Landing an internship in Kenya’s competitive hospitality industry can be challenging, whether you’re applying to Serena Hotels, Sarova, PrideInn, or coastal resorts in Mombasa. As a hotel management student, your CV is the first impression employers get of your professionalism, skills, and readiness for the job.
A well-organized CV for hotel management internship shows recruiters that you understand the value of presentation, a crucial skill in the hospitality world where first impressions matter most. Hotel managers and HR officers often review hundreds of internship applications, and your CV needs to stand out within seconds.
Whether you’re applying for a front office trainee role, food and beverage internship, or housekeeping attachment, your resume should highlight your enthusiasm to learn, your hospitality training, and your commitment to excellent guest service.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The ideal CV format for hotel management internship applications in Kenya,
- A sample hotel management internship resume tailored for Kenyan students, and
- A free downloadable CV template you can customize for your next application.
By the end, you’ll have a professional and polished CV that reflects both your passion for hospitality and the standards top hotels expect.
Why a Strong Internship CV Matters
In Kenya, a hotel management internship is often the first step to a full-time job. Many top hotels, like Serena, Sarova, and PrideInn, hire their best interns after attachment. Your CV helps you make that first impression.
Recruiters don’t just look at grades. They want interns who show:
- Good communication and confidence with guests
- Teamwork and cooperation across departments
- Professional grooming and presentation
- Punctuality and reliability
- Eagerness to learn and take initiative
A clear, well-organized hotel management internship resume shows you’re serious, professional, and ready to grow in the hospitality industry.
Ideal CV Format for Hotel Management Internship
When applying for internships in Kenya’s hospitality sector, your CV should be clean, professional, and focused on the essentials. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each application, so structure and clarity are key.
Below is the recommended cv format for internship hotel management roles:
1. Personal Details
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and town or city.
You can also add a LinkedIn profile if it’s updated.
Avoid unnecessary details such as age, ID number, or marital status unless required.
2. Career Objective
Write a short statement that clearly shows your goal and enthusiasm for hospitality.
Example: “Dedicated hotel management student seeking an internship position to develop hands-on experience in guest service and front office operations.”
This section should reflect your interest in learning and contributing to the hotel’s success.
3. Education Background
List your current course, institution, and duration.
Example: Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management – Kenya Utalii College (2023–2026)
You may include any short courses or relevant certifications, such as food safety or customer care training.
4. Practical / Industrial Training (if any)
Mention any previous attachments, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in hospitality.
Example:
Food & Beverage Intern – Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa (May–Aug 2024)
Supported service staff during banquets, ensured table setup standards, and interacted with guests courteously.
If you have no prior experience, focus on your coursework and hospitality projects instead.
5. Key Skills & Competencies
Highlight abilities that matter in hotel operations:
- Guest service and communication
- Teamwork and multitasking
- Time management and punctuality
- Front office or F&B operations knowledge
- Computer literacy (MS Office, Opera PMS)
6. Achievements & Certifications
Include anything that shows commitment or excellence:
- Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene
- “Best Trainee Award,” PrideInn Hotel Attachment (2024)
- Completed First Aid and Safety Course
7. Referees
Provide at least two referees. One academic and one professional.
Example:
Mr. James Odhiambo – Lecturer, Kenya Utalii College
Ms. Mary Njoroge – HR Officer, Serena Hotel Nairobi
A well-structured hotel management internship resume should fit on one page and communicate your professionalism at a glance.
Sample CV for Hotel Management Internship (Kenyan Example)
Below is a practical example of a CV for hotel management internship that Kenyan students can use as a reference or edit to fit their experience. The format works well for internship applications in hotels, lodges, or restaurants.
Jane Wanjiku Mwangi
Phone: +254 712 345 678 Email: janewanjiku@email.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janewanjikumwangi
Career Objective
To gain hands-on hospitality experience as an intern and contribute to excellent guest service through teamwork, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Education Background
Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Kenya Utalii College – Nairobi (2023–2026)
Key Courses: Front Office Operations, Food & Beverage Service, Housekeeping, Customer Care
Practical / Industrial Training
Food & Beverage Intern – Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, Mombasa (May–Aug 2024)
- Assisted with buffet setup and banquet service for large events
- Supported senior staff in maintaining service standards and hygiene
- Handled guest feedback courteously and professionally
Key Skills & Competencies
- Customer service and guest relations
- Team coordination and multitasking
- Time management and punctuality
- Food & Beverage operations
- Basic knowledge of Opera PMS and MS Office
Achievements & Certifications
- Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene (NITA)
- “Best Trainee – F&B Service,” Sarova Whitesands Internship (2024)
- Completed First Aid and Safety Workshop
Referees
Mr. John Odhiambo
Lecturer – Kenya Utalii College
+254 722 456 789
Ms. Mercy Njoroge
HR Officer – Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
+254 733 678 901
Free Downloadable CV Template for Hotel Management Internship in Word and PDF
Creating a professional CV doesn’t have to be difficult. To make your application process easier, we’ve prepared a ready-to-edit CV template specifically designed for hotel management internships in Kenya.
This template follows the same format used by leading hospitality institutions like Kenya Utalii College and is accepted by major hotel brands such as Serena, Sarova, and PrideInn.
You can easily update it with your own details, education, internship experience, and skills, and export it as a PDF or Word document for submission.
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| 📄 Download Word Version 📘 Download PDF Version | |
Tip: Always personalize the downloaded template with your real experiences before sending it to potential employers. A customized cv for hotel management internship shows initiative and professionalism. Two traits Kenyan recruiters value most.
Writing Tips to Improve Your Internship Resume
Your hotel management internship resume should not only look professional but also communicate your strengths clearly. Recruiters in Kenya’s hospitality industry appreciate candidates who show focus, organization, and attention to detail.
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to make your CV stand out:
1. Customize Your CV to the Department
If you’re applying to a Front Office, Food & Beverage, or Housekeeping internship, adjust your objective and skills accordingly.
Example: For Food & Beverage – highlight guest service and hygiene knowledge.
For Front Office – emphasize communication and computer skills.
2. Use Strong Action Verbs
Replace passive phrases with action-driven language:
Assisted, Supported, Handled, Organized, Coordinated, Delivered.
These words show initiative and responsibility; qualities hotel managers value.
3. Keep It Clean and ATS-Friendly
Use a simple layout with clear headings and consistent fonts. Avoid images, borders, or decorative colors that may confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
4. Avoid Generic Career Objectives
Skip lines like “I want to work in a hotel.”
Instead, be specific about your goal:
“To gain hands-on hospitality experience and contribute to exceptional guest satisfaction.”
5. Quantify Your Experience
Whenever possible, add numbers or measurable outcomes.
Example: “Assisted in serving over 100 guests daily” or “Handled 50+ room check-ins per shift.”
This adds credibility and helps recruiters see your real impact.
Final Thoughts
A brief and well-formatted CV can make all the difference when applying for a hotel management internship in Kenya. It’s often the first thing recruiters see, and a polished presentation shows that you value organization and professionalism, two traits that define success in the hospitality industry.
Keep your CV consistent in layout and tone, update it after every new experience, and tailor it to each internship opportunity. Even small changes, like adjusting your career objective or adding a new skill, can help you stand out from other applicants.
Remember, your hotel management internship resume isn’t just a document; it’s a reflection of your journey as a future hospitality professional. Treat it with the same care you’d give a guest With attention, precision, and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best CV format for a hotel management internship?
The best cv format for hotel management internship applications is clean and simple. Usually one page long. It should include: personal details, career objective, education, internship or practical experience, key skills, achievements, and referees. Kenyan hotels prefer straightforward layouts without photos or fancy designs.
2. How long should a hotel management internship CV be?
Your hotel management internship resume should be one page only. Keep it short, focused, and easy to scan. If you have extra experience or certificates, summarize them briefly instead of adding pages. Recruiters appreciate clarity and efficiency.
3. What skills should I include in a hotel management trainee resume?
List both technical and soft skills relevant to hospitality, such as:
- Customer service and communication
- Teamwork and time management
- Guest handling and grooming standards
- Basic computer knowledge (MS Office, Opera PMS)
- Attention to detail and eagerness to learn
These demonstrate that you’re ready to perform and grow during your internship.
