How are you meant to get experience as a hotel receptionist when all places require experience?

Question

I'm in the final stages of a humanities degree and even though my degree isn't particularly related to it I'd like to work in the hotel or tourism industry. I know I'm going to have to work my way up and would love to be a hotel receptionist after my degree as I think I have the personal qualities for that kind of work. I've been browsing all the jobs websites and don't mind moving anywhere in the UK, but pretty much all non-temporary positions you need experience for!
So I thought I could be a general receptionist in any kinda of business (I'm not fussy) for a year or two to get some experience as a few of those jobs don't say experience is a requirement, but do you think general reception experience would be good enough for hotel work?
Also do I have a better chance of getting a reception job at a small company like a B&B and where do those places advertise?

Answer 1

Yes = you could get a general receptionist job at any large Company

or (better) get an Agency Job and work as a Temp Receptionist for a while (tell the Agency you want to work in Hotels)

Both above will gain you the necessary experience

The smaller the Hotel, lower the wages = and most B&B's are run by family = they don't tent to advertise outside the local area (no-one can afford to commute on Hotel wages) so the harder it is to find the job .. you could ask around in the area you want to work .. often one Hotel / B&B will know if there is a vacancy at another ...

Answer 2

Don't lie. As the others have said, if you get caught you will be fired. Instead, look for a receptionist position where the employer is willing to train you. Even if you the number of lines you wil be required to answer are few, it will give you a chance to gain some experience. Also is the option of trying to gain some experience through working with temporary agencies. The more chances you have, even short term, you will have more experience and the next time you interview for full-time employment, you won't have to lie.

Answer 3

watch fawlty towers first