Getting your first hospitality job: a complete guide
No experience? No problem. Here's how to break into hospitality and build a career you're proud of.
Everyone starts somewhere. Hospitality is one of the most accessible industries to break into — you don't always need formal qualifications, and there's a huge range of entry-level roles.
The most common starting points are kitchen porter (KP), barback, runner, or host. These roles teach you how a venue operates and give you the foundation to move up quickly.
Your first step is to decide what area interests you most. Do you like the energy of a busy kitchen? The social side of front of house? The precision of hotel operations? Each path has different entry points.
When applying without experience, focus on transferable skills. Teamwork, reliability, time management, and a positive attitude matter more than a long CV. Many managers hire on personality and train on skills.
Get your food safety certificate before you apply. A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate takes a few hours online and costs around €20. It shows you're serious and saves the employer training time.
Apply in person where possible. Walk into restaurants, hotels, and bars during quiet periods (between 2pm and 5pm is usually best). Bring a printed CV, dress neatly, and ask to speak to the manager.
Be flexible with your availability. Hospitality runs on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. The more available you are, the more shifts you'll get — and the faster you'll learn.
Once you're in, watch everything. Learn how the experienced staff work. Ask questions. Volunteer for different tasks. The people who progress fastest are the ones who show initiative and genuine interest.