Seasonal Hospitality Opportunities for Summer

It’s no surprise that as restrictions are released, Americans who have been unable to travel for over a year are ready to book some trips this summer. Demand for hotel rooms has been steadily increasing since mid-April. As in any other year, travel often picks up in the summer, as students are free from school, and families utilize that time to go on vacations. Summer is also a busy time for weddings, which often book up large blocks of hotel rooms for an entire weekend for out-of-town guests.

With the increase in demand for hotel rooms, managers often seek out temporary additions to their staff to accommodate for the added duties and high turnover. Seasonal hospitality roles are a great way to gain exposure within the industry and determine if a full-time role is something you wish to pursue.  

When and Where are Seasonal Roles Offered?

Seasonal employment opportunities are not new to the hospitality industry. Many workers chase seasonal work as it allows them to live in and explore new parts of the country/world with each new opportunity. These roles tend to open up just before the start of a busy season for an area. In places with great skiing and other winter sports, seasonal positions open up just before the season starts so that resorts, hotels, and lodges are fully equipped to handle the season’s crowds. In areas known for their beaches and great summer weather, seasonal jobs are often offered for the entirety of summer, potentially starting a bit before and finishing in early fall.  

However, seasonal roles can be offered anywhere. If an area expects to see an increase in visitors during a period, hotels often add seasonal positions to their staff to prepare for the added workload.

Pros and Cons of Seasonal Work for the Employer

It may seem like a no-brainer to increase staff for busy seasons and then reduce it once again when business slows. However, hiring seasonal staff isn’t quite this simple. There are several things to consider before bringing on temporary staff members to ensure the decision positively affects the company.

One of the highest costs associated with hiring temporary staff is training. For employees staying with the organization permanently (or for multiple years), the cost of training is well worth the work that employees will put in. However, with temporary staff, that ratio changes. It’s important to consider whether the training needed for a particular role can be performed quickly and cost-effectively. Also, training takes time, so hotel managers must recruit for these seasonal roles early enough to ensure staff training concludes before the busy season opening.

There are some legal considerations as well with bringing on temporary staff. Depending on the state, some employers may be liable for unemployment with seasonal staff. The cost of this needs to also be factored into the decision to bring on additional short-term staff.

Despite the cons, seasonal staff often provide the answer to the dilemma of handling a short-term burst in guests. For one, seasonal roles are advertised as such, so those taking the roles know it is likely they won’t continue with the organization after the season. This makes reducing staff once business slows again much easier. Also, oftentimes seasonal staff returns year after year. If managers are lucky enough to find applicants who have done the role multiple times in the past, 

Securing a Permanent Role After the Season

While seasonal job opportunities are often geared towards temporary employment, great managers will be looking out for potential seasonal team members that exceed expectations. Quite often, those workers are offered permanent or full-time positions after the season. For those in the job market this summer, this is incredibly promising. Grabbing a summer role and demonstrating a strong work ethic could mean securing a future in the hospitality industry.

So, how do you go about exceeding expectations in a seasonal position? Keeping just a few things in mind can help impress your manager and increase your chances of staying on with an employer this fall.

Keep a Positive Attitude:  Busy seasons are stressful, with increased guests and many requests coming in from all directions. Keeping a positive disposition despite the stress of a heavy workload and the busy atmosphere is an extremely valuable skill. Guests are more likely to enjoy their stay if interactions with and impressions of staff are positive.

Remember it is a Team Effort:  Hospitality is a team-oriented environment. The ultimate goal is guest satisfaction, with all roles taking responsibility for items or aspects of a guest experience that leave them satisfied. Successful team members not only perform their duties as instructed. They also look for other ways to contribute to the team effort. Offering to take on additional tasks signals to managers that you are committed to supporting the establishment’s overall goals in any way possible.

Sourcing Seasonal or Permanent Employment in Hospitality

Whether you are looking for a temporary role in hospitality or something more permanent, finding a job board with numerous opportunities in your area is a great way to start. From there, you can compare the types of employment, various positions offered, and the job responsibilities of each. Doing so allows you to find roles that you would enjoy and best suit your background and skill set. Employers are hiring at an increased rate at the moment, so you are sure to find that perfect opportunity!