The labor market in the Mexican hotel industry is tight, just as it is in North America. Many people who accept positions in the hospitality industry move on to other jobs or other hotels after six months or a year, so positions often open up at various times throughout each year.
Labor Market in the Mexican Hotel Industry: Hiring Foreign Workers
Mexican hotels and resorts routinely hire foreign workers for available positions. There are many types of jobs available, including:
- Front Desk Staff
- Chefs, Bus Staff, Dishwashers
- Servers and Bartenders
- Security Personnel
- Janitors and Maintenance Workers
- Gardeners
- Managers
- Accountants
- Child Care Workers
- Cleaners and Maids
- Lifeguards
- Massage Therapists
- Beauticians
- Hair Stylists
Mexican hotels also hire workers to instruct guests on different leisure activities. If you know how to windsurf, SCUBA dive, play golf or tennis, you may be hired to share your knowledge with hotel guests.
Some chains conduct interviews by phone, and others conduct hiring fairs in the United States at certain times of the year.
Personality Traits for Success in the Hospitality Industry
You need to be a "people person" if you want to do well working in this industry. Having a high level of energy is a plus, too, since you will likely be working long hours. It takes a certain kind of person to be patient enough to respond to guests with the same level of enthusiasm at the end of your shift as when you started your day.
Advantages to Taking a Hotel Job
One advantage to working in at a hotel or a resort in Mexico is that you have the chance to either learn or improve upon your knowledge of Spanish. You will have the opportunity to meet and work with people from all over the world. Since guests are constantly coming and going, no two days are likely to be the same. If you are a person who likes to have a lot of variety in your working environment, this type of work could be a good fit for you.
Some hotels and resorts will hire workers and pay them a set amount for their work, and also provide free room and board. You will be eating the same food as the guests, which means that you will be well fed. In addition, you may be able to use the same amenities the guests use when you are not scheduled to work.
Getting a Job at a Mexican Hotel or Resort
The first step to getting hired by a hotel or resort in Mexico is to start by preparing a resume. You will want to highlight any experience you have in dealing with the public. If you don't have a background in retail sales or customer service, no need to worry. There are entry-level positions available that you may be hired for without any prior experience.
Look for Openings Online
The Internet is a wonderful resource for job seekers. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can use job search engines to check out hotels and resorts in specific regions of Mexico or look some of the international chains to see if they have any hotels there. Once you have an idea of where you would like to apply, click on the "Jobs" or "Careers" section of the site to look at available openings.
If there are no jobs currently available that fit your qualifications, then you may want to apply anyway. The hotel will keep your information on file for a time and contact you if something comes up in the future.
Be sure to apply in the manner the employer specifies. You want to show the person responsible for hiring that you are able to follow instructions. Failing to do so may mean that your application will be disregarded, no matter how tight the labor market in the Mexican hotel industry is.
Here are some web sites you can visit to find job openings in Mexican hotels:
