Kicking Off the Season: Checklists for Service, Front Desk, Kitchen &, and More
Your Start to the Season in the Hotel and Restaurant Industry
The first few days of a season are intense: a new team, new procedures, and often a new workplace. You’re not alone in this. The good news is that getting off to a good start is easier when you know what matters in your area.
In this post, you'll learn:
- What You Should Clarify Before Your First Day of Work
- Which checklist applies to service, the kitchen, the front desk, and housekeeping
- How to get through the first few weeks successfully
What should you do before the season starts?
Organization is everything—and that applies even before you start your new job. Make sure once again that all the details regarding the following topics have been clarified:
Are you planning to work a seasonal job in Austria and need some information about what you should do before starting your job? In our blog post about seasonal work in Austria, we've put together the most important information for you.
Seasonal Start Checklists by Category
Whether it's the kitchen, front desk, service, or housekeeping: Each department has its own focus areas. These checklists will help you make sure you don't overlook anything during your first few days.
#1 Service Checklist
In customer service, product knowledge and well-established procedures are key.
- Learn the food and beverage menu, including allergens
- Practice using the POS system and ordering procedures
- Clarify work stations and responsibilities
- Coordinate procedures with the kitchen
#2 Kitchen Checklist
In the kitchen, preparation and hygiene are key to a smooth start.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities
- Check inventory, storage, and refrigeration
- Be familiar with hygiene regulations and HACCP documentation (HACCP is the food safety concept)
- Practice recipes and mise en place
#3 Checklist for the Front Desk
At the front desk, you’ll be the first point of contact for guests.
- Get familiar with the hotel software and booking procedures
- Practice check-in, check-out, and payment methods
- Learn about room categories, rates, and special offers
- Gather information about the region, excursions, and emergency numbers
An Overview of All Areas
| Area | Main Focus | Key Interface |
| Service | Menu & Checkout | Kitchen |
| Kitchen | Hygiene & Mise en Place | Service |
| Reception | Reservation System & Guest Information | Housekeeping |
| Housekeeping | Room Standards | Front Desk |
Tip: To learn how the kitchen and front-of-house staff can work together more effectively, check out our article on collaboration between the kitchen and front-of-house staff.
Ready for your next season?
During the first few weeks, it’s better to ask one question too many than one too few. Also, be sure to schedule breaks—especially during peak season, it’s important to make a point of relaxing in addition to partying. Our tips for managing stress will help you do just that.
Still looking for a job this winter? Popular regions include Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, South Tyrol, and Bavaria. You can quickly apply using your profile, and the job alerts will keep you informed about new openings.
Good luck at the start of the season!
Depending on the region, the winter season usually begins between November and December. The summer season often begins in May or June.
Bring your ID, your bank information, your Social Security number, and appropriate work clothes.
Not necessarily. Seasonal businesses offer many entry-level positions. You can learn more about this in our "Five Good Reasons for Seasonal Work."
