Student Hospitality Jobs Alongside School: How to Get Started!

From what age can you work in hospitality as a student?

If you're 16 or older, you can already work in hospitality, but there are some rules you should consider:

From 16 years old, you can work as a kitchen assistant, waiter's helper, or event support staff.

From 18 years old, you can work behind the bar, handle alcoholic beverages, and take night shifts.

Thus, at 16, nothing prevents you from taking hospitality student jobs—you just need to find the right position! Here's more general information about: the minimum age for student jobs.

1. Kitchen Assistant

Your tasks might include:

Preparing ingredients (e.g., washing and slicing vegetables)

Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen

Dishwashing

Advantage: Kitchen assistant roles are perfect for those preferring behind-the-scenes tasks and limited guest interaction. Speed and cleanliness are crucial, offering great practice if you wish to become more precise and efficient.

Challenge: Physically demanding, especially in busy restaurants. Dishwashing or cleaning tasks can be monotonous, though teamwork can make the time pass faster.

2. Waitering (without serving alcohol)

Possible duties:

Serving food and beverages to tables

Cleaning and resetting tables

Assisting guests with inquiries

Advantage: Serving tables helps develop your communication skills, as you'll frequently interact with guests. Tips can significantly boost your income.

Challenge: This job can be intense, particularly in large restaurants or events. Quick reactions to guest needs and complaints can be demanding but provide excellent experience.

3. Event and Catering Student Jobs

Tasks in this role:

Setting up and decorating tables

Welcoming guests

Assisting at receptions or weddings

Advantage: Diverse tasks, offering opportunities to experience new locations and meet new people. Event jobs are less monotonous, making them more exciting.

Challenge: Events sometimes require long shifts, especially those extending into the night. Endurance and flexibility are essential.

4. Hotel Assistant Jobs

Possible hotel tasks:

Tidying rooms

Assisting during breakfast

Preparing conference rooms

Advantage: These roles often provide a quieter environment, ideal if you dislike noisy spaces. It offers valuable experience in tourism and hospitality.

Challenge: Hotel assistant tasks can demand high precision, especially room preparation or table decoration. Early starts or late shifts can also be tiring.

Why is a hospitality student job worth it?

Experience in hospitality is not only a means to earn money but also equips you with valuable long-term skills. Here are several reasons why hospitality jobs are worth pursuing:

1. Excellent Social Skill Development

In hospitality, you're constantly communicating—whether with guests, coworkers, or supervisors. This is an excellent way to build confidence and improve communication skills, beneficial in any future workplace.

2. Teamwork and Problem-solving

Hospitality requires quick thinking and collaboration. Busy restaurants or large events often bring unexpected situations. Such challenges teach efficient teamwork, essential for the job market.

3. Time Management and Flexibility

Working hospitality jobs alongside school teaches effective time management. Many workplaces offer weekend or evening shifts, easily aligning with your school timetable.

4. Confidence and Stress Management

Hospitality jobs suit those who enjoy dynamic, intensive environments. You’ll gradually handle pressure better, enhancing performance under stress—useful both professionally and personally.

5. Income and Tips

Most hospitality jobs offer competitive hourly rates, and roles like waiting tables or catering often provide significant tips, further boosting your earnings.

Flexible shifts also mean you can comfortably manage work alongside your studies.

How to Apply for Hospitality Student Jobs?

Register on Ydiák.hu

Create a specific CV and specify your preferred shifts.

Monitor available hospitality job opportunities regularly!

Tips for CV Writing and Application

If you aim to land your ideal hospitality student job, preparation for CV writing and application is key. Here are useful tips to help you stand out:

1. Highlight Basic Skills

Key hospitality job skills include:

Quick learning and adaptability

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork capabilities

Emphasize these in your CV, even without prior work experience.

2. Highlight Previous Experiences

If you've previously worked in similar environments (e.g., family events or school functions), include these in your CV. These count as valuable experience!

3. Keep Your CV Short and Concise

Employers often quickly scan applications, so your CV should be structured and clear. Use bullet points to highlight important information.

4. Attention to Spelling and Appearance

A well-written, formatted CV always gives you an edge. If possible, ask a friend or family member to review it. Include a friendly photo (portrait style).

5. Attach a Motivational Letter

Although not always required, attaching a short motivational letter can be beneficial. Explain why you want the job and how your skills can contribute to the team’s success.

A hospitality student job is a great opportunity if you want to expand your experience and earn extra pocket money alongside school. Choose a position that fits your schedule and interests—and remember: hospitality experience benefits you long-term! Check out ydiak.hu and find the perfect student job for you!