Who Are We?

We Are Key is a hospitality recruitment and training agency based in Amsterdam. Our mission goes beyond simply sourcing and connecting talented staff to meet the specific needs of our clients. We take immense pride in offering comprehensive training and continuous career development to all our employees. We were founded by experienced hospitality professionals, so we deeply understand the dynamics of the hotel industry and the unique challenges it presents. 

The Role of the Receptionist 

We believe that receptionists are the backbone of any successful hotel operation. In an industry where guest experience is key, receptionists are the face and voice of the hotel. 

Serving as the primary point of contact between the hotel and its guests, receptionists play a significant role in shaping both the first and last impressions. Hospitality is fundamentally all about people; the ability to connect on a personal level, combined with a genuine passion for hospitality, allows receptionists to deliver an experience that goes beyond industry standards.

Ultimately, the success of our hotel partners relies heavily on the dedication of their receptionists. This understanding drives We Are Key to adopt a unique approach to recruitment.

Our Recruitment Style

While traditional recruitment norms tend to favour work experience, We Are Key takes a different approach. We focus on uncovering the motivations behind our candidates, allowing us to assess their learning abilities and future potential. Although many hotels value a strong foundation in hard skills due to the reduced training time, we recognize that the hard skills required in hospitality are constantly evolving. We believe that with the right training, hard skills are easy to develop, but soft skills are much harder to teach. 

To retain employees in the long term, work experience should not be our only focus. The key is identifying open-minded candidates eager to grow within the industry. Soft skills, which stem from the candidate’s character, ultimately set the tone for your organization. These are the employees who will evolve alongside your organization as it grows.

Our Basic Training

Hotel staff training is not a one-time event but a continuous process. We begin by pairing our new recruits with experienced mentors during the first three days of onboarding. During this period, they participate in 5-hour training sessions guided by a comprehensive checklist to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate effectively at the front desk.

Pairing new employees with experienced mentors not only accelerates their assimilation and fosters a positive work culture, but it also encourages hands-on learning experiences through observation.  

Day 1: Building Foundations

Day 2: Mastering Mews, Booking.com, and Expedia

Day 3: Application and Evaluation

By the end of the three days, our receptionists will have learned how to:

  • Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner
  • Address guest inquiries with personalization, ensuring a seamless stay
  • Handle guest check-ins and check-outs efficiently
  • Receive and manage reservations 
  • Handle incoming calls, emails, and messages 
  • Provide useful information about the hotel and city
  • Coordinate with special requests to ensure needs are met promptly
  • Complete necessary front office administrative tasks

Our Mews Training

As official partners of Mews, we provide comprehensive Mews training to all our candidates, ensuring that they are fully prepared before working with your hotel. 

We teach our new hires how to use Mews for reservation management, front-office management, housekeeping coordination, rate management, and accounting. During this session, we address any remaining questions and offer personalized support in areas where our recruits feel they need additional focus.

This specialized training, conducted by We Are Key’s Mews Specialist, lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Additionally, we provide our receptionists with access to Mews University, where they can further master their skills.

Career Development

At We Are Key, we place great importance on the personal and professional growth of our employees. Why? By investing in their development, we help them gain confidence in their current roles as well as empower them to achieve their career aspirations. This, in turn, strengthens our workforce by creating an environment where everyone is motivated to excel. 

Employee and guest satisfaction are interconnected. In an industry where customer service is at the heart, genuine care and attention to detail are no mere coincidences; they are the results of having happy, well-supported staff. This is why we always:

1) Provide opportunities for personal growth

2) Encourage open communication and feedback

3) Promote a positive work culture that values collaboration

4) Celebrate and recognize achievements

5) Enable a healthy work-life balance

… long after our initial training is complete.

We Are Key

As a certified staffing agency recognized by Stitching Normering Arbeid, we guarantee that all our staff are fully qualified to work and that our administrative processes meet industry standards. 

We Are Key is committed to delivering high-quality services, and we see the success of those we work with as our own. Our team of passionate flexworkers is ready to make a significant difference in your hotel. Reach out to us today!

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