Personal grooming tips on how to look your best in the hospitality industry
First impressions really do count, no matter how fickle that sounds. In the hospitality industry in particular, you are in many cases a walking-talking version of the hotel brand which you work for. As such, your personal grooming and dress code standards are vital to ensuring that guests feel comfortable dealing with you, and that you portray the brand in the way in which it is meant to be portrayed. Every brand is different and if there are no specific uniform requirements that you are required to adhere to, dress to fit the culture of the company, be that an island resort, corporate hotel or any other style. If you’re heading for a hospitality job interview, remember that personal grooming and your overall appearance are all important to how you are perceived in that interview, so make an effort. Personal grooming is something we can all re-visit from time to time just to make sure we are on track for any client presentations, job interviews or just to look good at work.
Here are IHS’s top 10 tips on this topic – but please also factor in your company’s policy on personal grooming and also on uniform requirements and standards. Most companies have these policies on file and if you aren’t sure what yours is, just ask your HR manager for assistance.
- A daily shower, clean fingernails and hair, a clean face and teeth are just basics. Deodorant is also a good idea in moderation. Going for an interview or greeting guests as they arrive at the hotel smelling like you stepped out of a perfume factory is not ideal. In fact, any perfumes or aftershaves should be used sparingly.
- A suit or smart business attire (collared shirts, smart pants or skirts) are all good options for work. Obviously if you have a work uniform, ensure that it is kept neat, clean, laundered, and ironed so that you look fresh every day. Shoes should be polished and clean.
- Don’t keep leaky pens in your top pocket or bulging pants pockets stuffed with keys or your lunch or any other work related items. Neat and tidy is all you need to remember.
- Smokers breathe is not something everyone enjoys. If you do smoke, be sure to pop a mint in your mouth afterwards before you address guests.
- Visible tattoos and piercings are usually frowned upon so keep it tidy unless your company policy states otherwise. The hospitality industry in general has quite strict policies on visible piercings and tattoos – they are generally discouraged in that tattoos should be covered and piercing adornments removed during working hours.
- Jewellery should be kept to a minimum. Flashing the bling is something you can do in your free time.Â
- Ladies hair should be neatly trimmed, combed and tied back with clips or hair ties for longer hair. Fringes should not fall down over your eyes but should be pinned back. Men’s hair should also be neatly combed and gels or sprays should be used sparingly. No overzealous fashion hairstyles are ideal for work environments for either men or women.
- Men must be clean shaven and beards or moustaches should be well groomed.
- Ladies make-up should be conservative – a natural look is ideal and/or a splash of lipstick is fine.
- No sniffing, snorting, playing with hair, chewing of pen lid tips, chewing gum or spitting is acceptable at work in any hospitality establishment.
These are just our top tips for young hospitality talents who are either headed for an interview or are keen to impress at work. If you have any tips you would like to share, please do so in the comments section below.
