North America

Where to go and why

UK Hospitality has long looked to the USA for inspiration and the latest trends. The American concept of service and "Have a Nice Day" is perhaps a little worn now, but cities such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Orlando have all become breeding grounds for new concepts, especially on the food front. And of course there's Las Vegas, where the over-the-top hotels have to be seen to be believed.

Canada tends to draw those wanting big landscapes and stunning scenery - think the Rocky Mountains and skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb north of Vancouver on the Pacific side. It's a little less brash than its southern neighbour, and the further west you go, the more liberal and laid back the people become. To work in the province of Quebec, you'll need to speak French.

Employers

International chains: Marriott International, Six Continents, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Starwood Hotels, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Golden Tulip, Best Western International.

Regional chains: Bristol Hotels, Fairmount, Canadian Pacific, Walt Disney Corporation (California and Orlando).

Living/working conditions

Work hard, play hard is the motto here. A five-day week and only two weeks' paid holiday a year is the norm. You'll be expected to work long hours, but your time off will easily make up for it. Depending on location, your days off could be spent engaging in any number of outdoor sports, shopping at the mega-mall complexes that sprout up everywhere, or enjoying local tourist attractions.

Unless you're in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, cultural events probably won't match up to London.

Red tape

Work permits are needed for the USA. Skilled workers such as chefs can usually obtain them easily; an experienced chef de rang with five-star country house hotel experience will probably also find work with similar establishments in the USA.

Health

No serious health risks, but be aware that healthcare in the USA is expensive, so make sure it is included in any employment package. Canada has a national healthcare system like the UK, but health insurance is advisable.

Developmental outlook

Economically the USA is experiencing a slowdown at the present, which could impact on tourism, hospitality and recruitment in the short term. But in the long term, as an economic superpower, the USA and its hospitality industry will continue to grow. Canada's economy is strongly linked to the USA, although its dollar is weaker. Expect financial trends in the USA to be echoed in Canada.

Useful links

Info on work permits to the USA: www.ins.usdoj.gov.

Info about working stateside: www.careermag.com.