How to write a front of house CV (with template and example)

Whether you want to work in restaurants, hotels or other hospitality venues, working in the front of house department is a great way to start your career. To obtain any of these positions, it's essential that you understand how to write a compelling CV. Learning about the kind of information to include on your CV can help you get the attention of hiring managers and secure an interview. In this article, we discuss what a front of house CV is and detail how to write one, with a template and example for you to use.

What is a front of house CV?

A front of house CV is a document that outlines your core skills, qualifications and experience that are relevant to this hospitality role that involves working directly with customers. It includes key information demonstrating your overall suitability for the role, allowing employers to determine whether you're the right person for the job. Your CV typically covers three main areas, including:

• Your work experience: Your previous work experience demonstrates your ability to work in a similar role or industry to employers. It shows that you understand what it takes to work in hospitality, including the pressures of the job.

• Your career goals: Employers prefer candidates with a clear vision of where they want to go in their career and how the role you're applying for fits into that plan. For example, if you want to advance towards a career as a hotel manager, working in a front of house role is a good place to start gaining experience.

• Your overall suitability: Your CV is an opportunity to demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the job, so it's important to include information that shows this. Key areas to cover here include your customer service skills and problem-solving abilities.

Related: Guide: how to write a hospitality CV with effective examples

How to write a CV for a front of house position

To boost your chances of success when applying for a front of house position, take a look at the steps below to learn how to write a CV that showcases your talents to employers:

1. Read through the job description

First, look at the job description from the job listing to learn more about the role. This gives you insight into what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate, such as good customer service skills to usher in guests professionally. Use the job description to find the right information to include on your CV. For example, many job descriptions include a list of relevant skills with keywords, such as great teamwork or interpersonal skills.

Related: How to write a hospitality cover letter (with template)

2. Consider the different CV structures

There are different CV structures to consider depending on your level of experience. Some of these structures place a stronger emphasis on skills or education, while others create a more balanced overview. What you choose largely depends on what suits your aptitudes, so consider the following options:

• Chronological CV: A chronological CV structure emphasises your work history, so it's a great option if you're already experienced in hospitality. This structure places your work experience near the top of your CV and gives it the most space, allowing you to speak at length about your accomplishments and duties, such as serving food to guests or helping out at a reception desk.

• Combination CV: A combination CV gives equal balance to your qualifications and work experience. If you feel confident in your abilities and experience in hospitality, this structure gives you the chance to demonstrate your suitability for the role alongside your knowledge of hospitality management.

• Functional CV: A functional CV prioritises your relevant skills and qualifications before bringing in your work experience. If you don't have much hospitality experience, this structure allows you to discuss your transferrable skills in greater detail, such as when you had to solve problems as part of a team.

Related: How to write a speculative application (with example)

3. Include your contact details

Including your contact details makes it easier for employers to get in touch with you. It's quite common for employers to reach out to candidates, whether it's to ask for additional details or to invite them for an interview. To make this process as straightforward as possible, make sure that you include relevant contact details at the top of your CV, such as your full name, email address, telephone number and location.

Related: How to reach out to a recruiter (definition and examples)

4. Create a professional summary

Your professional summary outlines your skills, career goals and job suitability. Make this brief to maintain the reader's attention and keep them engaged with the CV. Use two to three sentences for this section. Be sure to highlight your most relevant hospitality skills here, such as your strong communication skills that allow you to build rapport with guests.

5. Detail your work experience

Your work experience section looks at your previous roles in relation to the job you're applying for. Use a reverse chronological format with this section that begins with your most recent employment before working backwards to create a timeline of your work history. There are a few key details to include about your past hospitality jobs, such as the position held, your employer and the dates of employment. Add details that the employer wants to see based on the job description, like experience working in kitchens or clearing tables.

Related: What does a concierge do? (With salary and responsibilities)

6. Add an education section

Your education section allows you to discuss your qualifications and academic strengths. Use the reverse chronological format here, starting with your most recent qualifications before working backwards. Focus on relevant qualifications to show employers how your educational background makes you the best candidate for the job. Some key details to include in your education section are relevant hospitality qualifications and useful soft skills you've learnt, such as leadership skills.

7. Create a skills section

Your skills section allows you to demonstrate your most relevant skills to employers. Incorporate a blend of hard skills, such as working with scheduling software or spreadsheets, and soft skills, such as communication or teamwork. Use the job description from the job posting to help you include the most desired hospitality skills.

Related: The top hospitality skills for CVs (with job examples)

CV template for a front of house role

To make sure you include all of this information cohesively, take a look at the template below:

[Full name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Dates of employment]
[Employer Name] | [City]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Dates of employment]
[Employer Name] | [City]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

Skills
[Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Education
[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

Related: What is front of house vs. back of house?

Example CV for a front of house position

To help you create a compelling CV, use the example below as a reference and source of inspiration:

John Smith
01234 555666 | John.Smith@email.com | London, UK

Professional Summary
Dedicated and self-motivated hospitality professional with extensive experience in working closely with guests to ensure they enjoy their stay. Excellent problem-solving skills and a committed team player with strong communication and customer service skills. Aiming to become a hotel manager over the next five years.

Experience
Head concierge | January 2020–Current
London Tower Hotel | London, UK

• interact with guests upon arrival and ensure they find their rooms

• answer any questions and handle various customer enquiries

• work with a team of front of house staff to facilitate smooth workplace operations

• maintain strong working knowledge of the surrounding area to assist customers

• help roll out team-building activities for the front of house team

Assistant concierge | June 2018–December 2019
Here To Stay Hotels | London, UK

• worked alongside concierge team to manage baggage and greet customers upon arrival

• helped housekeeping staff prepare rooms for guests and handled personal requests from guests

• supported concierge team with all workplace activities to help streamline operations

Skills
Communication | Teamwork | Customer service | Leadership

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management, London Hills University
London, UK

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.