This article is a comprehensive resource for those interested in working in the hospitality industry. You can learn more about the concierge job description, how much you’ll make, what type of training you need to go through, the duties you’ll have, and what else to expect
Concierges work in the tourism industry, typically in hotels, either at the front desk or in another office on the grounds. They ensure that guests are happy with their stay and can make arrangements to help guests get tickets to concerts and attractions. Concierges can also make restaurant reservations and find special gifts for guests..
Job Overview: What Does a Concierge Do?
The duties in the concierge job description include working scheduled shifts each week and dealing directly with guests. They are responsible for reaching out to new guests who recently checked in to see if they need anything, but concierges can also wait and let guests come to them with their special requests.
Concierges spend time outside of the hotels too. They can run errands around the city for guests, make arrangements for professionals to take care of the guests’ kids or pets, and purchase tickets or make reservations in person. The salary for this position ranges based on your location.
Concierge Job Duties
- Work at the front desk to welcome and greet guests arriving.
- Offer to make special arrangements based on what guests need.
- Keep detailed records regarding past guests and what they did on their previous visits.
- Contact local companies to find discounts on attraction tickets and other things guests need.
- Maintain a large network of contacts within the tourism industry.
- Find ways to personalize the experiences guests have.
- Handle complaints from guests and find solutions for their problems.
- Help coordinate special events at the hotel like parties and weddings.
- Make suggestions and recommendations to guests.
- Provide support for guests with special requests.
Concierge Job Essential Skills
Problem solving skills. Concierges need to find solutions to the problems that guests might have with their rooms or with the city as a whole. The faster they can solve a problem, the happier they will make those guests.
Interpersonal skills. A good concierge is someone with lots of connections in the city and someone who can find a limousine, get tickets to a sold out concert, or book dinner reservations. Those with good interpersonal skills are better at their jobs.
Customer service skills. Whether meeting with guests in their rooms or at the front desk, concierges must know how to relate to them and give them what they want.
Becoming a Concierge
While there isn’t a lot of training or education needed to work as a concierge, most concierges do have experience in the tourism or hospitality industry. They know how to greet guests as soon as they arrive and how to work with them to ensure that they are happy and satisfied during their stay.
Qualifications and Training
You do not need a college degree to work as a concierge, because the concierge job description only requires a high school diploma. Some hotels will even hire those who have a GED, but if you do not have a college degree, you usually need to demonstrate that you have experience in the tourism industry. If you decide to go to college, you should enroll in a hotel management program. Hotels may give you a small assignment too and ask you to complete it, which shows how well you can handle the requests of future guests.
You can also start out in a different position within the hotel and work as a front desk agent or in another position. This gives you experience working with guests, handling any complaints or requests they have, and using computer programs and software. Once a concierge position opens up, you can use your connections and experience to get that job.
Work Experience
Getting a job as a concierge without any experience is almost impossible because hotels want concierges who have local connections. Those connections help you make restaurant reservations, book concert tickets, and make any special arrangements guests want. If you have a local network of professionals to assist you, you’ll have a better chance of getting a job as a concierge.
A good way to get the experience you need for the concierge job description is enrolling in a college program. Hospitality programs as well as hotel management programs let you earn three credits or more for doing an internship. Some programs have a hotel that you can work in too.
Working Hours
Though you might work set hours as a concierge, you’ll also need to work more hours outside of the hotel to keep up to date with new attractions and activities in your city. The more time you spend out in the world, the more recommendations you can make to guests. You may find that the hotel calls you in outside of regular working hours to handle special requests or to work with clients who need things outside of standard hours. You can expect to work at least 40 hours a week or more, number which increases when you consider what you do outside of the hotel.
Job Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
Concierges must stay on top of trends in the hospitality industry, as well as new things happening in their cities. Those who rely on the same set of recommendations are likely to be replaced. Tourists want to know about the hottest restaurants to try, the top museums to visit, and even which concerts to attend. Unless you can stay up to date on what happens in your city, you may not do well in this position.
The average salary for concierges is $15.11 per hour or $31,440 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Payscale found that the top 10% of those working in this industry make $18 an hour or more. As a concierge, you can also earn a commission based on the reservations and tickets that you make and sell, as well as bonuses handed out by the hotel. This can bring your salary up to over $40,000 a year. Some guests may give you tips too.
Conclusion
If you enjoy working with people and finding solutions to common problems, you might enjoy working as a concierge. The concierge job description includes making special arrangements and reservations for guests, and typically working in hotels. With tips and bonuses, you can make $40,000 or more every year. These positions are open to college graduates and those with a high school diploma and some local connections.
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