This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
The hotel receptionist


Complexion and make-up Tere are many beauty aids available and no lack of advice on the correct use of make-up, but one should bear in mind that use of it should be discreet and not overdone. Good eating habits, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and, of course a reasonable amount of sleep all lend themselves to good health, which in turn will be reflected in a clear skin and bright eyes which are attractive in themselves.


Hands Hands are always on display and nothing looks more unsightly than broken fingernails, bright coloured, chipped nail varnish or chewed nails. Well-manicured hands with a carefully toned nail varnish are much more attractive.


Clothing Many hotels provide uniforms for their staff to be worn when on duty. Uniforms should be kept fresh and crisp. If one is permitted to wear clothes of one’s own choice, they should be smart and attractive, but extremes in fashion should be avoided and colour kept discreet. A spare pair of stockings or tights should always be handy as nothing looks as unattractive as laddered tights. Shoes should be smart but comfortable, for receptionists may have to spend many hours on their feet.


Halitosis Halitosis (bad breath) can be very unpleasant. Te causes of it are numerous. Sensible diet and regular brushing of teeth will obviously help, but one should visit the dentist at least once every six months for a checkup. If the problem of halitosis persists, a visit to the doctor is necessary to determine the cause.


Body odour Like halitosis, body odour can be extremely unpleasant and embarrassing. Regular bathing and daily use of an anti-perspirant or a good deodorant will normally ensure personal freshness, but if the problem persists, a visit to the doctor is necessary.


2.1 Justify the following statement: ‘Attention to personal appearance and hygiene are of the utmost importance to a receptionist’


Anyone who has to deal with the public or is in constant contact with other people as part of their job must always be aware that attention to their appearance and personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. It does not take much imagination to realise the bad impression that can be created by a person who has greasy unkept hair, unclean or unpressed clothes, laddered stockings or tights, dirty down-at-the-heel shoes, chewed or dirty fingernails, halitosis (bad breath) or bad body odour. It is essential that a receptionist should appear on duty immaculate in every way. Terefore, a regular daily hygiene routine should be developed so that care of personal appearance and hygiene is automatic.


2.2 Apply the above statement to job situations in the front office by means of role-play or simulated situations


Consult some of the web pages under the web link section. It is common practice that workplaces have guidelines on personal appearance at work. Also see the ‘in the workplace’ section. Attention to personal appearance and hygiene are of the utmost importance to a receptionist. Te receptionist is the front line employee of the hotel in other words the first contact by the guest with staff of the


FutureManagers 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144