Many people — students, retirees, military spouses and everyone in between — are looking for part-time work to bring in extra cash. And increasingly, hotels are meeting their needs for flexibility or a change in pace by offering part-time jobs. Check out a few options that might be right for you.
Porter or Bellhop
A successful porter or bellhop at a hotel has excellent customer service skills. If you enjoy helping others and paying attention to the details, you will enjoy working part-time as a hotel porter or bellhop. Responsibilities include handling baggage, greeting and escorting guests, and inspecting rooms to ensure guests have everything they need during their stay. There are plenty of opportunities for career growth in this position if you want to become a bell captain or lobby ambassador.
Valet
A valet can be one of the first people at the hotel to greet guests. You will be the face of the hotel and will be responsible for welcoming guests, parking their vehicles, and providing general information to guests about the hotel and local attractions. This part-time role is great if you enjoy speaking with others and have driving experience. Knowing how to drive a stick shift is considered a plus.
Food Runner or Busser
Food runners usually deliver food to tables while bussers clean the tables, but some jobs may have you doing both. These are great positions that do not require any experience. If you want to get into the hospitality industry, specifically food and beverage, being a food runner or busser is an excellent introduction.
Server
If you are more extroverted and enjoy talking to people, consider becoming a part-time server. It’s good for anyone who enjoys talking with patrons and ensuring guest satisfaction. It is a fast-paced position, with responsibilities including taking guest orders and sharing any specials or restaurant promotions. Unless the restaurant includes tips in their prices, you will also get cash tips. Even if you have never worked as a server before, once you have serving experience on your résumé, you will have your foot in the door for future food and beverage or hospitality work.
Host or Hostess
A restaurant host or hostess welcomes guests and escorts them to their seats. You will manage the seating chart and monitor restaurant activity to help determine seating and dining flow. When business is slow, you may do side work like cleaning, stocking, and table setting. A host or hostess may be responsible for opening or closing the restaurant if the manager is not on duty. Your colleagues, such as servers, may come to you to ask you to take on more or fewer tables, so it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and relationship with your team. It is an excellent part-time opportunity for anyone who enjoys the perks of being the face of the restaurant.
Pool Attendant
Pool attendants ensure a clean, fun, and safe environment for hotel pool guests. You will help guests get fresh towels, maintain pool equipment like umbrellas and rafts, and respond to guests in a timely and friendly manner. It is a great part-time or seasonal opportunity for anyone who enjoys being by the water and wants a more laid-back position.
Night Auditor
Night auditors are essential for the success of their hotels. Many night auditors wear two hats, providing front desk service for guests who arrive overnight or depart early in the morning and handling reporting and accounting responsibilities at the end of each day. Typically working overnight beginning at 11pm, night auditors process payments, balance reports, reconcile cash drawers at the front desk, and prepare invoices for the following day. The overnight hours can be perfect for parents who cannot work during the day or those looking to supplement other part-time work with additional income.
Bartender
Whether you are an amateur mixologist or you have been slinging cocktails for years, there’s a place for you as a part-time bartender. Many hotel bars are in need of bartenders to pick up extra shifts and if you have already mastered the basics, you’ll be comfortable behind any bar. As an added benefit, hotel bars and restaurants are more stable than their standalone counterparts, meaning part-time work could be more regular and opportunities to grow and expand your career abound.
Find Your Next Part-Time Job
Whether you are a student looking for a hospitality internship or someone who wants to take on part-time work on weekends or nights, the hotel industry needs people like you. Starting a part-time job in the hospitality industry will help you grow your career while having a flexible schedule. Get inspired by these potential career hospitality paths and explore an industry that is excited to welcome you!