What is the Job Description of a Concierge?

<p>A concierge serves as a personal assistant for hotel guests. They advise guests on all aspects of their stay and are generally very educated about the surrounding area. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to taking messages, coordinating housekeeping and management, arranging transportation and entertainment, and monitoring guest's special requests. Check out the table below to learn about the skills and education required for a career in this field: </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education Required</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> Training completed on the job</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Multitasking abilities, interpersonal and communication skills</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 20%*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Average Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $35,310*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheDutiesOfAConcierge">What Are the Duties of a Concierge?</h3> <p>As a concierge, you act as the personal assistant for guests at a hotel. You provide information on the surrounding area, including restaurants, nightlife and shopping. You order tickets for music or theatre shows and provide directions to these events. You also perform behind-the-scenes tasks that make a guest's stay more comfortable, such as receiving and organizing packages and keeping track of requests for cleaning or maintenance. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeed">What Skills Do I Need?</h3> <p>A polite, professional manner in your communications is important in maintaining the general atmosphere of a quality hotel experience. You must be able to multitask and prioritize. A comprehensive knowledge of the area or region in which you work will aid in your recommendations to the guests. Knowing how to deal with different types of people and thriving in a social environment can be important to your work as a concierge. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeed">What Education Do I Need?</h3> <p>O*Net OnLine, the U.S. Department of Labor's career database (<i>www.onetonline.org</i>), notes that most people working in a concierge position have a high school diploma. Most concierges don't have any formal training, but, because of the nature of the work, learn their skills from on-the-job training and from working their way up from entry-level positions. Excellent social and communications skills comprise a large part of the concierge job, so experience in hospitality or the service industry could be a good way to learn the demeanor and skills required of you. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What Is the Job Outlook?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), concierge employment could increase 20% in the 2020-2030 decade (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Salaries for concierges vary greatly according to location. In May 2020, the BLS reported that New York was the top paying state for concierge positions, with an average annual wage of $49,110, while concierges in Massachusetts, the fifth top paying state, made $39,600. For comparison, the national average salary for concierges was $35,310. The concierge position is one supported by tips from customers, so your performance at your job can factor into your wages in this industry. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Other similar jobs in the hotel and hospitality industry are front desk clerks and hotel managers. Both work to ensure the comfort of hotel guests but have different additional responsibilities and education requirements. Front desk clerks, also known as hotel, motel and resort desk clerks, are typically the first person that guests encounter upon check-in. They provide customer service care through the assignment of rooms; payment and reservation processing; and handling complaints and concerns. They often have a high school diploma and learn on the job. Lodging managers are required to possess only a high school diploma or equivalent, but some have postsecondary degrees. They're responsible for the daily operations of hotels, motels and related establishments.</p>