Service Jobs

How To Get A Job As A Concierge

Concierges are employed by luxury hotels, condominiums, offices, businesses, corporations, and hospitals.  Some Concierges establish their own business and work for private employers.  Though their duties may vary slightly between  areas, Concierges act as good will ambassadors, intent on providing the best possible service and experience to all those with whom they interact.

Most Concierges work full time and some even live on location to better serve the public.  Salaries for Concierges are largely determined by their level of experience and place of employment.  Large tips are not uncommon.

To become a successful Concierge, you must have superior interpersonal and communication skills.  You must be detail oriented, well organized, neat, friendly, courteous, patient, and a good problem solver and multitasker.  You must also be able to work well under pressure, and enjoy meeting and serving a large variety of individuals.

Successful Concierges have a vast store of knowledge and resources and can quickly and efficiently find just the right answer or solution to any inquiry or request presented to them.  Because Concierges spend most of their day standing, they must be in good health and physical condition.

During the course of any one day, Concierges will perform a variety of duties.  They may answer questions, give advice and directions, arrange tours, store luggage, confirm flights, summon taxis and limousines, locate appropriate doctors, and dentists, arrange for dry cleaning and other special services, make reservation for restaurants, theaters, sporting events, and travel.  They may take and convey messages, arrange for maintenance and housekeeping, order flowers, arrange for interpreters, and other special services, and help arrange for functions such as weddings and banquets.  Guests can speak to the concierge either personally or by phone.  Concierges can do literally anything requested of them providing it is legal and not immoral.

Education

Concierges must have at least a high school degree and preferably some college.  It would be best to get an associate degree and preferably a bachelor’s degree.

Vocational and technical schools as well as colleges offer programs in hospitality and hotel management services.

Concierges acquire their knowledge through education, experience and their own efforts.  They must be intimately knowledgeable about the shops, restaurants, services, and entertainment facilities throughout the city in which they work.  Once hired Concierges will receive some on the job training in regard to the policies and management of the facility in which they are employed.

If you want to get a job as a Concierge, get some hotel experience, possibly as a bellboy, doorman, or clerk.

It is beneficial for Concierges to speak one or more foreign languages and also to have training in first aid and CPR.

Job prospects are good for skilled, knowledgeable Concierges.

With five years of experience as a Concierge, you will be eligible to obtain the Clefs D’Or (keys of gold).  The two crossed golden keys are worn on the lapel of the uniform and signify superior knowledge and skill.  To obtain the Clefs D’Or, you must be recommended and them pass a difficult review.