Top 12 Hotel General Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

Landing a role as a hotel general manager requires showcasing a unique blend of leadership capabilities, industry knowledge, and operational expertise on your resume. Demonstrating the top skills in these areas can set you apart as a highly competent and visionary leader in the hospitality sector, making you an attractive candidate for premier establishments.

Hotel General Manager Skills

1. Leadership
2. Budgeting
3. Revenue Management
4. Customer Service
5. Opera PMS
6. Housekeeping Oversight
7. Marketing Strategies
8. Team Building
9. Event Planning
10. Hospitality Law
11. Safety Protocols
12. Multilingual

1. Leadership

Leadership, in the context of a Hotel General Manager, involves guiding and inspiring the hotel staff to achieve exceptional service standards, ensuring guest satisfaction, and driving the hotel towards its financial and operational goals.

Why It's Important

Leadership is crucial for a Hotel General Manager as it ensures effective management of staff, high-quality guest services, operational efficiency, and the achievement of financial goals, ultimately securing the hotel's success and reputation in a competitive industry.

How to Improve Leadership Skills

Improving leadership, especially for a Hotel General Manager, involves enhancing communication, decision-making, empathy, and strategic planning skills. Focus on:

1. Developing Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions and those of others can significantly improve your leadership effectiveness. Harvard Business Review's guide on emotional intelligence is a great resource.

2. Mastering Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial. Enhance your skills by utilizing resources like MindTools' Communication Skills.

3. Strategic Thinking and Planning: Learn to see the bigger picture and plan accordingly. The Balance Careers guide offers insights into developing these skills.

4. Empowering and Motivating Staff: Create a positive work environment where employees feel valued. Forbes' article on motivating employees provides practical tips.

5. Continuous Learning and Development: Stay abreast of industry trends, leadership strategies, and best practices by engaging with platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

By focusing on these areas, a Hotel General Manager can significantly improve their leadership capabilities and overall hotel performance.

How to Display Leadership Skills on Your Resume

2. Budgeting

Budgeting, for a Hotel General Manager, involves forecasting revenue, allocating resources, and controlling expenses to ensure the hotel operates efficiently and profitably within its financial means.

Why It's Important

Budgeting is crucial for a Hotel General Manager as it ensures efficient allocation of resources to achieve operational excellence, control costs, forecast revenue, prioritize investments, and maintain profitability, ultimately guiding strategic decision-making and financial stability.

How to Improve Budgeting Skills

To improve budgeting as a Hotel General Manager, follow these concise steps:

1. Analyze Previous Budgets: Review past budgets and performance to identify trends and areas for adjustment. Hotel Financial Management offers insights into understanding financial reports and budgeting basics.

2. Forecast Revenue Accurately: Use historical data and market analysis to predict future revenue. Tools like STR provide market data that can enhance forecasting accuracy.

3. Control Costs: Regularly review expenses and find ways to reduce costs without compromising service quality. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers resources on cost control in hospitality.

4. Involve Your Team: Engage department heads in the budgeting process for realistic input and accountability. HFTP provides resources on financial management and team collaboration.

5. Monitor Performance Regularly: Use a dashboard or financial management software to track actual performance against the budget. Hotel Effectiveness offers solutions for monitoring labor costs, a significant expense in hotels.

6. Adjust as Necessary: Be prepared to revise your budget in response to unforeseen changes in revenue or expenses. Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration publishes research and articles on dynamic budgeting practices.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended resources, you can enhance budgeting efficiency and financial performance in your hotel.

How to Display Budgeting Skills on Your Resume

3. Revenue Management

Revenue Management is the strategic analysis and optimization of a hotel's inventory and pricing, aiming to maximize revenue through understanding and anticipating guest behavior, market demand, and competition.

Why It's Important

Revenue Management is crucial for optimizing a hotel's financial performance by forecasting demand, setting strategic prices, and controlling inventory to maximize revenue and ensure competitive advantage, directly impacting the hotel's profitability and sustainability.

How to Improve Revenue Management Skills

Improving revenue management for a hotel involves strategically optimizing income from hotel operations. For a Hotel General Manager, here are concise steps to enhance revenue management:

1. Understand Market Demand: Analyze local market trends and demand drivers. Tools like STR reports can provide valuable insights.

2. Implement Dynamic Pricing: Adjust room rates in real-time based on demand, competition, and occupancy. Software solutions like Duetto can automate this process.

3. Optimize Distribution Channels: Balance direct bookings with third-party platforms. Ensure your hotel is listed on major OTAs and consider using a Channel Manager for efficiency.

4. Enhance Direct Bookings: Improve your hotel’s website and booking engine for a seamless user experience. Tools like BookingSuite can help optimize your site.

5. Leverage Upselling and Cross-Selling: Train your staff to identify opportunities for selling higher-value rooms or services. Platforms like Oaky offer automated upselling solutions.

6. Monitor and Adjust Strategies Regularly: Use analytics to review performance and adjust strategies accordingly. Analytics platforms like RevControl can be useful.

7. Focus on Reviews and Reputation Management: Positive reviews can significantly impact booking decisions. Platforms like Revinate help manage online reputation.

Each step involves continuous learning and adaptation to changing market conditions and guest preferences.

How to Display Revenue Management Skills on Your Resume

4. Customer Service

Customer service in a hotel context refers to the range of services and interactions provided by the hotel staff to ensure guests have a pleasant, seamless, and satisfactory stay, addressing their needs, queries, and concerns promptly and effectively.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a Hotel General Manager as it directly impacts guest satisfaction, loyalty, and the hotel's reputation, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals, essential for the hotel's success and competitiveness in the market.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a Hotel General Manager, involves a strategic approach focusing on personalized guest experiences, staff training, and leveraging technology.

1. Personalize Guest Experiences: Understand and anticipate guest needs by using data analytics. Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track preferences and personalize their stay. Forbes highlights the importance of personalized customer experiences.

2. Empower and Train Your Staff: Invest in regular training programs that empower your employees to make guest-centric decisions. Encourage and reward exceptional customer service. Harvard Business Review discusses the value of empowering staff through good judgment.

3. Leverage Technology: Use technology to streamline check-in/check-out processes, improve communication channels through apps and social media, and gather feedback through digital surveys. TechCrunch explores how technology shapes the hospitality industry.

4. Respond Promptly to Feedback: Address complaints swiftly and efficiently. Use negative feedback as an opportunity to improve. This responsiveness shows commitment to excellence. Inc. illustrates the benefits of responding to open complaints.

5. Create a Culture of Excellence: Foster a work environment that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Lead by example and recognize employees who go above and beyond for guests. McKinsey & Company discusses creating a culture of excellence.

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance the guest experience, leading to higher satisfaction rates, repeat business, and positive reviews.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

5. Opera PMS

Opera PMS (Property Management System) is an advanced software platform designed to automate and streamline a hotel's operations, including reservations, front office activities, billing, and room management, enhancing efficiency and guest experience.

Why It's Important

Opera PMS (Property Management System) is crucial for a Hotel General Manager because it streamlines hotel operations, enhances guest experience through personalized services, and optimizes revenue management, ensuring efficient and effective hotel management.

How to Improve Opera PMS Skills

To improve Opera Property Management System (PMS) for a Hotel General Manager, focus on these key areas:

1. Training: Ensure staff undergoes comprehensive Opera PMS training to maximize system utilization and efficiency.

2. Customization: Customize Opera PMS features to match your hotel's specific needs. Consult the Oracle support for customization options.

3. Integration: Integrate Opera PMS with other hotel management software for seamless operations. Explore integration options on Oracle Marketplace.

4. Update and Maintenance: Regularly update the system and perform maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. Keep track of updates through the Oracle Hospitality page.

5. Feedback System: Implement a feedback system for staff to report issues or suggest improvements for the Opera PMS.

6. Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize Opera PMS's data analysis and reporting tools to make informed management decisions.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the functionality and efficiency of Opera PMS in your hotel operations.

How to Display Opera PMS Skills on Your Resume

6. Housekeeping Oversight

Housekeeping Oversight in the context of a Hotel General Manager refers to the supervision and management of the hotel's cleaning and maintenance services to ensure all guest rooms and public areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation. This involves coordinating the housekeeping staff, overseeing their work, managing supplies and inventory, and ensuring guest satisfaction with the cleanliness of the hotel.

Why It's Important

Housekeeping oversight is crucial for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and comfort, directly impacting guest satisfaction, safety, and the hotel's reputation, thereby influencing repeat business and overall profitability.

How to Improve Housekeeping Oversight Skills

Improving housekeeping oversight in a hotel involves a combination of staff training, clear communication, and leveraging technology. Here's a concise guide for a Hotel General Manager:

1. Implement a Comprehensive Training Program: Ensure all housekeeping staff undergoes regular, up-to-date training on cleaning protocols, guest interaction, and safety practices. Cornell University School of Hotel Administration offers resources and courses that can be adapted for staff training.

2. Adopt a Quality Management System (QMS): Use a QMS to standardize cleaning procedures and ensure consistency in service delivery. Tools like Hotel Effectiveness can help streamline operations and improve efficiency.

3. Regular Inspections and Feedback: Conduct surprise and scheduled inspections to ensure compliance with standards. Use platforms like Trello or Asana for task management and feedback sharing between management and housekeeping staff.

4. Invest in Technology: Utilize housekeeping and maintenance management software like Optii Solutions to optimize schedules, track room status in real-time, and enhance communication between departments.

5. Foster Open Communication: Encourage open lines of communication among all team members. Implement regular meetings and use communication tools like Slack for instant messaging and updates.

By focusing on training, adopting technology, and maintaining clear communication, you can significantly enhance housekeeping oversight in your hotel.

How to Display Housekeeping Oversight Skills on Your Resume

7. Marketing Strategies

Marketing strategies for a hotel general manager involve the comprehensive plan to attract guests, maximize occupancy rates, and enhance the hotel's reputation. This includes identifying target markets, leveraging online and offline advertising, optimizing the hotel's website and social media presence, engaging in partnerships and collaborations, and consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences to encourage positive reviews and repeat business.

Why It's Important

Marketing strategies are crucial for a Hotel General Manager because they drive customer acquisition, enhance brand visibility, and directly impact revenue generation and market competitiveness.

How to Improve Marketing Strategies Skills

Improving marketing strategies for a hotel involves a mix of online presence, customer experience, and targeted outreach. Here are concise strategies:

1. Optimize Your Website: Ensure your hotel's website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and SEO-optimized to rank higher on search engines. Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO is a great resource.

2. Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your hotel’s amenities, events, and guest experiences. Tailoring content to your target audience increases engagement. Hootsuite’s Social Media Tips can help you start.

3. Engage in Email Marketing: Keep past and potential guests engaged with regular updates, offers, and newsletters. Personalize these communications to increase open rates. Mailchimp’s Email Marketing Guide offers practical tips.

4. Encourage Online Reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google My Business boost your hotel's visibility and credibility. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews. Reputation Management provides strategies on responding to reviews.

5. Use Paid Advertising: Invest in PPC and retargeting ads on Google and social media to reach potential guests actively searching for accommodations in your area. Google’s Guide to AdWords is a starting point.

6. Partner with Local Businesses: Create partnerships with local attractions, restaurants, and event organizers to offer exclusive deals or packages. This not only enhances guest experience but also expands your marketing reach.

7. Implement a Loyalty Program: Reward repeat guests with discounts, freebies, or upgrades. This encourages repeat bookings and word-of-mouth referrals. Loyalty Program Strategies can guide you in setting up a program.

Each of these strategies requires a tailored approach, focusing on the unique qualities of your hotel and the preferences of your target market. Continuously measure the performance of your marketing efforts and adjust as necessary to maximize your ROI.

How to Display Marketing Strategies Skills on Your Resume

8. Team Building

Team building, in the context of a Hotel General Manager, involves creating a cohesive and motivated staff through activities and strategies that improve communication, collaboration, and trust, aiming to enhance service quality and guest satisfaction.

Why It's Important

Team building is vital for a Hotel General Manager because it fosters unity, enhances communication, and improves collaboration among staff, leading to a more efficient, motivated, and customer-focused team that delivers exceptional guest experiences.

How to Improve Team Building Skills

Improving team building as a Hotel General Manager involves fostering a positive work environment, promoting open communication, and organizing regular team-building activities. Here are concise strategies:

1. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Encourage a culture of respect and appreciation. Recognize team members' achievements publicly and provide constructive feedback privately. Harvard Business Review provides insights on cultivating a purpose-driven organization.

2. Promote Open Communication: Implement regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to ensure open lines of communication. Encourage team members to share ideas and concerns. Forbes offers strategies for promoting open communication at work.

3. Organize Team-Building Activities: Plan both on-site and off-site team-building activities that are fun and engaging, enabling team members to connect on a personal level. Teambonding lists quick and easy team-building exercises.

4. Invest in Training and Development: Provide opportunities for professional growth and skill development. This can include workshops, seminars, and cross-training. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers resources for hospitality training.

5. Encourage Collaboration: Use project management tools to facilitate collaboration on projects and tasks. Encourage a teamwork-oriented mindset. Monday highlights some of the best collaboration tools for teams.

By implementing these strategies, a Hotel General Manager can strengthen team cohesion, improve morale, and enhance overall hotel performance.

How to Display Team Building Skills on Your Resume

9. Event Planning

Event planning, in the context of a Hotel General Manager, involves organizing and coordinating all facets of events hosted within the hotel premises, such as conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.

Why It's Important

Event planning is crucial for a Hotel General Manager as it directly impacts guest satisfaction, revenue generation, and the hotel's reputation. Effective event planning ensures seamless operations, maximizes space utilization, and enhances the guest experience, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

How to Improve Event Planning Skills

Improving event planning, especially from the perspective of a Hotel General Manager, involves a strategic approach focused on customer experience, efficient use of technology, and strong team collaboration. Here's a concise guide:

1. Understand Your Client's Vision: Engage in detailed discussions with your clients to fully understand their event's purpose and expectations. Tailor your services to fit their unique needs.

2. Leverage Technology: Use advanced event management software for seamless planning and execution. Tools like Cvent (Cvent) and Eventbrite (Eventbrite) can help manage registrations, payments, and scheduling.

3. Build a Skilled Team: Ensure your team is well-trained and versed in hospitality and event management. Encourage continuous learning through platforms like Coursera (Coursera) and LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn Learning).

4. Offer Exceptional Customer Service: Prioritize customer satisfaction by offering personalized service and prompt responses to inquiries and issues.

5. Market Your Venue Effectively: Use social media, content marketing, and virtual tours to showcase your venue’s capabilities and attract diverse events. Platforms like Instagram (Instagram) and Matterport (Matterport) for virtual tours can be very effective.

6. Solicit Feedback and Improve: After each event, gather feedback from clients and attendees. Use this information to make necessary adjustments and improve future services.

By focusing on these strategies, a Hotel General Manager can significantly improve the event planning services offered, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and increased business opportunities.

How to Display Event Planning Skills on Your Resume

10. Hospitality Law

Hospitality Law refers to a collection of laws governing the legal and operational aspects of the hospitality industry, including hotels. For a Hotel General Manager, it encompasses regulations related to hotel operations, guest relations, liability, employment, safety standards, and contracts, ensuring compliance and protecting both the guests and the property.

Why It's Important

Hospitality Law is crucial for a Hotel General Manager because it governs the legal aspects of operating a hotel, including regulations on guest safety, employment practices, and liability issues, ensuring legal compliance, protecting the business from lawsuits, and enhancing guest satisfaction and trust.

How to Improve Hospitality Law Skills

Improving Hospitality Law, especially from the perspective of a Hotel General Manager, involves a combination of staying informed, ensuring compliance, and actively promoting a legal-awareness culture within the hotel. Here's a concise guide:

1. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local, state, and federal laws affecting the hospitality industry. This includes regulations on labor, health and safety, and consumer protection. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) provides resources and updates relevant to the hospitality industry.

2. Ensure Compliance: Implement regular training sessions for staff on legal obligations and industry standards. This could involve everything from food safety standards to accommodation laws. Resources from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can be invaluable for maintaining a safe environment.

3. Promote a Legal Culture: Encourage a culture where legal considerations are part of decision-making processes. This includes creating easy channels for staff to report non-compliance or legal concerns. Engaging with organizations like the Hospitality Law Conference can provide insights and best practices.

4. Consult Experts: Maintain a relationship with legal experts specializing in hospitality law to receive advice tailored to your specific operations and to stay ahead of potential legal challenges.

5. Leverage Technology: Use technology to streamline compliance processes, from employee training platforms to compliance tracking systems.

By focusing on these areas, a Hotel General Manager can significantly improve the legal standing and operational compliance of their hotel, ensuring not only a safer environment for both guests and staff but also mitigating the risk of legal complications.

How to Display Hospitality Law Skills on Your Resume

11. Safety Protocols

Safety protocols for a Hotel General Manager are a set of guidelines and procedures designed to ensure the safety and security of guests, staff, and property, encompassing emergency response, health standards, security measures, and compliance with legal safety regulations.

Why It's Important

Safety protocols are vital for a Hotel General Manager because they ensure the well-being of guests and staff, minimize risks of accidents and legal liabilities, and maintain the hotel's reputation for a secure and comfortable environment.

How to Improve Safety Protocols Skills

To improve safety protocols as a Hotel General Manager, follow these concise steps:

1. Assess Risks: Regularly conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential safety hazards. CDC’s Building Readiness provides guidelines for assessing building safety.

2. Update Training: Ensure all staff undergo regular, up-to-date safety training sessions. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) offers resources for safety and security training.

3. Implement Technology: Use technology, such as security cameras and electronic access controls, to enhance security measures. Tech Advances in Hotel Security discusses the latest security technologies.

4. Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic safety and security inspections to ensure compliance with safety protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides standards and regulations.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and regularly update an emergency preparedness plan. Ready.gov’s Business Preparedness offers templates and advice.

6. Feedback Loop: Create a system for feedback from both staff and guests on safety concerns. Implement improvements based on this feedback.

By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly enhance the safety protocols in your hotel.

How to Display Safety Protocols Skills on Your Resume

12. Multilingual

Multilingual refers to the ability to use and understand multiple languages, an essential skill for a Hotel General Manager to effectively communicate with guests and staff from diverse linguistic backgrounds, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.

Why It's Important

Being multilingual is crucial for a Hotel General Manager because it enhances communication with a diverse clientele, improves customer satisfaction, facilitates international partnerships, and positions the hotel competitively in a global market.

How to Improve Multilingual Skills

Improving multilingual skills, especially for a Hotel General Manager, involves continuous learning and practical application. Here's a concise guide:

1. Engage in Regular Practice: Dedicate time each day to practice languages relevant to your clientele. Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel for structured learning.

2. Consume Media in Other Languages: Watch movies, listen to music, and read books in different languages. Netflix has a wide array of international shows that can help with language immersion.

3. Take Professional Courses: Enroll in professional language courses tailored for the hospitality industry. Websites like Coursera or edX offer specific programs that can enhance your multilingual abilities.

4. Practice with Native Speakers: Engage with native speakers, either in person or through language exchange platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk.

5. Implement Language Learning in Daily Operations: Encourage multilingual interactions within your team and with guests. Practice languages in real-life situations to build confidence and fluency.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your multilingual skills, enhancing communication with guests and staff, and ultimately enriching the hotel guest experience.

How to Display Multilingual Skills on Your Resume