Hotel Desk Clerks

Desk clerks should have experience working in the hospitality or hotel fields.

Desk clerks should be great communicators with the ability to interact effectively with different kinds of people. You should like meeting guests and helping them enjoy their experience at the hotel. Desk clerks are part of the hotel team, so you should be willing to help other employees if necessary. Organization, flexibility, and patience are some qualities needed when handling different situations and tasks simultaneously. You should be courteous and eager to help, even at times when the guests are demanding. When unable to help, you must be able to relay the guests' demands to the proper department. As a desk clerk, you will spend the majority of the day on your feet, so you should be in good physical condition. Computer knowledge (to use the hotel reservation system), good phone manners, and readable penmanship are desirable for this job. Fluency in other languages, though not a requirement, is a great plus.

Good grooming habits are essential for this high visibility job. Strive for a professional look. Industry no-nos include excessive jewelry and heavy or dramatic makeup. Desk clerks usually wear uniforms provided by the hotel that are cleaned free of charge at some hotels.