The hospitality industry is one of the few industries that offer career opportunities for both the experienced and inexperienced.
Though looked down upon, working in a hotel, even as a high school graduate, can give you stability and financial freedom just like any other lucrative career.
Many people have managed to make a good living working in a hotel with just but their KCSE certficate.
You may wonder, though, about where to start, and what positions to apply for.
Well, this post is intended to guide you on what to apply for, steps to take to ensure you get the job, and the salary you stand to earn.
What Are Some Of The Positions You Can Apply For With A High School Certificate?
- Waiter/waitress
- Cleaner/housekeeper
- Security officer
- Bartender
- Restaurant greeter
- Dishwasher/kitchen helper
- Errand runner/errand boy
- Hotel supervisor
General Requirements for a Hotel Staff Position
- KCSE certificate
- Good communication skills
- Certificate of good conduct
- Attention to details
- Basic math skills
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to work with your hands
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Ability to work with others/team player
- Ability to handle high pressure
- Be confident and respectful
- Quick learner
- Customer service skills
Salary Range
Generally, the level of education and experience determine the amount of salary and compensation you receive.
But one of the upsides of working in a hotel is in most positions, on top of the basic salary, you are tipped, which in most cases can come close or exceed your salary, depending on the quality of service you provide.
So, how much do hotels pay form four leavers in Nairobi? The table below shows the salary estimate of each of the positions listed above.
| Position | Salary |
| Waiter/waitress | Ksh 20,000 |
| Cleaner | Ksh 10,000-20,000 |
| Bartender | Ksh 18,000-25,000 |
| Dish washer | Ksh 12,000-15,000 |
| Restaurant greeter | Ksh 15,000 |
| Errand runner | Ksh 10,000-15,000 |
| Security officer | Ksh 20,000 |
| Hotel supervisor | Ksh 25,000 |
The salary mentioned above is just an estimate for a form four leaver.
However, the rate might go higher if you have any experience in the related field, at least a minimum of two years, or are a holder of a college diploma.
Where Can You Find Hotel Jobs?
I. Online Job Boards. Most employers include new job listings on reliable job websites, including job description, required experience and skills, and what you need to apply for the position. Here are the best job boards in Kenya right now:
- Brighter Monday
- Career Point
- Fuzu
- Careerjet
- Summit Recruitment
- Pigiame Jobs
- Digger Jobs
- My Jobs in Kenya
- Kenyajob.com
- myjobmag.co.ke
II. Specific Hotel websites
III. Social media platforms
IV. Interpersonal communication
V. Walk-in applications
How to Increase Your Chances of Being Hired
- Create a professional resume. Use templates available on the internet if possible. Make sure it is well detailed. Include your full name, valid contacts and email address, skills, hobbies, and interests.
- If dropping your CV physically, be presentable. Groom decently, use formal language and be respectful.
- Use whatever means available to you to gain a bit of experience, even if it includes doing some voluntary work. Previous experience on your CV increases your chances greatly, since you will need minimum training on the job compared to one with no experience whatsoever.
- Customize your CV to match the job description of the position you are applying for. Do not just use a one-suits-all kind of resume.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
- Do not lie on your CV. Only include skills you have, or hobbies you indulge in. Otherwise the credibility of any other information you may have provided will be questioned.
- Include valid contact information. I can’t stress enough how important this is. You want your potential employer to be able to reach you when you’re being invited for an interview.
- When sending your CV online, google the hotel and confirm it really does exist. Even ones without a website should have a valid physical address and contact information.
Now, You’ve Been Called in For an Interview…What Next?
Do thorough research in advance, on hotel etiquettes, and learn all about the job description, requirements and expectations.
Groom officially when going in for the interview.
During the interview, be composed. When asked something you are unfamiliar with, do not be afraid to say you do not know but are willing to learn if considered for the position.
Be formal, use respectful language, and don’t forget to thank the interviewer(s) for considering you for the position. Mention that you look forward to joining the staff.
Closing Thoughts
Finding a job is hard, especially with no higher education. But, it is my hope that this post helps you land a job in the hotel industry. I wish you success as you start this career journey.
Apart from the hotel industry, there are other job opportunities for form four leavers. Check them out at:
