The working vacation is a great way to travel and see the world. You’ll get to live the dream life, work a bit, and make some money. The biggest considerations are where you want to spend the season. Do you like the Caribbean or Mexico? Or maybe you love the South Pacific? These are serious questions that you’ll have to consider.
Then after you pick where you may want to work at, you’ll need to find a resort in that location. You may work at Club Med or Beaches or some other all-inclusive resort. Next, you’ll send in an application and have an interview. Be sure to follow each company’s hiring guidelines. Then sit back and wait to be hired. The more flexible about what job you want, the more likely you will be hired.
Remember the goal is to enjoy your job. Don’t apply for jobs that sound boring to you. Here’s an overview of some of the guest service jobs that are necessary to run a resort.
Accounting – These jobs often require experience. They also offer newcomers a good way to gain experience as a night auditor. Night auditors calculate each day’s debits and credits. They work under experienced professionals and often make around minimum wage to $12 per hour.
Retail and Rental – When you visit a resort, you’ll always forget something. It might be sunscreen or shampoo, but it’s bound to happen. Every resort will have a small store that sells merchandise and souvenirs. You may also be renting equipment like rafts or sailboats. Not much experience is necessary; expect to be paid $10 an hour.
PBX Operator – These jobs are the voice of the hotel. They are in charge of answering phones and directing calls. They take messages, make wake up calls, and are the sound of customer service for the resort – all that for $10 to $12 an hour.
Front Desk – The front desk is the first impression one has of a resort. Hopefully it is a positive one. You will be in charge of checking people in, securing their valuables, delivering luggage, handling cash and credit cards, and covering all other aspects that people may need. You will need to have outstanding customer service skills. Expect to make around $10 an hour. You will also need basic office skills. No experience is necessary, but is always helpful.
Bell Staff – This section of the resort is responsible for making sure the guests have a superb resort experience. They are involved with the guests often and professionally. Some of the positions include bell staff, bell captains, and doormen. Bell staff escort people to their rooms, carry their luggage, and deliver room service. Bell Captains manage the bell staff. Doormen greet guests whenever they enter or exit the resort. They can make $8 to $10 an hour, plus tips.
Concierge – This is a busy gig and possibly the most guest service oriented job at a resort. The concierge’s goal is to meet any and every need that a guest could ever want or imagine. It may be transportation across the island, directions to a nightclub, booking reservations, or even helping plan anniversary events. They are available to the guests all hours of the day. It’s a demanding job that pays well – $13 to $18 an hour. When they help the guest achieve their goal they often receive a tip-filled handshake.
Remember there are tons of jobs and these are just a sampling.