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What does a Guest Service Agent do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A guest service agent is responsible for providing excellent customer service to hotel guests. They are the first point of contact for guests and are responsible for handling guest inquiries, reservations, and check-ins/check-outs. Guest service agents must be able to multitask and have excellent communication and customer service skills.

Guest Service Agent job duties include:

  • Greeting guests upon arrival
  • Assisting with luggage
  • Answering questions about the hotel and local area
  • Providing concierge services
  • Making restaurant reservations
  • Booking transportation
  • Handling guest requests and concerns
  • Processing guest check-ins and check-outs
  • Maintaining guest confidentiality

Guest Service Agent Job Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for entry-level guest service agent positions. However, some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many hotels offer on-the-job training to help new employees learn the necessary skills. Certification is not typically required, but completing a voluntary certification program can demonstrate an individual's commitment to the profession and may give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Guest service agents must have excellent customer service skills and be able to effectively resolve complaints. Prior experience in the hospitality industry is often preferred.

Guest Service Agent Skills

  • People skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Multi-tasking
  • Communication skills
  • Writing skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Active listening
  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Adaptability

Related: Top Guest Service Agent Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Guest Service Agent

The first step to becoming a Guest Service Agent is to have a strong desire to help others. This means being able to put yourself in other people’s shoes, and always being willing to go the extra mile to make sure they have a positive experience. It also means having excellent communication skills, as you will be the main point of contact for guests and will need to be able to handle any inquiries or concerns they may have.

Next, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. While some jobs may only require a GED, most Guest Service Agents will have at least a high school diploma. After that, you will need to complete on-the-job training, which will typically last about four weeks. During this time, you will learn all the necessary skills for the position, such as how to use the reservation system, how to handle guest check-ins and check-outs, and how to deal with any complaints or issues that may arise.

Once you have completed your training and are officially a Guest Service Agent, you can start looking for employment opportunities. Many hotels, resorts, and cruise lines are always in need of Guest Service Agents, so there are many options available. The best way to find a job is to search online job boards or contact hospitality staffing agencies.

So there you have it! These are the steps needed to become a Guest Service Agent. Remember, it is important to be patient and courteous with guests at all times, as they are entrusting you with their vacation experience. If you follow these steps and put in the hard work, you will be well on your way to success in this exciting career!

Related: Guest Service Agent Resume Example

Related: Guest Service Agent Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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