choose the most effective hotel operations manager resume format to succeed in any evaluation process.
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Is there a correct way to format your hotel operations manager resume?
This is a tricky question. While skimming over your resume, recruiters will be looking at your experience and the message your profile conveys. That's why your resume format needs to be clear and concise, serving to supplement and organize your experience. Professional best practices point that the best hotel operations manager resumes:
- Follow the reverse chronological order, where the most recent experience items are presented first . This is to keep your expertise succinct and to show recruiters your career growth over the years;
- Have a clearly defined header that includes all relevant contact information and a portfolio or a LinkedIn link. In some countries, it is acceptable to include a professional photo , so that your application is more memorable;
- Feature the most important hotel operations manager resume sections towards the top, e.g. summary, skills, and experience. That way, recruiters can immediately find information that is relevant to the role;
- Take up no more than two pages - and two pages are the exception for more experienced professionals. Keep your expertise to the point and use your hotel operations manager resume real estate wisely .
- Selecting modern, yet simple fonts, e.g. Rubik, Lato, etc., would help your application stand out;
- Many candidates stick with the tried-and-tested Arial or Times New Roman, but you'd want your hotel operations manager resume to be a bit more unique;
- The ATS can read all serif and sans-serif fonts, so you should avoid fancy, formal script (or cursive) fonts.
Consider your target market – resumes in Canada, for example, follow different layout conventions.
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PRO TIP
List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.
Recruiters' preferred hotel operations manager resume sections:
- A header with relevant contact information and headline, listing your current job title
- A resume summary or objective pinpointing what is most impressive about your expertise (that aligns with the role)
- An experience section highlighting the specifics of your responsibilities and achievements
- A skills sidebar to intertwine job advert keywords with your unique talents
- An education and certifications sections to serve as further accreditation to your professional experience
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proven ability to manage hotel operational departments, including front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, and food & beverage services.
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning specific to hotel operations.
- Demonstrated success in maintaining high guest satisfaction scores and managing guest relations.
- Track record of executing strategies to increase revenue, such as optimizing occupancy rates and upselling services.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance and safety standards within the hospitality industry.
Writing your hotel operations manager resume experience
Within the body of your hotel operations manager resume is perhaps one of the most important sections - the resume experience one. Here are five quick tips on how to curate your hotel operations manager professional experience:
- Include your expertise that aligns to the job requirements;
- Always ensure that you qualify your achievements by including a skill, what you did, and the results your responsibility led to;
- When writing each experience bullet, ensure you're using active language;
- If you can include a personal skill you've grown, thanks to your experience, this would help you stand out;
- Be specific about your professional experience - it's not enough that you can "communicate", but rather what's your communication track record?
Wondering how other professionals in the industry are presenting their job-winning hotel operations manager resumes? Check out how these hotel operations manager professionals put some of our best practices into action:
- Streamlined hotel operations by implementing a state-of-the-art property management system, improving room turnover efficiency by 25%.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute a $5M hotel renovation project, enhancing the guest experience and increasing average daily rate by 18%.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, reducing annual operating costs by 15% while maintaining service quality.
- Orchestrated the launch of a guest loyalty program, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat bookings within the first year.
- Spearheaded the development of a sustainability initiative which cut waste by 30% and reduced energy consumption by 20%.
- Managed a team of 150+ employees, fostering a culture of exceptional service that secured the hotel as a top 5 contender in the regional hospitality awards.
- Developed a comprehensive training program for new hires, reducing onboarding time by 40% and enhancing team productivity.
- Implemented aggressive revenue management strategies that lifted RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) by 25% over a 4-year period.
- Facilitated the integration of innovative guest-service technologies, such as mobile check-ins and smart-room keys, boosting guest satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with local businesses to create unique guest experiences, lifting hotel booking rates by 30% during off-peak months.
- Oversaw daily operations for a 500-room hotel, ensuring all departments met their service delivery targets.
- Delivered a training initiative on cultural competency, markedly improving guest service ratings from international visitors.
- Coordinated the rollout of an upgrade to the hotel's Wi-Fi infrastructure, delivering improved service that translated to a 10% increase in guest satisfaction surveys.
- Led a crisis management team during a natural disaster, maintaining operational continuity and ensuring guest and staff safety.
- Managed capital budgets and financial forecasts, consistently delivering projects under budget and reallocating funds to enhance guest amenities.
- Strategized and executed a successful marketing campaign focused on the corporate meetings segment, which increased related bookings by 35% and bolstered overall revenue.
- Oversaw the adoption of an employee recognition program that reduced staff turnover by 20% and raised employee satisfaction.
- Liaised with the food and beverage departments to refine menus and service offerings, resulting in a 25% increase in restaurant revenue.
- Managed operational logistics for high-profile events, including international conferences and weddings, which repeatedly garnered accolades for the hotel's service excellence.
- Reduced overhead expenses by optimizing supply chain management, cutting costs by 22% without compromising on quality.
- Championed a customer feedback system that provided real-time insights into guest preferences, driving incremental improvements in service delivery.
- Collaborated with tech teams to advance the hotel's digital presence, launching a user-friendly booking app that increased direct bookings by 40%.
- Conducted rigorous analysis on guest data to inform strategic decision-making, sparking an initiative that improved guest retention by 15% year-over-year.
- Restructured the housekeeping department for greater efficiency, achieving a 10% reduction in time-to-ready for rooms, thereby accelerating check-in process for guests.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for hotel operations manager professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Hotel Operations Manager:
- Answer inquiries pertaining to hotel policies and services, and resolve occupants' complaints.
- Participate in financial activities, such as the setting of room rates, the establishment of budgets, and the allocation of funds to departments.
- Confer and cooperate with other managers to ensure coordination of hotel activities.
- Greet and register guests.
- Monitor the revenue activity of the hotel or facility.
- Manage and maintain temporary or permanent lodging facilities.
- Train staff members.
- Observe and monitor staff performance to ensure efficient operations and adherence to facility's policies and procedures.
- Coordinate front-office activities of hotels or motels, and resolve problems.
- Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Highlight the percentage by which you've increased overall guest satisfaction scores through specific operational improvements.
- Detail the number of cross-functional teams you've led and the resultant increase in operational efficiency in percentages.
- Specify the exact figures regarding budget reductions you've achieved through cost-saving initiatives and effective resource management.
- Mention the amount by which you have reduced customer complaints through improved service standards and staff training programs.
- Showcase the rate at which you increased room occupancy and revenue growth under your management.
- Quantify the number of hotel staff you've successfully recruited, trained, and developed, linking to retention rates or performance improvements.
- Describe the scale of events and conferences you have managed, including attendance numbers and any growth in event-related revenue.
- List the precise figures reflecting the improvement in maintenance response times and the positive impact on guest experience.
Action verbs for your hotel operations manager resume
Hotel operations manager resume without experience: a walk-through guide
If you don't happen to have any relevant experience yet, you can substitute this with:
- Short-term gigs and stunts - like month-long internships, that you have done during your university days
- Contract work - be specific about the relevance and outcomes of each role you include
- Resume format that prioritizes your skills - the functional-skill-based format or hybrid format could work
- Research roles - feature those especially prominently if you've participated in a noteworthy project or your role was of utmost importance to the project's success.
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PRO TIP
If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
Key hard skills and soft skills for your hotel operations manager resume
At the top of any recruiter hotel operations manager checklist, you'd discover a list of technical competencies, balanced with personal skills.
Hard or technical skills are your opportunity to show how you meet the essential responsibilities of the role. The ability to use a particular job-crucial technology or software would also hint to recruiters whether you'd need a prolonged period of on-the-job training - or you'd fit right in the job.
But to land your dream role, you'd also need to demonstrate a variety of soft or people resume skills . Employers care about soft skills as they show how each candidate would fit into the team and company culture.
Both types of skills are specific and to best curate them on your resume, you'd need to:
- Create a skill section within which you showcase your hard and soft skills and present how they help you succeed.
- List specific examples of projects, tasks, or competitions, within which your skill set has assisted your results.
- Soft skills are harder to measure, so think about situations in which they've helped you thrive. Describe those situations concisely, focusing on how the outcome has helped you grow as a professional.
- Metrics of success - like positive ROI or optimized workplace processes - are the best way to prove your technical and people skills.
Take a look at some of hotel operations manager industry leaders' favorite hard skills and soft skills, as listed on their resumes.
Top skills for your hotel operations manager resume:
Property Management Systems (PMS)
Revenue Management Software
Point of Sale (POS) Systems
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
Booking Engines
Online Travel Agency (OTA) Management
Data Analysis and Reporting Tools
Housekeeping Management Software
Inventory Management Systems
Event Management Software
Leadership
Communication
Problem Solving
Customer Service Orientation
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Attention to Detail
Decision Making
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for hotel operations manager professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Hotel Operations Manager’s resume:
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- M-Tech Hotel Service Optimization System HotSOS
- UniResMan
PRO TIP
The more time and effort you've put into obtaining the relevant certificate, the closer to the top it should be listed. This is especially important for more senior roles and if the company you're applying for is more forward-facing.
Discover the perfect certification and education to list on your hotel operations manager resume
Value the insights your resume education section offers. It can shed light on various proficiencies and experiences tailored for the job.
- Add only college or university degrees, stating the institution and duration.
- If you're nearing the end of your degree, note your graduation date.
- Weigh the pros and cons of including unrelated degrees - it might not be your best choice with so little space on your resume.
- Talk about your educational achievements if they amplify your relevant experience.
There are so many certificates you can list on your resume.
Just which ones should make the cut?
- List your prominent higher education degree in a separate box, alongside the name of the institute you've obtained it from and your graduation dates
- Curate only relevant certificates that support your expertise, hard skills, and soft skills
- Certificates that are more niche (and rare) within the industry could be listed closer to the top. Also, this space could be dedicated to more recent certifications you've attained
- Add a description to your certificates or education, only if you deem this could further enhance your chances of showcasing your unique skill set
When listing your certificates, remember that it isn't a case of "the more, the merrier", but rather "the more applicable they are to the industry, the better".
Recruiters have hinted that these are some of the most in-demand certificates for hotel operations manager roles across the industry:
The top 5 certifications for your hotel operations manager resume:
- Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) - American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
- Certified Hospitality Operations Manager (CHOM) - Hospitality International Training
- Certified Rooms Division Manager (CRDM) - American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
- Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) - American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
- Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) - American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for hotel operations manager professionals.
Top US associations for a Hotel Operations Manager professional
- American Hotel and Lodging Association
- American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute
- IEHA
- International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
PRO TIP
Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your hotel operations manager resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
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Deciding between a resume summary or objective for your hotel operations manager role
Understanding the distinction between a resume summary and an objective is crucial for your hotel operations manager resume.
A resume summary, typically three to five sentences long, offers a concise overview of your career. This is the place to showcase your most pertinent experience, key accomplishments, and skills. It's particularly well-suited for those with professional experience relevant to the job requirements.
In contrast, a resume objective focuses on how you can add value to potential employers. It addresses why they should hire you and outlines your career expectations and learning goals. Therefore, it's ideal for candidates with less experience.
In the following section of our guide, explore how resume summaries and objectives differ through some exemplary industry-specific examples.
Resume summaries for a hotel operations manager job
- Seasoned hotel operations manager with over 15 years in luxury hospitality management, excelling in strategic planning and team leadership. Successfully increased annual revenue by 30% through innovative service enhancements and cost control measures at a renowned hotel chain. Expert in leveraging technology to streamline operations.
- Dynamic former Restaurant Manager shifting to a Hotel Operations career, bringing 10 years of experience in optimizing guest satisfaction and team efficiency. Launched several highly praised initiatives resulting in a sustained 25% increase in repeat customer business, adept at staff training and event management.
- Dedicated professional with a 20-year tenure in retail management, transitioning into hotel operations to apply robust skills in customer service excellence and facility supervision. Acknowledged for implementing loyalty programs that elevated store to top-performing status regionally, keen to transfer high-impact strategies to the hospitality sector.
- Accomplished hotel operations manager with a decade of experience in mid-size boutique hotels, recognized for driving a 40% improvement in guest experience ratings. Mastery in budgeting and cost management, coupled with a proven talent for cultivating vendor relationships that reduce supply expenses by up to 20%.
- As a recent Hospitality Management graduate, I am eager to apply my extensive academic knowledge and passion for hospitality to contribute to a successful hotel operation. My objective is to harness my fresh perspective and strong understanding of modern hospitality trends to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
- Keen to embark on a career in Hotel Operations, this highly motivated individual with a Bachelor's in Business Administration is ready to apply proven skills in team leadership, customer relationship building, and operational analysis to ensure seamless hotel operations and heightened guest satisfaction.
Average salary info by state in the US for hotel operations manager professionals
Local salary info for Hotel Operations Manager.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $65,360 |
| California (CA) | $74,660 |
| Texas (TX) | $57,680 |
| Florida (FL) | $76,580 |
| New York (NY) | $78,510 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $59,060 |
| Illinois (IL) | $57,980 |
| Ohio (OH) | $49,350 |
| Georgia (GA) | $62,440 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $61,750 |
| Michigan (MI) | $68,000 |
More relevant sections for your hotel operations manager resume
Perhaps you feel that your current resume could make use of a few more details that could put your expertise and personality in the spotlight.
We recommend you add some of these sections for a memorable first impression on recruiters:
- Projects - you could also feature noteworthy ones you've done in your free time;
- Awards - showcasing the impact and recognition your work has across the industry;
- Volunteering - the social causes you care the most about and the soft skills they've helped you sustain and grow;
- Personality resume section - hobbies, interests, favorite quote/books, etc. could help recruiters gain an even better understanding of who you are.
Key takeaways
We trust that this Enhancv guide has been informative and useful. To summarize the essential points:
- Opt for a simple and readable format, focusing more on your hotel operations manager achievements rather than just duties;
- Emphasize your accomplishments in the hotel operations manager experience section over mere responsibilities;
- If lacking relevant experience, utilize various resume sections like education and volunteering to demonstrate your suitable skill set;
- Never overlook the significance of pertinent higher education, training, and certifications;
- Incorporate diverse sections in your resume to highlight not just your skills expertise but also your personality.
