Looking for a job is hardly anyone’s favorite thing to do. It’s time-consuming, oftentimes discouraging, and can become monotonous as time goes on. As high school seniors or recent graduates stepping into the career world, particularly the bustling hospitality industry in Denver, finding a job easily and quickly is always preferred. Luckily, there are things you can do to speed up the process and make the search journey easier for you. While we can’t control how long an employer’s recruitment process takes, in this blog we’ll provide some essential strategies and actionable tips (things you can control) to streamline your search and help you understand the best way to find a job.
Did you know?
Leisure and hospitality currently hold more than 1.4 million job openings.
1. Do Your Research: Understand Yourself and Your Career Goals
The first step is to self-reflect. It’s always better to take the time to understand what you want out of your career before you dive into any other job-hunting strategies. What are your career goals? What industries would you like to work in? What roles interest you the most?
Assess Your Career Goals: Understanding your preferences will help you target your search effectively. You’ll need to know exactly what to be looking for in job titles and descriptions to apply to the most applicable jobs. As yourself:
- What are my short-term vs. long-term objectives? — Are you looking for a seasonal job to gain experience, or do you have aspirations of a long-term career in hospitality?
- What type of work environment do I thrive in? — Do you prefer the fast pace of a busy restaurant, the structured environment of a hotel, or perhaps the creativity of event planning?
Evaluate Your Skills: Identify relevant technical skills for hospitality, such as knowledge of reservation systems, food safety protocols, or event planning software. And, don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial in hospitality roles. Reflect on past experiences — whether through school projects, part-time jobs, or volunteering — and identify these skills.
Understand Denver’s Job Market & Industries: Research Denver’s prominent industries to align your interests with the right sectors. Where is the demand? Look at hospitality as a whole, and then narrow your search to tourism, event management, retail, food and beverage — anything that might be prominent in Denver or in high demand.
2. Consult Multiple Sources for Job Listings
When it comes to where to look for jobs, online job boards should be your first stop. Popular national platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are invaluable but also explore Denver-specific job boards like Denver Jobs and Colorado Hospitality Jobs. These sites often feature local opportunities not found on larger platforms. We link to several of these Denver platforms on our job board and provide some Denver-hospitality-specific jobs listings. But our advice? Don’t just pick one and stick to it. Explore multiple job boards to ensure you aren’t missing out on an opportunity that wasn’t posted on the job board you picked.
Utilize Advanced Filtering Techniques:
- Location: Focus on specific neighborhoods like LoDo (Lower Downtown) or Capitol Hill, which are known for their vibrant hospitality scenes.
- Job Title and Keywords: Use relevant keywords like “server,” “barista,” “event coordinator,” or “front desk associate” to find specific roles.
- Posted Date: Filter for recent listings to ensure you’re applying for the freshest opportunities.
Set up job alerts!
Ensure you’re applying for and looking for jobs directly on the company’s website. Many businesses post job openings on their own career pages before listing them elsewhere. This can sometimes give you an edge, as you’ll be one of the first applicants. Familiarize yourself with navigating company websites and understand where to find their career pages. (Hint: Look in the footer, often the career page is hidden there.)
3. Know Your Network: Have Them On-Call
Networking is one of the most influential tools for your job search, and can sometimes cut your search time in half. Searching for hours on job boards on one hand, taking ten minutes to ask an old colleague for a reference at their current job on the other — which is better?
Did you know?
85% of jobs are filled through networking contacts.
Reach out to your personal contacts for job leads and referrals first — think family, friends, or past coworkers. Let them know you’re looking for opportunities in hospitality; they might have leads or connections in the industry.
Next, consider reaching out to any college or high school alumni resources. There may be other graduates who went into the industry and can connect you to jobs.
Take Advantage of Professional Social Media Platforms
Optimize your LinkedIn profile specifically for the Denver job market. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, and highlight your skills and experiences relevant to hospitality. Engage with Denver-based companies and professionals by commenting on their posts, sharing relevant articles, or asking for informational interviews.
Joining local professional groups on LinkedIn can also connect you with industry insiders and provide insights into the job market.
Tips for Effective Networking:
- Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Have a concise introduction ready that summarizes who you are and what you’re looking for.
- Be Engaged: Listen actively, ask questions, and show genuine interest in the people you meet.
- Follow-Up: After meeting someone, send a quick follow-up message to thank them for their time and express your interest in staying connected.
4. Organize & Optimize Your Job Search
Optimize Your Resume
Your resume is your first impression, so make it count.
- Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume is relevant to each specific job you are applying for (same as your cover letter). Analyze job descriptions carefully to identify key requirements and customize your skills to match. Incorporate keywords or phrases and highlight your relevant experience to illustrate your impact.
- Be Specific to Denver: Include local affiliations or experiences that showcase your connection to Denver. This helps demonstrate your commitment to the area and the community and your knowledge of the city.
Organize Your Job Search
A well-organized job search will keep you on top of everything and on time for applications and follow-up emails.
- Create Customizable Templates: Develop customizable resume and cover letter templates that you can easily adapt for different applications. This saves time and ensures you’re always putting your best foot forward.
- Maintain a Job Search Tracker: Use a spreadsheet to track your job applications. Essential columns to include are: Company Name, Position Applied For, Application Date, Status (e.g., applied, interviewed, offered, rejected), and Follow-Up Dates. This organization will help you stay on top of your applications and manage your follow-up schedules efficiently.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Interview prep could make or break your job application. It’s better to stay on top of practicing early and ahead of time, so you aren’t stuck prepping five minutes before. You’ll need to understand a company’s mission, culture, values, and of course the job description to tailor your responses accordingly. Here are a few ways to save time by doing some pre-research:
- Research Common Interview Questions: Research common interview questions in the hospitality industry and practice your responses. Consider role-playing with a friend or family member to build confidence.
- Prepare Questions to Ask Interviewers: Always prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company and role. This demonstrates your interest and helps you assess if the job is the right fit for you. There may be several questions you can have on hand that are applicable to any job you apply for.
- Denver-Specific Interview Preparation: Understanding Denver’s business culture can give you an edge in interviews. Research local companies’ values, mission statements, and recent news. Knowing these details can help you tailor your responses to align with the company’s goals and culture.
What Is The #1 Job Search Strategy?
If we could only give you one piece of job search advice, it would be to have a positive attitude and be persistent. Setbacks are a part of the process, but if you follow the job search tips we’ve outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to getting a job. Just keep moving forward. The job search process is a one-step-at-a-time kind of process, but it can be made easier if you set yourself up for success and stay persistent. We’ll leave you with this: as you are continuing to job search, be working to develop new skills and certifications. Be productive with your time and soon enough you’ll be growing in your new career in Denver.
Check out our career board for any open positions, and dig through our website to learn more about each sector of Denver’s hospitality industry.
