Starting a hotel reception career

Question

My daughter, who is 18, is interested in a career in hotel reception work.

She has no hotel experience, but has done reception, admin and shop work. She enjoys being customer-focused and has no doubts that this type of work would be for her. She is looking for a trainee position, but these seem to be few and far between. She would have no problem moving away from where we live (Whyteleafe, near Caterham, Surrey).

How would she go about realising her career? We have, of course, searched the hospitality websites. What is the best way forward?

What the expert says

David Goldfarb, director, MaydayExec

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I would suggest that your daughter contacts a number of hotels directly. She should write to the human resources department and, if possible, address her letter to the HR manager by name. Her letter should be well-written, detailing the reasons she wants to pursue a career in reception. Previous involvement in customer service situations should be highlighted, with an emphasis on how she achieved positive results. She could also talk to recruitment consultants in the hospitality industry, who can help her in searching for a suitable position.