Dream job receptionist
Many roads lead to the reception desk
Pia Niedermoser is 18 years old and is currently training to become a hotel and catering assistant (HGA) at the Laschenskyhof in Salzburg. She is now in her third year of training and is about to graduate. In this interview, she tells us why she didn't decide to train as a receptionist straight away but is still currently working behind the desk.
Pia, why did you decide to do an apprenticeship as a hotel and catering assistant?
A member of my family was already working in the hotel and catering industry. So I was already familiar with the industry and I was somehow fascinated by it. At the very beginning, I wanted to become a receptionist, but then I couldn't say exactly which direction I wanted to go in. That's why I finally decided to do an apprenticeship as a hotel and catering assistant. So that I could get a taste of several areas during my apprenticeship.
What areas can you get to know during the HGA apprenticeship?
Reception, service, housekeeping and kitchen.
And which specialist areas have you chosen?
I was in service for the first year and a half. And now I've been at reception for a year and a half.
How did you fare in these two areas?
I liked both extremely well. They are very different jobs with many different areas of responsibility. At reception, you have to work with one hundred percent concentration and be fully present. Service, on the other hand, is more physical work and simply challenges you differently.
What are you responsible for at reception? What does your daily routine look like?
For check-in and check-out, of course. But also for seminar inquiries, room and table reservations and finally for writing invoices and various back-office tasks. All in all, it's very varied. I'm on the phone a lot and actually in contact with people all day long.
What do you like best?
Certainly the telephone calls with interested parties or guests, and e-mail correspondence.
What was your best or funniest moment at reception?
The best thing is really when guests have been here for a longer period of time - or even just a short time - and then thank you for the wonderful time when they leave. Then you know for sure: we did everything right and fulfilled all their wishes. When the guest is simply satisfied - that's priceless.
What would you say are the most important qualities you need at reception?
You should definitely be a team player and flexible. But most importantly: you have to love contact with people, otherwise you're in the wrong place.
Are there also challenges at reception?
Of course there are, yes. As in all areas, there are ups and downs. Sometimes the job is stressful and challenging. But if you work together, anything is possible.
Have you ever received negative criticism from a guest? If so, how did you deal with it?
Thankfully, this is very rare for us. But of course there has been the odd criticism. Then you have to apologize if something really wasn't right and assure the guest that you will take care of it. It has never happened to me that I have been attacked as a person. But if the worst comes to the worst, it's nice to know that our boss is fully behind us.
If you could choose your apprenticeship again - would you choose it again?
Yes, definitely!
What advice would you give to young people who may be faced with the big decision of which apprenticeship to choose?
I would advise them: Definitely give it a try! Even if you're not sure yet - just try it out! Especially with the hotel and catering assistant apprenticeship, you can still decide at a later date. I can definitely recommend this apprenticeship.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pia and the Laschenskyhof apprenticeship company in Salzburg!
Current apprenticeships
Are you interested in an apprenticeship as a receptionist or hotel and catering assistant? Then take a look at our blog! In the article "The three golden rules for receptionists", you can find out what is absolutely essential for this profession and what you should bear in mind in this job.
If you have already made your decision and want to start an apprenticeship in this field like Pia, then check out the current apprenticeships and job vacancies in the hotel and catering industry - on HOGASTJOB!
