After finishing 12th, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. College felt like a big commitment, and I wasn’t ready for it yet. I wanted to start working, earn some money, and gain experience. My family runs a small restaurant, so I’ve always been around people, food, and service. I enjoyed talking to customers and making them happy, so I thought, why not try a career in hospitality? Hotels, restaurants, resorts—it all sounded exciting, and I figured there had to be jobs for someone like me, even without a degree.
I started researching online and asking around. I found out that the hospitality industry is huge and always needs people, especially in customer-facing roles. Jobs like front desk staff, waiter, housekeeper, or even kitchen helper were advertised everywhere. Some companies even said they’d train you on the job, which was perfect for me since I had no experience.
The salaries weren’t bad either—some jobs offered 15,000 to 30,000 rupees a month, depending on the city and the role. I saw openings in places like Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, and Jaipur, which are big hubs for hotels and tourism. Since I lived in a smaller town, I knew I might have to move, but I was willing to take the risk.
| Post Name | Air-Line Job |
| Vacancies | 1254 |
| Salary | No Details |
| Job Location | All India |
Getting Started: Research and Preparation
The first thing I did was figure out what skills I needed. Most job ads asked for things like good communication, a friendly attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Some mentioned knowing basic English or being good with computers, which I was okay with. I didn’t have any formal training, but I figured my experience helping out at my family’s restaurant counted for something.
I updated my resume, which was pretty basic. I put down my 12th marks, mentioned that I speak Hindi, English, and my local language, and added that I’m hardworking and good with people. I also practiced talking about myself, thinking about what I’d say in an interview. I rehearsed answers to questions like, “Why do you want to work in hospitality?” and “How would you handle a rude customer?” I kept it simple and honest.
Next, I started applying. I used job portals like Naukri, Indeed, and QuikrJobs, and I also checked the websites of big hotel chains like Taj, Oberoi, or IHCL. I applied to anything that said “12th pass” and “hospitality” or “hotel” in the title—front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage service, you name it.
The Application Process and Interviews
Within a few days, I started getting calls for interviews. Most were in big cities, so I had to plan trips and budget for travel. My first interview was for a front desk position at a mid-sized hotel in Delhi. They asked me basic questions like, “Have you worked with customers before?” and “Can you work weekends and holidays?” I told them about helping out at my family’s restaurant and said I was fine with any shifts because I’m flexible.
Some interviews were tougher. One hotel made us do a role-play where I had to pretend to check in a guest who was complaining about their room. It was nerve-wracking, but I stayed polite and tried to solve the problem, which they seemed to like. Another time, they tested my English by asking me to write a short email to a guest. I wasn’t perfect, but I did my best.
The competition was stiff. There were so many other 12th pass candidates, and some had done short courses in hospitality or had part-time jobs. I felt a bit discouraged, but I kept applying and practicing.
Landing My First Job: Front Desk Assistant
After about a month of trying, I finally got an offer from a 3-star hotel in Jaipur. They hired me as a front desk assistant, and I was thrilled! The salary was 20,000 rupees a month, plus meals and a uniform. The job involved greeting guests, checking them in, answering their questions, and handling small issues like lost keys or complaints.
The training was intense but useful. They taught us how to use the hotel’s computer system, how to handle cash and credit cards, and how to deal with different types of guests—some nice, some not so nice. They also stressed the importance of being polite, clean, and professional all the time. I learned fast because I really wanted to do well.
The shifts were long—sometimes 9 to 12 hours—and included nights, weekends, and holidays. But the hotel provided accommodation nearby, which saved me money, and the team was friendly. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt like a huge win for me.
The Challenges I Faced
Working in hospitality wasn’t easy. One big challenge was dealing with difficult guests. Some would yell or complain about things that weren’t my fault, like a delayed flight or bad weather. I had to stay calm and help them, even when I was stressed. It taught me a lot about patience and keeping my cool.
Another challenge was the physical work. As a front desk assistant, I was on my feet for hours, and sometimes I had to lift heavy things or run around to fix problems. The hours were irregular too, which meant I missed family events or holidays. But I reminded myself that this was my chance to build a career.
There were also moments of self-doubt. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if they fired me? But my supervisor was supportive, and I saw other 12th pass colleagues doing well, which motivated me to keep going.
What I Learned on the Job
My time in hospitality taught me so much. First, customer service is all about making people feel welcome, even when they’re upset. I learned to listen carefully, apologize when needed, and find solutions fast. Second, teamwork is key. I worked with housekeepers, chefs, security, and managers, and we all had to coordinate to make the hotel run smoothly.
I also picked up new skills, like using hotel management software and handling cash. Even though I was just 12th pass, the job gave me confidence and showed me that I could learn on the job. After a few months, I started feeling more comfortable and began thinking about growing in my career.
One thing that surprised me was how many opportunities there were for people like me. Some of my colleagues had started as cleaners or waiters and were now supervisors or trainers. It showed me that hospitality is a field where you can move up if you work hard and show initiative.
Tips for Others Like Me
- Start Small: Don’t expect to be a manager right away. Look for roles like front desk, housekeeping, or food service. They’re entry-level and great for learning.
- Work on Your People Skills: Hospitality is all about dealing with people. Practice being friendly, patient, and professional. Even if you’re shy, you can learn.
- Be Ready to Move: Most hospitality jobs are in tourist areas or big cities. You might need to relocate, so think about whether you can handle that.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering questions about customer service, teamwork, and why you want the job. Be honest and show enthusiasm.
- Stay Persistent: You might face rejections, but don’t give up. I applied to tons of jobs before I got one. Keep trying, and something will work out.
- Check Company Reviews: Some hotels or agencies might not be reliable. Stick to well-known brands or check reviews online before applying.
Looking Ahead
After a year in my front desk role, I’m thinking about what’s next. Some of my colleagues have moved up to supervisory positions or taken courses in hotel management. I’m considering doing a short course myself to learn more about hospitality operations or guest relations. The industry is competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities.
Hospitality has been a great choice for me. I love meeting new people, solving problems, and being part of a team that makes guests happy. If you’re 12th pass and looking for a career, don’t underestimate this field. It’s rewarding, and with hard work, you can build a future here.
Published on April 4, 2025
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