Hotel Porter
Job Description:Hotel porters welcome guests, carry their luggage and answer their questions.
Job Category:What you will do:
On a typical day you could:
- welcome guests to the hotel and carry their luggage
- answer queries about the hotel and make reservations
- arrange taxis and book tickets
- run errands, such as picking up dry cleaning
- take messages
- give directions
- move furniture or equipment to set up rooms for events
- respond to safety and security issues
Skills:
You’ll need:
- physical fitness and endurance
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- concentration skills (ambition/drive)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a hotel porter, specific subjects are not typically required. However, having a general education with a focus on English and Mathematics can be beneficial.
- English Language: This subject helps you develop strong communication skills, which are important for interacting with guests and colleagues.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are useful for tasks like handling luggage, managing inventory, and providing accurate information to guests.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You can take a college course before you look for work, like:
- Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
- Level 1 Introduction to Customer Service
Apprenticeship
You can start by doing a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you’ve got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. Experience in customer service will be helpful though not essential.
Employers will be interested in your personal qualities and will expect you to be hardworking, honest and a reliable time-keeper.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 37 to 39 hours a week, occasionally including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
You could work in a hotel.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to head porter or concierge.
With training, you could move into other areas of hotel work like bar work or reception.