Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

So you're thinking of applying for a job in the accommodation industry? Maybe starting out as a housekeeper, or bellman, or reservation clerk, or somewhere without the requirement for years of technical study? If you're contemplating applying to a large Calgary hotel, think again. Almost regardless of position, experience serves as the best, and often only way to gain employment in a large hotel. In mountain communities, however, the same cannot be said.

"In a hotel this size, you need previous experience just because of the volume," said Susan Reeves, Human Resources Director for The Calgary Westin. "People should start off small, get some experience, and then get (into) bigger places, because the bigger places can afford to be picky." While there may be some positions in the food and beverage department available to those without experience, Reeves said those opportunities are also extremely limited.

"In housekeeping, it's not often they'll take people without experience because they have to clean 16 rooms a day," she added. "It's usually people who have been housekeepers before that apply because they know what they're getting into. And doormen, porters and bellmen are not entry level. They are the ones we have to be particular about because they tend to get questioned about everything. They have to be experienced." As doormen, porters and bellmen are often the first people to great visitors, and last to see them go, it's important they create the atmosphere the hotel desires, she added.

Unlike many summer resorts, graduates from post-secondary schools, those who have experience from smaller hotels or motels, and those who have taken specific training, such as bartender's school, occupy most of the positions those outside the industry may consider entry level. Once in these positions, however, the opportunities to move up the career ladder are considerable in a large hotel. "One you are in, all job opportunities are posted (internally) for five days first," Reeves said. "People can move around and there's a lot of promotion from within. We have 400 staff so it's easy." Moving with a hotel chain is also common, but looking to move outside of Canada can be complicated as immigration issues come into play.

Also unlike many Rocky Mountain resort communities, some large Calgary hotels don't have a large summer hiring period. While there may be extra busy periods over the summer, during Stampede for instance, Reeves said the job opportunities are fairly consistent throughout the year.

For those looking to enter the industry without experience, Roger Pollok, Executive Director of the Motel Association of Alberta, said motels offer a good place to begin. Motels, in most cases, offer accommodation only, without the restaurant and banquet services delivered by hotels. "There are opportunities for people," he said. "A lot of motels serve as a portal to bigger and better things. But a lot of people want to make a million bucks in the first year. The motel industry specifically is minimum wage to start. You work your way up and evolve from there."

While many jobs begin at the lower end of the pay scale, Pollok said supply and demand sometimes means employers will offer more money to attract needed employees. In Edson for example, he said there is a housekeeping shortage and some motels are paying more than minimum wage. What also differentiates motels from hotels, is, commonly families run motels meaning employment opportunities may be limited in some cases.

As for hostels, particularly those such as the Banff International Hostel which feature a full-service cafe, many entry level positions exist. In addition to jobs in food and beverage, some front desk, reservation and housekeeping positions are available to those with little, or no accommodation experience, said General Manager Ken Campbell. Because many hostels are part of national, or international associations, there may also be opportunities to transfer to work in hostels elsewhere.

Once experienced has been gained, those working in a large downtown hotel have access to some flexible work options, said Bonnie Grant, Assistant General Manager, Rooms Division, The International Hotel of Calgary. "It's a good industry for job sharing," she said. And for those going to school, there are opportunities for part-time work, or after "school-hour" shifts.