The most valued soft skills by employers in hospitality and catering

By The Editorial Team | Published on July 17, 2025

In the hospitality and catering sector, technical skills are important, but it is often the soft skills – or behavioral skills – that make the difference during recruitment. According to a study by APEC and Pôle Emploi, 80% of employers in the sector say they prioritize human and interpersonal qualities when hiring, sometimes even before experience or diplomas.

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What is a soft skill?

Soft skills refer to the set of personal, social, and emotional skills that enable an individual to integrate well into a team, adapt to their environment, and effectively manage daily situations. Unlike hard skills (technical skills), soft skills are transversal and sought after in all catering and hospitality jobs.

Essential soft skills in hospitality and catering

1

Sense of service and hospitality

This is THE number one quality. 92% of recruiters surveyed by UMIH consider sense of service indispensable for working in customer-facing roles. This involves politeness, active listening, the ability to anticipate clients' needs, and offering them a memorable experience.

2

Stress management

The pace in dining rooms or kitchens is often intense, especially during "rush hours." Knowing how to stay calm, prioritize tasks, and remain efficient under pressure is a key skill. According to a RegionsJob survey, 68% of employers rank stress management among the top three soft skills.

3

Team spirit

Catering and hospitality are team-oriented professions. A good collaborator must know how to communicate, help colleagues, and accept constructive criticism. 75% of managers state that good team spirit improves service quality and customer satisfaction.

4

Adaptability

Unexpected events are frequent: a colleague's absence, menu changes, unexpected crowds… Employers often look for profiles able to quickly adapt to all situations. Adaptability is cited by 60% of recruiters as a major selection criterion.

5

Communication

Expressing oneself clearly, knowing how to listen, transmitting the right information to colleagues or customers: communication is essential at all levels. It helps avoid mistakes and ensures smooth service.

6

Punctuality and reliability

Being on time, respecting commitments, notifying in case of absence: these qualities are the foundation of trust within a team. 80% of employers consider reliability a deal-breaker.

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Why are soft skills so important?

In a sector where human contact is constant, soft skills help retain customers, avoid conflicts, and create a positive work atmosphere. A smiling and motivated employee can compensate for a lack of technical experience, as they will learn quickly and integrate well into the team.

Moreover, with the labor shortage affecting catering, employers are increasingly attentive to candidates' personality and career growth potential.

How to highlight your soft skills on a CV or in an interview?

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On the CV

Add a "Behavioral Skills" or "desired job qualities" section and illustrate each soft skill with a concrete example (e.g., "Stress management: experience serving at events with over 200 covers").

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In the interview

Prepare anecdotes that show how you demonstrated team spirit, responsiveness, or sense of service in your previous jobs.

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Soft skills, an asset for career growth

Employers value soft skills not only at hiring but also for internal advancement. A server with excellent interpersonal skills can quickly become a head waiter, then maître d'hôtel. An adaptable and reliable kitchen assistant can access positions of responsibility.

Conclusion

Soft skills have become essential to succeed and grow in hospitality. Sense of service, stress management, team spirit, adaptability, communication, and reliability: these human qualities are key assets to land a job, progress in your career, and thrive daily.