Business of Happiness

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY

What are the different departments in a hotel?

There’s a wide range of departments you can join in the hotel industry. This includes:

  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Food & Beverage
  • Finance
  • Revenue Management
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Engineering
  • IT
  • Security
  • Human Resources

For more information on what each department does, click on the ‘Careers’ tab above.

Why should I work for a hotel?

Working for a hotel comes with a lot of benefits, perks, and opportunities for growth. Click on ‘Why Work For A Hotel?’ in the ‘Careers’ tab above to find out what they are.

What is the minimum educational requirement to apply for a job?

The requirements vary according to the hotel and role you’re applying for. To be sure, check on the Minimum Education requirement specified in the job description. In some cases, specialist certificates may be required.

That said, your level of education is not the most important factor in your application. More than anything, what we’re looking for is passion, excellent communication skills, a collaborative attitude, and a love for creating happiness. Regardless of background, age, or educational level – you are welcome to apply!

What do you look out for in candidates?

Hotels are always on the lookout for candidates who are passionate about hospitality. Candidates should be diligent, service-oriented and a team player. Regardless of background, age, or educational level – you are welcome to apply!

What are the working hours like?

There are a variety of roles with different working hours to cater to different employees’ needs:

  • Full-Time (fixed 8-9 hours a day)
  • Part-Time (opt for shorter work week and/or shorter working hours)
  • Shift work (8-10 hours a day, depending on your roster)


We also offer Flexible Work Arrangements. Check the job description and discuss your needs with the hiring manager to help you land the right job.

What are the shift hours like?

If the role requires shift work, each work day runs between 8 to 12 hours. For example, 7am to 3pm / 11am to 7pm / 3 to 11pm / 11pm to 7am. Speak to your hiring manager to find out more and to help you land the right job for your needs.

What does Flexible Work Arrangements mean?

There’s a variety of Flexible Work Arrangements available like flexi-time and compressed work week. For example, flexi-time allows you to start your work day at allocated times, while a compressed work week allows you to work a shorter week, i.e. instead, you may have a 4-day instead of 5-day work week.

However, this differs from hotel to hotel. Speak to the hotels’ hiring manager to find out more and to help you land the right job for your needs.

What if I don’t want to work shift hours?

There’s a variety of roles and opportunities available in the Business of Happiness. Not all roles require shift work. Speak to your hiring manager to find out more and to help you land the right job for your needs.

What are my career prospects?

Get ready for a fulfilling career that offers you both upward advancement as well as cross-department opportunities to grow.

The hotel industry prides itself in recognising and rewarding the hard work of its staff. Some of our hoteliers have risen through the ranks from an entry level position to become General Managers!

For a full chart on possible career pathways, visit MySkillsFuture.sg.

What salary can I expect?

The salary varies from hotel to hotel, and on the role that you are interested in. Speak to your hiring manager to find out more and to help you land the right job for your needs.

How do I apply for a job?

Head to our ‘Careers’ tab and click on ‘Explore Hotel Careers’ at the bottom of the page. The link will take you to MyCareersFuture.sg where you can view a list of hotel and hospitality roles available. Please note that these roles are open to locals only, and you will need to log in with SingPass to apply for a job.

Alternatively, you can check out JOBSCONNECT, or the respective hotel’s website to apply for a position with them directly.

I am not a Singaporean. Can I apply for a hotel job?

Yes, you can do so by applying to the hotel directly. Otherwise, you may view the jobs available at JOBSCONNECT, and get in touch with the hotel’s point of contact provided in the job listing.

I am a retiree, but I am looking to work again. Will hotels hire older workers?

Yes! Many of our hotels currently have older workers who have decided to come out of retirement to serve in a variety of roles.

Most hotels are happy to tailor their job roles to suit the needs of their older workers. Discuss your needs with the hiring manager who’s there to help you find the right job. Regardless of age, background, or educational level – you are welcome to apply!

I’m not sure if I like a particular hotel job, but I want to test it out. Will that be possible?

You may try out the job through Career Trial, a programme offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the Employment and Employability Institute (NTUC’s e2i) under the Adapt and Grow initiative. This programme provides you and your prospective employer the opportunity to assess job fit through a short term trial. At the end of the Career Trial, employers may offer you employment if you are found suitable for the job.

For more information about Career Trial, click here.