Looking for a direction

Question

I would love to move into hospitality training. I have a great background in hospitality with more than 15 years' experience working in Australia and the UK in managerial positions and as a restaurant owner.

My specialities are guest service, management development and staff recruitment. I have a solid background in silver service and have served prime ministers, billionaires and movie stars. My personality is one of encouragement.

I would love to travel, as I am a single 40-year-old with no financial commitment. I have approached various recruitment consultants, but the response has been a little confusing. Sometimes I am over-qualified, other times I do not have enough experience and twice the interviewer has been on holiday and won't be back for a month and I don't hear anything back.

I would also be grateful if you could look at my CV and offer your opinion.

What the expert says

Lesley Reynolds, managing director, Portfolio International

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I was quite taken aback by your story, not least that interviewers have disappeared on you for a month on holiday on more than one occasion and other similar woes. I have read your CV carefully and you mention you would love to travel and have two passports. Have you considered the cruise-ship industry? The combination of silver service and other food service skills you offer might be well appreciated in this sector while meeting the other criteria you mention, not least the emphasis on guest service. To obtain a role in this area I would advise you to contact the cruise-line companies that appeal to you the most, either directly or through an agent who specialises in this sector.