Getting a hotel job in Kenya in 2025 is more competitive than ever. With many people applying for the same positions — from receptionists and waiters to housekeeping staff and hotel managers — you need a CV that helps you stand out.
Your CV is your first impression. It tells the hotel manager who you are, what skills you have, and why you deserve the job. A well-written, tailored CV can make the difference between getting invited for an interview or being ignored.
In this guide, you’ll find real examples of CVs for hotel jobs, free downloadable templates, and easy writing tips to help you create a CV that works. Whether you’re new to the hotel industry or have years of experience, you’ll find a format that fits your career level.
Download your free hotel CV template below and start applying today.
Why Your Hotel CV Matters More Than You Think
Every day, hotel managers and HR officers go through hundreds of CVs from people hoping to get a job in the hospitality industry. Most of these CVs look the same, short descriptions, basic information, and no clear reason why the person should be hired. If you want to get noticed, your CV must stand out in those first few seconds.
Research shows that recruiters spend only about 7 seconds scanning each CV before deciding if it’s worth reading further. That means your CV needs to make a strong impression right from the top.
When reviewing applications, hotel employers usually look for three main things:
- Customer service and communication skills – They want staff who can talk politely and professionally with guests.
- Flexibility and reliability – Hotels need people who can handle different shifts and stay calm under pressure.
- Attention to guest experience – Small details matter in hospitality. Employers value people who go the extra mile to make guests happy.
A CV that clearly shows these qualities will get more attention and increase your chances of being called for an interview.
How to Write a CV for a Hotel Job (Step-by-Step)
Writing a good CV for a hotel job doesn’t have to be difficult. The goal is to show your experience, skills, and personality in a simple, clear way that impresses employers. Here’s how to do it step by step.
a. Personal Profile / Career Summary
Start your CV with a short summary — just 2 to 3 lines that describe who you are, what you do, and what makes you a great fit for hotel work.
Focus on your hospitality experience and personal qualities.
Example:
Friendly and professional hotel receptionist with 3 years of experience helping guests check in, solve problems, and enjoy their stay. Passionate about providing excellent customer service and maintaining high guest satisfaction.
b. Work Experience
List your most recent jobs first. For each position, add clear bullet points showing what you did and what results you achieved.
Make sure your points are hotel-related — and whenever possible, include numbers or results.
Example:
- Served over 100 guests daily with a 95% satisfaction score.
- Handled check-ins and check-outs quickly and accurately.
- Trained two new staff members on customer service and safety procedures.
c. Key Skills Section
This section shows the main skills that make you good at hotel work.
Include a mix of soft and technical skills:
- Customer service
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Knowledge of hotel systems (like Opera or Fidelio)
- Problem solving
d. Education & Certifications
List your highest level of education and any training related to hospitality.
Examples:
- Diploma in Hospitality Management – Kenya Utalii College
- Certificate in Customer Service Excellence – Alison Online
- Food Safety & Hygiene Training – NITA Certified
e. Formatting Tips
A clean, professional layout helps your CV look polished and easy to read.
- Keep it 1–2 pages long.
- Use clear headings and consistent fonts.
- Save it as a PDF or Word file.
- Make sure it’s ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking Systems can read it easily — avoid images or fancy designs).
A well-written, well-formatted CV makes a strong first impression and helps you move one step closer to your next hotel job.
CV Examples and Templates by Hotel Job Role
Below, you’ll find ready-to-use CV examples and templates for different hotel positions. Each example focuses on the key skills and experience that matter most for that specific job.
Click the links or download buttons to get your preferred template in Word or PDF format — then edit it with your own details.
Hotel Receptionist CV Example
A professional and welcoming tone that shows strong guest relations and communication skills. Perfect for applicants who handle check-ins, calls, and front desk duties.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Housekeeping Staff CV Template
Simple, clean layout that highlights attention to detail, efficiency, and teamwork. Ideal for those who keep guest rooms spotless and maintain high cleaning standards.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Waiter / Waitress CV Example
Focused on customer satisfaction, speed, and service quality. Great for people working in hotel restaurants or room service departments.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Hotel Manager Resume Example
Highlights leadership, budget control, and team management. Designed for senior professionals responsible for operations, staff, and guest satisfaction.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Chef / Kitchen Staff CV Example
Shows menu planning, food preparation, and hygiene standards. Perfect for chefs, cooks, or kitchen assistants in hotel restaurants.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Concierge / Bellhop CV Example
Emphasizes personalized guest service and local knowledge. Suitable for those helping guests with directions, luggage, and special requests.
Download This Hotel CV Template (Word / PDF)
Resume for Hotel Job: Top Skills to Include
Your skills section is one of the most important parts of your hotel CV. It quickly shows employers what you can do and how you can add value to their team. A strong skills list can make your CV stand out, especially if it includes both hard skills (job-specific abilities) and soft skills (personal qualities that help you work well with others).
Here’s a simple table showing the top skills you should include in your hotel job resume:
| Hard Skills (Technical) | Soft Skills (Personal) |
|---|---|
| Front desk management | Communication |
| POS and booking systems (Opera, Fidelio, Cloudbeds) | Teamwork |
| Food & beverage service | Problem-solving |
| Housekeeping procedures | Time management |
| Event coordination | Customer service |
| Inventory control | Flexibility & reliability |
Tips for Using Skills in Your CV
- Choose the skills that match the job description you’re applying for.
- Use these skills throughout your CV — not just in the skills section.
For example: “Managed front desk operations using Cloudbeds to check in over 80 guests daily.” - If you have certifications or training for specific systems or services, mention them under Education or Experience.
Including the right mix of hard and soft skills will help you show that you’re both capable and reliable — the kind of person hotels love to hire.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Hotel CV
Even small errors in your CV can cost you a job interview. Many job seekers make simple mistakes that make their applications look unprofessional or unclear. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for — and how to avoid them.
1. Using a Generic CV for Every Job
Sending the same CV to every hotel won’t impress employers. Each hotel has its own style and customer base.
Tip: Adjust your CV for each role. If you’re applying for a front desk job, focus on communication and guest relations. For housekeeping, focus on speed, attention to detail, and cleanliness.
2. Writing Long Paragraphs
Recruiters often scan CVs quickly. Long blocks of text are hard to read.
Tip: Use short sentences and bullet points. Keep your descriptions clear and to the point.
3. Leaving Out Numbers and Results
Vague descriptions like “served guests” or “managed staff” don’t show impact.
Tip: Add numbers or achievements to make your experience stronger.
Example: “Served 120+ guests per day while maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.”
4. Poor Formatting
Messy layouts and inconsistent fonts make your CV look unprofessional.
Tip: Use clear headings, a simple font, and enough white space. Save your file as PDF or Word (.docx) for easy sharing.
5. Forgetting to Proofread
Typos or grammar mistakes can make it seem like you don’t pay attention to detail.
Tip: Always read your CV twice before sending. You can also ask a friend to check it for you.
A clean, tailored, and error-free CV shows that you care about quality — just like hotels expect from their best staff.
Free CV Templates for Hotel Jobs (Download Section)
Ready to create your own hotel job CV? Choose from our free templates below and start customizing them today. Each template is designed to look professional, easy to read, and suitable for hotel jobs in Kenya and beyond.
You can download them in Word, Google Docs, or PDF format — whichever works best for you.
| Template Type | Description | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| 🧳 Hotel Receptionist CV Template | Clean, professional layout for front desk and guest relations roles. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
| 🧼 Housekeeping CV Template | Simple format focused on attention to detail and reliability. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
| 🍽️ Waiter / Waitress CV Template | Highlights customer service and teamwork in busy environments. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
| 🧠Hotel Manager CV Template | Polished design for leadership and operations roles. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
| 👨‍🍳 Chef / Kitchen Staff CV Template | Easy-to-edit layout for culinary professionals. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
| 🧍‍♂️ Concierge / Bellhop CV Template | Friendly, guest-focused design that shows local knowledge and service skills. | [Download Word] [Download PDF] |
👉 Download Your Free CV for Hotel Job Template — Get Noticed by Employers.
You can also sign up to receive all templates by email or use our free online CV builder to fill in your details step by step — no design skills needed.
Final Tips & Next Steps
Before you send your CV to any hotel, take a few extra minutes to make sure it’s perfect. Small details can make a big difference when employers are choosing who to interview.
1. Proofread for Grammar and Clarity
Read your CV slowly from start to finish. Look for spelling mistakes, unclear sentences, or missing information. You can also ask a friend or family member to review it — a second pair of eyes often catches small errors you might miss.
2. Add a Matching Cover Letter
A strong cover letter adds personality to your application. It helps you explain why you want the job and what makes you a great fit.
3. Prepare for Your Interview
Once your CV gets noticed, the next step is to prepare for the interview.
A well-written CV, a clear cover letter, and good interview preparation will give you the confidence you need to stand out and get hired in Kenya’s competitive hotel industry.
You’re now ready to apply — start with your free CV template and take the first step toward your new hotel job today.
Get a Professional Hotel CV That Gets You Hired
Your CV is your first impression — make it count. If you want a polished, job-winning CV that stands out to hotel employers, our CV Writing Service can help.
We create professional, customized CVs tailored to your target role — whether you’re applying for a receptionist, waiter, or hotel manager position.
What You’ll Get
- A professionally written CV designed for hotel jobs
- ATS-friendly format (works with online job systems)
- Personalized wording that highlights your strengths
- Quick delivery and free revisions
đź’Ľ Ready to impress employers and land interviews?
👉 [Order Your Professional Hotel CV Today]
