How to Write CV for Hotel Receptionist

A hotel receptionist CV is your key to securing a role in the hospitality industry, where first impressions matter.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential elements of a strong resume for hotel front desk, from crafting a compelling personal statement to highlighting key skills and experience.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting, our expert tips will help you create a standout curriculum vitae that grabs employers' attention.

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How to write a CV for hotel receptionist?

A well-crafted hotel reception CV is essential for showcasing your qualifications in the competitive industry.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a standout document that reflects your abilities to manage front desk operations, engage with guests, and maintain smooth daily functions.

1. Understanding the difference between a CV and a resume

Although the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and follow diverse conventions.

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed paper that covers your entire career history in depth.

It often extends beyond one page and is used for applications that require a comprehensive overview of your background.

In contrast, a resume is typically more concise, usually limited to single page, and is highly focused on the specific role.

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2. Selecting the right format

A well-structured CV is not just about content; the layout plays a significant role in making your document easy to read.

3. Contact information

At the very top of your hotel receptionist resume, you should clearly present your contact details.

What to include:

• Your legal name in a prominent font.
• Ensure your phone number is accurate and up-to-date.
• Use an email that doesn't contain unnecessary numbers or nicknames.
• Adding LinkedIn profile is helpful if it’s professional.
• Mention your city and country (or region), but there's no need to provide your full home address.

Keep this section brief and to the point to maximize the space available for your background.

4. Opening statement

The personal profile, sometimes called a summary or objective, is a brief paragraph that outlines your qualifications and provides insight into your career trajectory.

This section should emphasize your strengths and highlight how your skills can contribute to a new employer’s success.

Example of a hotel receptionist CV summary:

"Experienced and customer-oriented hotel receptionist with more than three years of expertise in managing reservations, assisting with guest check-ins, and ensuring smooth operational efficiency. Proficient in handling front desk systems such as Opera PMS and providing exceptional guest service in fast-paced environments. Adept at resolving issues promptly, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring customer satisfaction."

This profile should highlight your relevant experience, key competencies, and your overall approach to guest services. It's a chance to capture the recruiter’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the CV for hotel receptionist.

5. Work experience

This section is one of the most critical parts of your hotel reception CV. That is where you detail your past roles and show the direct relevance of your experience to the position.

Organize this block in reverse chronological order.

Example:

Hotel Receptionist

The Grandview Hotel, London | June 2021 – May 2025

• Greeted guests upon arrival and provided personalized assistance, handling over 50 check-ins per day during peak season.
• Managed reservations through Opera PMS, ensuring timely updates of guest requests and room availability.
• Processed payments and billing, reducing errors by 15% through careful verification of charges.
• Addressed guest complaints and concerns, resolving issues in a professional manner to maintain a 95% satisfaction rate.
• Coordinated with housekeeping and maintenance teams to ensure room readiness and guest comfort.

6. Skills

Here you should incorporate a list of relevant competences that make you an effective specialist.

• Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that can be measured. These are learned through formal education, training programs, certifications, or hands-on experience in a particular field.
• Soft skills are personal attributes, traits, or qualities that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. These are harder to quantify.

7. Education

List your credentials in reverse chronological order. Include degrees, diplomas, and any training or licenses.

Example:

Diploma in Hospitality Management

City College, Manchester | 2019 – 2021

If you've taken additional courses related to the hospitality industry, customer service, or management, be sure to mention those as well.

8. Certifications

Including certificates can give your hotel receptionist CV an extra edge. These may contain specialized credentials that demonstrate your commitment to the professional development.

Example:

• Customer Service Excellence Certificate
• First Aid and Emergency Response Certification
• Multilingual Proficiency in Spanish

These classes help reassure employers that you're well-prepared for the demands of the role.

9. Additional sections

To further distinguish your CV for hotel receptionist, consider adding parts that provide insight into your qualifications.

Languages:

If you speak multiple languages, list them and indicate your proficiency level (e.g., fluent, intermediate, conversational). This is particularly valuable in international settings or locations with diverse clientele.

Volunteer work:

Revealing volunteering can strengthen your hotel receptionist resume by showcasing willingness to contribute and your practical experience.

10. Finalizing

Before sending your CV, thoroughly proofread it to catch any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.

Additionally, ensure that the document is tailored to the specific occupation by using relevant keywords from the job description.

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Hotel receptionist CV examples

International receptionist CV sample

William Brough
Clinton, OK 7360
Email: william.brough@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: /in/williambrough

Personal Profile

Dedicated and highly skilled hotel receptionist with experience in providing exceptional customer service and managing front desk operations across diverse international chains. Proficient in using various hotel management systems and reservation software, with a strong ability to handle guest inquiries, manage check-ins and check-outs, and resolve issues promptly.

Key Skills

• Hotel Management Systems
• Multilingual Proficiency
• Reservation Management and Bookings
• Customer Service Excellence
• Payment Processing and Billing Systems
• Front Desk Operations
• Conflict Resolution and Complaint Management
• Email and Telephone Etiquette
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal and Relationship Building

Work Experience

Hotel Receptionist

The Ritz-Carlton, Paris, France

January 2022 – Present

• Greet and assist an average of 70+ international guests daily, ensuring a smooth check-in/out process in multiple languages.
• Manage reservations and room allocations using Opera PMS and Fidelio, handling guest inquiries and booking modifications.
• Provide guest concierge services, including restaurant reservations, transportation coordination, and tour information.
• Resolve guest complaints and issues in a professional, efficient manner, maintaining a customer satisfaction rate of over 95%.
• Process payments and billing, including currency exchange, adhering to hotel financial policies and ensuring accuracy.
• Coordinate with housekeeping, maintenance, and other departments to ensure guests' needs are met promptly.

Hotel Receptionist

Hilton Hotel, New York, USA

May 2019 – December 2021

• Managed front desk operations, greeting guests and performing check-in/out functions in a busy 500-room hotel.
• Utilized RoomRaccoon and Opera PMS for guest reservations, cancellations, and modifications, ensuring optimal room occupancy.
• Handled incoming phone calls and emails, providing information about hotel services, amenities, and local attractions.
• Assisted in training new front desk staff on hotel operations, customer service standards, and management software.
• Maintained guest information, including VIP profiles, to offer personalized service and improve retention.

Front Desk Agent

Marriott International, London, UK

July 2017 – April 2019

• Delivered high-quality customer service to guests from around the world, assisting with check-ins/outs, and reservation changes.
• Provided multilingual assistance (English and Spanish) to international guests, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming experience.
• Managed cash handling and credit transactions, ensuring the accuracy of guest charges and daily financial reports.
• Assisted with administrative tasks such as updating guest information, filing paperwork, and coordinating with other hotel departments.

Education

Associate of Science in Hospitality Management

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Graduated: May 2017

Certifications

• Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), American Lodging Educational Institute | 2022
• Customer Service Excellence Certification, Institute of Hospitality | 2021
• First Aid and CPR Certification, American Red Cross | 2020

Languages

• Spanish: Fluent (written and spoken)
• French: Advanced (written and spoken)

Volunteer Experience

Guest Services Volunteer

World Travel Expo, Berlin, Germany

October 2018 – March 2019

• Assisted international attendees with event registration, program details, and hotel accommodations.
• Provided information about local culture, events, and transportation to ensure a positive travel experience for guests from different countries.
• Coordinated with staff to ensure smooth logistics and guest satisfaction throughout the event.

References

Available upon request.

Receptionist CV template for entry-level

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Linda Berkey
Chicago, IL 60605
Email: linda.berkey@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Personal Profile

Highly organized and detail-oriented entry-level receptionist with a passion for providing exceptional customer service. With a year of hands-on expertise in customer-facing roles, I excel at managing front desk operations, handling inquiries, and ensuring a positive guest experience.

Skills

• Front desk operations
• Phone and email handling
• Appointment scheduling
• Data entry and record keeping
• Customer service management
• Reservation systems (basic knowledge)
• Cash handling
• Filing and document organization
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Basic accounting and billing
• Positive attitude and professionalism

Work Experience

Receptionist Intern

The Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL

June 2025 – Present

• Assist with managing the check-in/out process for guests, ensuring smooth, efficient, and welcoming service.
• Answer and direct phone calls, handle reservations, and respond to guest inquiries in a professional manner.
• Support front desk operations, including managing guest data, processing payments, and providing information on hotel amenities.
• Assist in managing the hotel’s appointment scheduling system, ensuring availability and coordinating with guests effectively.
• Address guest concerns and complaints with empathy, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with housekeeping and maintenance departments to fulfill guest requests and maintain room readiness.

Customer Service Representative

Target Corporation, Chicago, IL

October 2024 – May 2025

• Delivered exceptional customer service to shoppers by answering questions, assisting with product inquiries, and providing information on promotions.
• Managed returns, exchanges, and product issues in a positive and professional manner.
• Performed point-of-sale (POS) transactions, ensuring accuracy in cash handling and processing credit card payments.
• Assisted in inventory management, ensuring the store was organized and well-stocked.
• Handled customer complaints and conflicts with care, ensuring a positive shopping experience.

Education

High School Diploma

Chicago High School, IL

Graduated: May 2024

• Participated in the school’s business club and hospitality workshops, developing an interest in customer service and office management.

Certifications

• Customer Service Excellence Training, National Hospitality Institute | Completed: March 2023
• First Aid and CPR Certification, American Red Cross | Completed: February 2023

Additional Information

Languages:

• English (Native)
• Spanish (Intermediate, written and spoken)

Professional Development:

• Attended the Annual Hospitality Conference, Chicago, IL, 2023, focusing on customer service trends and front desk management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a compelling hotel receptionist CV is crucial for standing out in the competitive hospitality industry.

With a clear and well-organized document, you demonstrate not only your qualifications but also your ability to thrive in a fast-paced and guest-focused environment, which is essential for any front desk role.

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