Since the lifting of lockdown measures following the pandemic, hospitality professionals have an even more important role to play than before. After months of isolation and limited human contact, employees working remotely or event attendees appreciate being greeted with a warm smile, being guided, or even provided with information.
Not forgetting that the first impression conveyed by the reception staff at a professional event represents the company’s brand image . Large groups have understood this well, considering that a receptionist is a real “showcase” for the company. This is part of a commercial and communication strategy , in particular to generate interest and build customer loyalty.
What is the profile of hosts and hostesses in Luxembourg today and what qualities are required?
Profile of hosts and hostesses in Luxembourg
Due to its central location on the border of the most powerful countries in Europe, Luxembourg is a country of multilingualism . With no fewer than 3 official languages in the Grand Duchy (French, German and Luxembourgish), not to mention the many Portuguese, Spanish and Italian expatriates; mastery of at least 3 languages is desirable for a hostess in Luxembourg.
In the events sector, missions are generally short-term and very varied , which requires great versatility and good adaptability on the part of hosts and hostesses. The advantage of this profession is that there is never a routine and there are numerous professional opportunities due to the different locations and contacts encountered.
Even though these professions are still predominantly women, men are increasingly present. Although they are primarily found in parking boy (valet) roles or even evening positions for greater security and deterrence, reception in companies or at events is no longer just a sideline .
Gone is the sexist image of women, which we found in various trade fairs or events, and gone is the status of “showpiece” where the hostess had no particular role except that of presenting a perfect body with an often forced smile… and which moreover could most of the time harm the image of the company more than anything else!
No, today, hostess jobs require certain qualities , because the tasks assigned are increasingly specific and diverse: checking invitations, issuing badges, seating in the room, orientation, managing cloakrooms, valet parking, taking contact details, giving gifts, etc.
There is no need to follow any specific training to become a hostess, although a BTS/DUT in the field or even a hostess school will be highly appreciated. Moreover, it is often through reception professions that one enters the world of events .
This is a job that attracts a lot of students and can easily be done alongside studies, firstly because the majority of professional events are held on weekends and evenings, but also because this job does not require any particular diplomas and is therefore more accessible.
However, not everyone can claim to be a host or hostess despite appropriate training, because hospitality jobs require certain essential skills and abilities .
The qualities of a hostess
✔️ An impeccable presentation : he/she represents the brand image of the company, as such an impeccable presentation is required (discreet makeup, hair tied back, specific dress code, etc.)
✔️ Courtesy and diplomacy : Even if the visitor is difficult, you will need to show patience and respect. Once again, it’s the company’s image that’s at stake. In this profession, it’s important to enjoy human contact and have good interpersonal skills.
✔️ Good elocution : Being a good listener and knowing how to express yourself perfectly is essential in this profession to make yourself understood and meet the needs of the day’s visitors… and speaking several languages is essential in Luxembourg.
✔️ Responsive and dynamic : anticipate the needs and requests of the interlocutors, you have to be proactive!
✔️ Discretion and reliability : in this profession, you must know how to juggle discretion (behavior and physical appearance) and availability. Maintain composure in all circumstances!
