Expert: Steve Young - 4/1/2011

Question
Hello, Steve Young

I currently hold a position as a web developer, so most of my qualifications are related to the Information Technology job.

Despite this fact, I want to make a career transition into the tourism/hospitality industry.

So, do I need qualifications, or would I get on-the-spot training?
What should I put on my resume/cover letter if I don't have any experience at all?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Regards,

Jake K.

Answer
Information Technology will help with your career as a hotel sales manager.  You can mention you will be able to help the hotel optimize their presence on the internet, and help promote certain events and conferences.

In any case, the best thing to do is to take a brief course at www.aprinda.com   It's fairly inexpensive and has strong references from previous users.  It will take you from A - Z on what you will be expected to know as a hotel sales manager.  There is also a guarantee on the site.

You want to go to the interview knowing exactly what the job is all about, otherwise, you will not have a chance of getting hired.

Combine the knowledge you will learn from aprinda.com and your experience with information technology and you should be successful.

Don't expect to start at the top of the hotel business.  The best mid level job you can get is the hotel sales or catering manager.  you can expect to earn 40-60K plus bonus.  You can advance fairly fast to much higher salaries.

The other option is to start at the front desk.  But the entry level salary their is 10-16 an hour.

I started twenty five years ago in this business.  Entry level was 25K back then, my best year was 220K....that was a very good year.