Summer is upon us, which means more events and parties, more banquets, outdoor dining, racing days out, holidays and staycations, and much more. As a pleasant side-effect, this has repercussions for the hospitality industry, as tourists and locals alike flock to hotels, restaurants, and resorts, and get out and about.
With that, of course, comes a demand for temporary hospitality workers: you.
These positions, both Front of House and Back of House, offer exciting opportunities, so read on for some valuable tips to thrive in the fast-paced world of temporary hospitality jobs this summer, then book the shifts that best suit you.
   1. Embrace the fast pace
Fast-paced environments are the norm in hospitality, so get stuck in, and embrace the energy and excitement that comes with it. Be prepared to multitask and think on your feet, keeping a sense of urgency and adaptability. Do this and you’re bound to increase your chances of being a 5-star Flexer and being invited back again by the same employer.
   2. Stay organised
An organised approach is key. Perhaps you’re a natural at this, perhaps you have to work on it. Either way, it’s a skill you’ll need to master to progress your career. Creating daily to-do lists, setting reminders on your phone, and using time-management will help you to stay on top of things. In turn, this will allow you to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, maintain a sense of control, and be seen as a calming influence – maybe giving you the opportunity to lead a team.
   3. Make use of Flexer Benefits
In demanding roles, it’s essential to look after your wellbeing, both physical and mental, particularly given the long hours and high-pressure situations you may be exposed to.
Day to day, it’s important to ensure you get plenty of rest, eat good food, and take time to unwind, maybe through mindfulness and meditation.
You can also take advantage of our Flexer Benefits in respect of your wellbeing, with services such as 24/7 access to a digital GP, access to a digital physio, mental health support, access to a counsellor, and much more.
Or, you may prefer to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, with our discounts on fashion and lifestyle brands. You can also unwind with discounted cinema tickets, comedy gig tickets, or restaurant deals.
Just make sure you look after number one.
   4. Develop effective communication skills
Clear and efficient communication is vital in hospitality environments, especially when catering to the needs of dozens, maybe hundreds, of guests. Be sure to share information with colleagues, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed. Make sure you listen attentively to fully understand instructions and customer requests.
Develop strong communication skills and you’re guaranteed to deliver exceptional service.
   5. Build positive relationships
It’s in your interest to build positive relationships with your colleagues and superiors. They’ll be able to offer guidance, encouragement, and advice throughout your shift(s). Collaboration and teamwork are essential in the hospitality industry, and help colleagues push each other through difficult times. And, again, working well with team leaders and supervisors will only make them want to hire you again
   6. Learn and grow
The hospitality sector offers you the chance to learn, grow, and advance your career. It may be that your employer offers training sessions and workshops that will help you move forwards. If so, take full advantage of these. The greater number of skills you acquire and the deeper your knowledge of the sector, the more in demand you’ll be as a Flexer, opening doors to all sorts of opportunities
   7. Look the part
The last, and perhaps most obvious, point is to make sure you’re dressed and groomed accordingly, in line with what’s expected by the employer.
Generally speaking, this means wearing black trousers and shoes, a clean white shirt, a black tie, and a black waistcoat.
It also means taking care of your personal hygiene (washing before the shift, making sure your nails are trimmed) and making sure you’re well groomed; for example, tying long hair back.
So as the summer sun heats up the hospitality industry and more jobs become available on the Flex app, try and keep the points above in mind. This will ensure you’re well placed to pick up as many shifts as possible and that you can progress in this fast paced sector, packed with opportunity.
Download the Indeed Flex app today and benefit from a world of temporary work opportunities across all different industries and employers.
