Applied for Multiple Hospitality Jobs and Never Heard Back? Reasons and the Way out!

Applied for Multiple Hospitality Jobs and Never Heard Back?

Frustrating, isn’t it?

You find a great hospitality job opportunity, apply with hope, and then… silence. No response, no feedback—just waiting.

After years in hospitality recruitment, I have seen this happen too often. But here is the truth—most hospitality job seekers don’t realise why they are not getting a response.

Here is What Might Be Going Wrong:

1. Your CV doesn’t match the hospitality job role – If it’s not aligned with the specific job, recruiters move on.
2. It’s too generic – A one-size-fits-all CV doesn’t work in hospitality. Tailor it to highlight relevant hotel experience.
3. Messy format – A recruiter spends seconds scanning a CV. If it’s cluttered, it’s ignored.
4. Lack of hospitality industry experience – Hospitality hiring is skill-specific. If you don’t match the skill set, upskilling through hospitality training programs helps.
5. No follow-up – Applying and waiting isn’t enough. A simple email or LinkedIn message can bring your CV back into focus.
6. The role is already filled or on hold – Yes, this happens too, especially in hotel management jobs.
7. Ignoring job descriptions – Many applicants apply without reading the job role properly. If your profile doesn’t match the key requirements, you won’t hear back.
8. Not optimising LinkedIn – Recruiters actively search for candidates on LinkedIn. If your profile isn’t updated or lacks keywords, you may be overlooked. Check our post on LinkedIn tips for hospitality jobseekers for more information.
9. Lack of hospitality-specific certifications – Having additional certifications in hospitality management can boost your profile. If your competition has more credentials, they may get priority.

What You Can Do Instead:

1. Apply smartly – Only for jobs where your experience matches at least 70-80% of the job description.
2. Make your hospitality CV work for you – Keep it clear, concise, and customised. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
3. Show your hospitality spirit – This industry values personality, customer service skills, and passion as much as technical abilities.
4. Stay proactive – Follow up with hiring managers. Network within hospitality LinkedIn groups. Engage with recruiters directly. Many hotel jobs are filled through connections, not just applications.
5. Use AI tools for job search – Tools like SOEGi-Hospitality Career Bot, ChatGPT, and Bing Co-Pilot can help refine resumes, prepare for interviews, and find hospitality job openings faster.
6. Customise your cover letter – A strong, well-written hospitality cover letter can set you apart from generic applications.
7. Optimise LinkedIn and Job Portals – Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with relevant keywords like “Hospitality Manager,” “Hotel Operations,” or “Food & Beverage Specialist.” Use job platforms like SOEG Consulting’s career portal to access exclusive hospitality opportunities.
8. Gain additional certifications – Short online courses in Revenue Management, F&B Operations, and Hotel Front Office Management can enhance your CV and increase your chances.
9. Practice for interviews – Many candidates lose opportunities due to poor interview performance. Use AI tools to practice commonly asked hospitality interview questions.

At SOEG Consulting LLP, we see hundreds of hospitality CVs daily. The ones that stand out? Candidates who understand the hotel industry, personalise their applications, and make an effort to connect.

Hospitality is all about people, and that starts from the moment you apply.

If you are struggling to get responses, take a step back and tweak your approach. Small changes make a big difference. Start applying smarter today!