How to Be Hotel General Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 17, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The job of a Hotel General Manager is a demanding one, requiring a great deal of skill and experience. They must be responsible for all aspects of running the hotel, from overseeing staff and coordinating events, to making sure guests are comfortable and happy. As a result, they must have excellent organizational and communication skills, be able to motivate staff, and possess a strong understanding of the hospitality industry.

they must be able to manage budgets and maximize profits, as well as ensure the hotel is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. When a Hotel General Manager is successful in their role, it leads to increased customer satisfaction, improved staff morale, and greater profitability for the business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Most hotel general managers have at least a bachelors degree in hospitality management, business management or a related field. A bachelors degree provides the foundation to understand the operations of a hotel and the principles of management.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Many general managers start out in entry-level positions in the hospitality industry. Working as a waiter, bartender, housekeeper or front desk agent provides valuable insights into how the hotel works.
Pursue Professional Certification. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers a Certified Hospitality Administrator designation, which is an industry-recognized credential.
Develop Interpersonal Skills. Hotel general managers must be able to interact with guests, staff and vendors. They must be able to manage conflicts, resolve customer complaints and create a positive work environment.
Obtain Management Experience. After a few years of working in the hospitality industry, many general managers move into more senior roles such as assistant general manager or department head. This experience is essential for becoming a hotel general manager.
Get Promoted to General Manager. Once you have the skills and experience required, you can apply for open positions as a general manager. Many hotels require that you have at least two to three years of experience in a senior management role before applying for the job.

As a hotel General Manager, it is important to focus on reliability and efficiency in order to provide the best service to customers. Establishing a culture of accountability and responsibility among staff members is essential to ensure consistency. This can be achieved by setting clear expectations, providing training on the tasks required, and monitoring results.

investing in technology such as automated systems and quality assurance programs can help streamline operations and minimize mistakes. Implementing these strategies will not only improve customer satisfaction, but also increase cost-effectiveness and reduce costs. these measures will lead to a reliable and efficient hotel operation that customers can trust.

You may want to check Hotel Valet, Hotel Sales Manager, and Hotel Receptionist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement strategies to maximize profits, increase occupancy rates and enhance customer satisfaction.
Establish and maintain relationships with hotel vendors, local businesses and corporate clients.
Create and implement marketing plans to promote and increase hotel services and amenities.
Manage the hotel budget, including labor costs and operating expenses.
Monitor, evaluate and adjust hotel policies, procedures and services to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Oversee the hiring, training and evaluation of hotel staff, including front desk clerks, housekeeping staff and security personnel.
Set room rates and discounts in accordance with current market conditions.
Monitor financial performance of the hotel and oversee accounting processes.
Develop strategies to increase customer loyalty and enhance customer experience.
Identify and resolve guests' complaints in a timely manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership Skills
Financial Management
Strategic Planning
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Customer Service
Conflict Resolution
Negotiation
Team Building
Project Management
Risk Management
Time Management
Organizational Skills
Employee Training & Development
Quality Assurance and Control
Industry Knowledge & Trends

The ability to motivate and inspire others is one of the most important skills for a hotel general manager. A successful hotel general manager must be able to effectively communicate with staff, guests, and other stakeholders. They must be organized and have strong problem-solving skills.

They should be able to build strong relationships with their staff and have the ability to delegate tasks and make decisions in a timely manner. hotel general managers must have a sound understanding of the hospitality industry, as well as financial acumen, since they will often be responsible for managing budgets. A successful hotel general manager will use these skills to create a positive working environment, which can lead to increased productivity, higher morale, and ultimately improved customer service and satisfaction, resulting in more repeat business and higher profits.

Hotel Security Guard, Hotel Concierge, and Hotel Chef are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you bring to the role of Hotel General Manager?
How would you handle a situation where guests had a negative experience at the hotel?
What strategies would you use to increase occupancy rates at the hotel?
How would you ensure that hotel staff were providing excellent customer service?
How would you motivate and encourage your staff to reach their goals and objectives?
What methods do you use to stay informed about the latest trends in the industry?
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in the past as a Hotel General Manager?
How do you ensure that all financial and administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time?
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?
How do you handle difficult conversations with staff members and guests?

Common Tools in Industry

Hotel Management Software. Allows hotel managers to manage customer bookings, reservations, and other operations (eg: Cloudbeds).
Staff Scheduling Software. Allows hotel managers to create and manage employee schedules (eg: When I Work).
Bookkeeping Software. Helps to track financial information and generate reports (eg: QuickBooks).
Inventory Management Software. Enables hotel managers to track inventory and prices (eg: InFlow Inventory).
Room Key Card System. Automates room access and provides security (eg: Salto KS).
Point of Sale System. Tracks sales, payments, and customer information (eg: Square).
Business Intelligence Software. Provides data insights to help make decisions (eg: Tableau).
Online Booking System. Allows customers to book rooms online (eg: Booking. com).
Customer Relationship Management System. Manages customer interactions and service (eg: Salesforce).
Property Management System. Manages room availability, rates, and other administrative tasks (eg: Rent Manager).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Hotel & Lodging Association
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals
National Restaurant Association
American Resort Development Association
American Society of Hotel Consultants
International Association of Conference Centers
National Association of Hotel and Lodging Executives
Hotel Association of Canada
International Hotel and Restaurant Association

We also have Hotel Manager, Hotel Bellhop, and Hotel Accountant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Revenue Management. The practice of optimizing revenue generated by a business through pricing, demand forecasting, inventory management and other strategies.
Cost Management. The process of minimizing operational costs in order to maximize profits.
Occupancy Rate. The percentage of rooms occupied in a hotel or other lodging property over a period of time.
Financial Reporting. The process of collecting, analyzing and communicating financial information about a business or organization.
Human Resources Management. The practice of managing an organizations employees and relationship with them.
Brand Management. The practice of maintaining and promoting a brand in order to increase its value.
Sales and Marketing. The activities related to creating, communicating, and delivering products or services to customers.
Operational Efficiency. The use of resources in an efficient way to achieve desired outcomes.
Risk Management. The practice of identifying, assessing and responding to potential risks in order to protect an organization from harm.
Customer Service. The practice of providing customers with assistance and support in meeting their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Hotel General Manager?

A Hotel General Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest service, budgeting and financial management, sales and marketing, staff hiring and training, and maintenance.

What qualifications are required for a Hotel General Manager?

Hotel General Managers typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, business administration or a related field, as well as several years of experience in the hospitality industry.

What skills should a Hotel General Manager have?

A Hotel General Manager should have strong organizational, financial, communication and problem-solving skills. They should also be able to work well with a diverse range of staff and customers.

How much does a Hotel General Manager typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Hotel General Managers in 2019 was $60,880.

What is the outlook for Hotel General Managers?

The demand for Hotel General Managers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

The Hotel General Manager: Time for a New Job Description? hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu
Five steps to becoming a hotel General Manager lesroches.edu
General Managers: Bridging the Gap Between Hotel Owners and hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu