Being the front line of information at a hotel or resort, desk clerks answer questions about services, check-out times, the local community, and other matters of interest. If there are any problems with guest rooms or public facilities, they report them to members of the housekeeping or maintenance staff. At larger hotels desk clerks may refer questions about area attractions or more complicated issues to a concierge or manager. Sometimes, at smaller hotels and motels, the job duties of the hotel clerk may become greater. Clerks may be asked to bring fresh linens to rooms, for example, and they are often responsible for all front-office operations, information, and services.
Hotels are open 24 hours generally, which creates the need for night and weekend work. Roughly half of all desk clerks work a 40-hour week. Nearly one in five work part-time. Many work full-time but with varying schedules. Working conditions for desk clerks are generally good as most clerks work in areas that are clean, well lit, and relatively quiet.
Hotel lobbies, however, can become quite crowded and noisy at times, and desk clerks may experience particularly hectic conditions during check-in and check-out times. When large groups of guests or conventions arrive, it can be a frantic time for clerks as they try to accommodate many people who have all arrived at once. On the downside, dealing with problematic guests, computer failures, and being on your feet for long stretches at a time can make the job stressful sometimes. But most hotel clerks are happy to have a job that is flexible that either allows them the schedule they want or to have an entryway to a business they want to pursue.
Many hotels, motels, and resorts provide orientation and training on the job. The orientation may include an explanation of job duties and information about the establishment and its history, arrangement of guest rooms, availability of additional services, and location of guest services, such as ice and vending machines, restaurants, and nearby retail stores and attractions. Clerks often receive additional training on other services such as computerized reservations, room assignments, and billing systems and equipment. Desk clerks often learn new procedures and company policies after their initial training period ends.
Desk clerks should be quick-thinking, energetic, and able to work as team members. Hotel managers typically look for these personal characteristics when hiring desk clerks. Good spelling and good computer skills are also essential as most of the work involves a computer. Speaking a foreign language fluently is increasingly helpful because of the growing international clientele of many accommodations.
Larger hotel and motel chains may offer better opportunities for advancement than smaller, independently owned establishments. Large chains usually have extensive career ladder programs and might offer desk clerks opportunities in management training programs.
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks will experience faster-than-average job growth over the next 10 years as additional hotel properties continue to be built and more people are expected to travel for business and leisure. Good job opportunities are expected. The median annual earnings of hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks were $18,460 in May 2006. The middle 50% earned between $15,930 and $22,000. The lowest 10% earned less than $13,690, and the highest 10% earned more than $27,030.
So if it's a flexible schedule you seek or a passageway to a new career, getting a job as a desk clerk at a hotel or resort might be just what you're looking for.
