Question:

I graduated a year ago with a BS degree in Business and a minor in Motel Management. Prior to college, I worked for several years in a variety of industries. I did an internship while in school and have worked at motels. I want to find an entry level job in the hospitality industry in the central United States, but the only positions I can find would require me to start out at the very bottom with a salary that won't even pay my education loans. I am willing to relocate, but would need some assistance to do so. Is there anything more that I can do to bolster my credentials? Are there companies that will look outside of their current region to recruit potential job candidates and help to relocate them if offered a job?

First Answer:

I am not quite following your issue. Are you saying that local jobs in your industry do not pay a living wage, but elsewhere ( Central U.S.) you can expect a higher salary but the problem is handling re-location costs? Have you looked into starting out at a local branch of a firm that also has operations where you want to go, and after proving your value, requesting re-location to a higher paying site and maybe at that point being able to qualify for a promotion at a higher salary?

My other suggestion is to search for jobs on the various internet job site listings or through hospitality industry member's own web sites ( look up some major players like Loews. Raddison. Four Seasons, Double Tree, Marriot, sheraton, Holiday Inn, COmfort Inn, Embassy Suites, Howard Johnsons, Motel 6, Days Inn, and some of the higher level luxury end comapanies in the larger metro areas and go to the button that says job bank, employment or career opportunities, join our company, curent openings or similar words as an option ) that may indicate that relocation will be considered.

You can also keep on trying to get a foot in the door-by first going out to get an offer and then say once they want you on their team, that your acceptance is contingent on getting re-location assistance. They may not be able to pay re-location as a corporate policy per se, but perhaps can accommodate your requirement by providing a cash sign on bonus or other means to give you the ability to cover these expenses.( pay first month's rent or security, give you a gas card, let you bunk in their facility for time rent and overhead free in exchange for third shift duties, on call as needed, in addition to your usual hours on duty. Good luck- do not hesitate to be creative to get want you want for your career advancement. These novel approaches may just convince the hiring manager that you have what they need!!!

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations.

Second Answer:

If you can take an advanced course in your field while you are in job search, even online, that might help. A year out of school the most important factor is your demonstrated currency in your field so you don't appear stagnant if you are not now working in the hospitality industry. Make sure you read trade publications, join any professional associations in the field, attend at least one annual convention of professionals in the industry. Even a part-time , weekend job as a banquet manager would add to your experience and demonstrate your determination.

If any hospitality companies recruited on your campus last year, contact them now. If they did not, visit their web sites, and contact their corporate offices and speak to their college recruiting staff to ask how to apply to their management training programs. What about related jobs, say working for Disney or the parent organizations of other theme parks? Ski resort megaplexes? Event planning jobs for major fundraising organizations?

You could also write to hotel/hospitality general managers in your area asking them for an informational interview (not a job), asking them how they entered the field, and seeking advice on how to break into this field with your education, what would make you more attractive to employer. You can also ask about how fast careers progress in their organizations: a relatively low salary for the first year, or any training period, may seem less important if the 5-year-out prospects are good. People like to give advice, and these interviews may lead you to someone who has an opening. Some hotel chains hire locally, not nationally.

Have you done salary research at pages like http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/pages/salarywizard.php to see what management training program salaries are like? Few employers will pay relocation for entry-level jobs, although they will pay for you to travel to a central location for training or rotational assignments. It would help to see how realistic your salary expectations are for an entry-level professional job in your field of choice, and what the future earnings potential is. You may have to make some tradeoffs to get where you want to go, but "do what you love and the money will follow" is still valid advice.

-- Carol Anderson, Career Development and Placement Office, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University in New York City.

Third Answer:

In most cases, employers are more likely to relocate candidates if there isn't an abundance of local qualified applicants. Why - because there is no reason for the company to incur relocation expenses if they can fill positions within their city/territory. Start by networking with people who are in this industry. If there is a particular place you want to live, find people who are doing what you want to - introduce yourself through an email or letter and ask when a good time to call would be - talk more about working in this industry. Checked with the local career office at your university or college, they may be able to direct you to alumni to network with in some of the cities you are interested in - this will help bring you job leads.

Try contacting employment agencies in the place you are interested in living. Check out a nationwide employment agency -- their web site at www.adecco.com.

When looking at entry-level jobs, there are more benefits to consider than starting salary ....Are there bonuses/profit incentives? Are there set annual increases? Medical Plan? Paid Vacation? Education Reinbursement? What are the opportunities for advancement and how quickly can you advance? Sometimes you have to suffer with a lower salary at the begining will pay dividends later -- you may need to be patience.

You may want to start by combining your prior work experience with your education and look for positions that will put you in a hotel environment doing something you are already skilled at. For example, if your previous experience is customer service, look for a customer service position at a hotel (there are plenty of those). This will get your foot in the door and you can then work your way up to a management position - this will take time. Another thought - you could get a part-time position doing something you have experience in that pays well and work part-time for a hotel in an entry-level position.

Make sure you stay open to all possibilities, be creative, and talk about your ideas with a friend or career coach. Your dream position will come true if you hang in there and believe in yourself.

-- Candace Davies, Director and Founder of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing and All Trades Resume Writing.

Fourth Answer:

To borrow from the environmentalist, Begin locally; plan globally.

Postpone you immediate plan to relocate and find a position in your community, ideally with a major hotel/motel chain. Gain the desired/needed experience with the idea you can watch for postings within your employment group for an reposting opportunity at a location of your liking.

Based on information from my campus instructors in our hospitality program; postsecondary training in hotel or restaurant management is preferred for most hotel management positions, although a college liberal arts degree may be sufficient when coupled with significant related hotel experience. Note the operative word here is "significant"; namely, 4 to 7 years of practical hotel experience. Internships or part-time or summer jobs contribute but are not viewed as "significant".

Many managers are promoted from the ranks of front desk clerks, housekeepers, waiters and chefs, and hotel sales workers.

The hospitality/hotel industry is notorious for its' low pay and long hours. Particularly, at entry level; a fact you found all too true. However, if you look at this period as training/investment in your future, you will find your dreams may be realized.

This international web site may be of help to you: http://hcima.org.uk . The Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) is the professional body for managers and potential managers in the hospitality industry.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.

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