Hospitality Opportunities for Older Workers
Anna D. Banks, GCDF
July 15, 2007
If you're one of those baby boomers seeking an industry that values your talent and years of experience, you must seriously consider working in the hospitality industry. Apart from providing lucrative job opportunities to baby boomers, the industry also offers flexible working hours, and handsome perks in appreciation of their hard work and dedication. Listed below are some of the reasons why you must consider working for the hospitality industry:
Senior-Friendly Work Environment
With the number of senior travelers on the rise, it makes sense for organizations to include baby boomers in their teams. In fact, big companies like McDonald's, Marriott, and Disney, are currently involved in providing meaningful job opportunities to mature workers. For instance, the recruiting team of Marriott conducts mock interviews to assist senior workers in their job search.
Value Experience
Finding a job in the hospitality industry can be very easy if you have adequate customer-service experience. Hotels are constantly on the lookout for senior workers who have ample customer service experience to deal with difficult customers. Employers understand that strong customer service skills cannot be acquired through training and these skills develop only through years of experience in the industry.
Flexible work hours
Since this industry works round the clock, you may choose a work schedule that’s most convenient to you. So, if you are one of those early risers, you may opt for an early morning shift. The best part is that you may work even on weekends and make some extra money.
Handsome Perks
You may not exactly get rich being in this business, but you will not be disappointed with the compensation package offered. Many hotels and restaurants provide meals to their employees. On the other hand, your employers may offer you discounted rates on brand hotels, something you just wouldn’t ignore if you enjoyed traveling.
Practical Tips to get a job in hospitality industry
You need to do your homework well in order to land yourself a great job in this industry. Before considering a job offer, make sure that you know the physical demands of the job position being offered. For instance, certain job positions may necessitate standing for long hours and may not be suitable for senior workers. When choosing an organization, it is important to ensure that it fosters an age-friendly work environment that is devoid of stereotypes towards senior workers. The best way to find out is to visit the potential workplace to see how employers treat their workers. It may take a while to find the right job and you must spend a good deal of your time in research to find suitable employment opportunities. You may visit career and job fairs in order to meet prospective employers from the industry. This gives you an opportunity to understand what exactly employers are looking for. Job fairs also help you to determine what kind of work environment may be appropriate for you.
When working in hospitality industry, some senior workers resist the idea of taking instructions from young and inexperienced employees. You need to develop a positive approach before considering these positions, as the success of any industry lies in teamwork. As a mature worker, you must give your best to the organization that values your skills and knowledge.
Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, that you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please email your questions to to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com, and maybe I'll feature them in a future article.
Read more articles by Anna D. Banks, GCDF go to: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewByAuthor.asp?authorID=1855.
Senior-Friendly Work Environment
With the number of senior travelers on the rise, it makes sense for organizations to include baby boomers in their teams. In fact, big companies like McDonald's, Marriott, and Disney, are currently involved in providing meaningful job opportunities to mature workers. For instance, the recruiting team of Marriott conducts mock interviews to assist senior workers in their job search.
Value Experience
Finding a job in the hospitality industry can be very easy if you have adequate customer-service experience. Hotels are constantly on the lookout for senior workers who have ample customer service experience to deal with difficult customers. Employers understand that strong customer service skills cannot be acquired through training and these skills develop only through years of experience in the industry.
Flexible work hours
Since this industry works round the clock, you may choose a work schedule that’s most convenient to you. So, if you are one of those early risers, you may opt for an early morning shift. The best part is that you may work even on weekends and make some extra money.
Handsome Perks
You may not exactly get rich being in this business, but you will not be disappointed with the compensation package offered. Many hotels and restaurants provide meals to their employees. On the other hand, your employers may offer you discounted rates on brand hotels, something you just wouldn’t ignore if you enjoyed traveling.
Practical Tips to get a job in hospitality industry
You need to do your homework well in order to land yourself a great job in this industry. Before considering a job offer, make sure that you know the physical demands of the job position being offered. For instance, certain job positions may necessitate standing for long hours and may not be suitable for senior workers. When choosing an organization, it is important to ensure that it fosters an age-friendly work environment that is devoid of stereotypes towards senior workers. The best way to find out is to visit the potential workplace to see how employers treat their workers. It may take a while to find the right job and you must spend a good deal of your time in research to find suitable employment opportunities. You may visit career and job fairs in order to meet prospective employers from the industry. This gives you an opportunity to understand what exactly employers are looking for. Job fairs also help you to determine what kind of work environment may be appropriate for you.
When working in hospitality industry, some senior workers resist the idea of taking instructions from young and inexperienced employees. You need to develop a positive approach before considering these positions, as the success of any industry lies in teamwork. As a mature worker, you must give your best to the organization that values your skills and knowledge.
Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, that you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please email your questions to to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com, and maybe I'll feature them in a future article.
Read more articles by Anna D. Banks, GCDF go to: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewByAuthor.asp?authorID=1855.
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