Strengths and weaknesses at the front desk (A2)

  • analyze yourself


Strengths

1. Friendly and polite to all guests

  • Greets guests with a smile.
  • Says “Good morning” or “Good evening.”
  • Uses polite words like “please” and “thank you.”
  • Talks kindly to children and elderly guests.
  • Makes guests feel comfortable.

2. Can handle many tasks at the same time

  • Checks in guests while answering the phone.
  • Writes emails while updating reservations.
  • Gives room keys while helping guests with questions.
  • Talks to guests while looking at the computer.
  • Monitors arrivals and departures at the same time.

3. Good at solving problems quickly

  • Finds a new room if the hotel is full.
  • Fixes billing mistakes fast.
  • Helps guests who lose keys.
  • Arranges transport for guests quickly.
  • Solves complaints about noise or service.

4. Stays calm under pressure

  • Remains polite when many guests arrive.
  • Does not raise voice with rude guests.
  • Handles long queues without stress.
  • Works steadily when busy.
  • Maintains a clean and organized desk.

5. Knows hotel services and local area

  • Explains hotel services clearly.
  • Gives directions to tourist places.
  • Recommends local activities.
  • Knows the location of restaurants and shops.
  • Suggests trusted tour guides or taxis.

6. Speaks clearly and communicates well

  • Explains rules simply.
  • Answers guest questions clearly.
  • Uses simple words for foreign guests.
  • Writes clear messages and notes.
  • Listens carefully to guest requests.

7. Works well with other staff and departments

  • Helps housekeeping when needed.
  • Coordinates with maintenance for room problems.
  • Shares information with other colleagues.
  • Helps new staff learn procedures.
  • Supports the team during busy hours.

8. Pays attention to guests’ needs

  • Notices when a guest looks confused.
  • Offers extra towels or blankets.
  • Responds quickly to room service requests.
  • Checks if VIP guests need special attention.
  • Follows up on special requests.

9. Learns quickly and adapts to new situations

  • Can use new computer programs fast.
  • Learns new hotel rules quickly.
  • Adapts to busy periods easily.
  • Changes plans when guests arrive unexpectedly.
  • Learns new guest requests and preferences.

10. Keeps desk and work area clean and organized

  • Keeps papers and files tidy.
  • Organizes keys and documents neatly.
  • Wipes counters and phones regularly.
  • Makes the front desk look professional.
  • Keeps computers and printers clean and working.

Weaknesses

1. Gets stressed when very busy

  • Feels nervous during many check-ins.
  • Makes small mistakes under pressure.
  • Answers phone slowly when busy.
  • Forgets tasks during rush hours.
  • Struggles to stay calm when the lobby is full.

2. Can be impatient with difficult guests

  • Talks quickly to guests who ask many questions.
  • Shows frustration when complaints are repeated.
  • Avoids long discussions with rude guests.
  • May respond curtly to demanding guests.
  • Needs time to calm down after difficult situations.

3. Limited skills in foreign languages

  • Cannot explain services to foreign guests well.
  • Misunderstands requests in another language.
  • Relies on translation apps.
  • Cannot always answer international guest questions.
  • Feels nervous speaking English or other languages.

4. Sometimes misses small details in bookings

  • Forgets special bed requests.
  • Makes mistakes in booking dates.
  • Leaves extra services unchecked.
  • Forgets to note VIP guests.
  • Misses updates in the reservation system.

5. Hesitant to enforce rules or handle conflicts

  • Avoids asking guests to follow rules.
  • Lets small problems grow bigger.
  • Waits for a manager to solve conflicts.
  • Does not apply penalties quickly.
  • Feels uncomfortable confronting rude guests.

6. Can forget to follow up on guest requests

  • Leaves messages unanswered.
  • Misses calling guests back.
  • Does not check if services are done.
  • Forgets to confirm bookings.
  • Overlooks small guest needs.

7. Slow to learn new computer systems

  • Needs extra time to log in.
  • Forgets new software steps.
  • Asks colleagues for help often.
  • Makes mistakes entering data.
  • Cannot quickly adapt to updates.

8. Can get tired after long shifts

  • Becomes less attentive late in the day.
  • Makes small errors when tired.
  • Responds slower to requests.
  • Feels stressed after many hours of work.
  • Loses energy during busy periods.

9. Finds it hard to say “no” to guests

  • Gives extra services even if not allowed.
  • Accepts late check-outs without approval.
  • Lets guests break hotel rules.
  • Cannot refuse requests politely.
  • Feels uncomfortable enforcing limits.

10. May rely too much on colleagues or managers

  • Waits for help before making decisions.
  • Asks for approval too often.
  • Cannot solve small problems alone.
  • Avoids responsibility for difficult tasks.
  • Depends on others for guest complaints.

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A dialogue:


Scene: Hotel lobby in the morning. Guests are arriving, some checking in, some asking questions.

Staff (Anna): smiles “Good morning! Welcome to Sunshine Hotel. How can I help you today?”

Guest 1: “Hi, I have a reservation for Mr. Smith.”

Anna: “Of course, Mr. Smith. Please wait a moment while I check you in.” types on the computer while talking “I see your room is ready. Here are your keys, and breakfast is served from 7 to 10 a.m.”

Guest 1: “Thank you!”

Anna: notices an elderly guest looking confused nearby “Good morning, sir. Do you need some help with directions?”

Guest 2 (elderly): “Yes, please. How do I get to the city center?”

Anna: “You can take the hotel shuttle, or I can call a trusted taxi for you. The city center is about ten minutes from here.”

Guest 2: “Thank you very much!”

Phone rings.

Anna: picks up phone while finishing check-in “Good morning, Sunshine Hotel. How may I help you?” writes a note in the computer at the same time

Guest 3 (on phone): “I need a room tonight. Do you have any availability?”

Anna: “Let me check.” quickly searches reservations “We are almost full, but I found one room for you. May I book it for you?”

Guest 3: “Yes, please!”

Anna: types fast “Done! Your room is ready when you arrive. Please come to the front desk for your key.”

Guest 1: returns with a question “I think there is a mistake on my bill.”

Anna: calmly “No problem, let me check.” reviews bill carefully “I see it. I fixed it. Here is the correct bill. Thank you for your patience.”

Anna notices another guest waiting for a taxi.
“Excuse me, sir. I can call a taxi for you right now. It will arrive in five minutes.”

Guest 4: “Thank you, that is very helpful.”

Anna: wipes the desk while speaking to a colleague about a maintenance issue “Housekeeping, please check room 402. The air conditioning needs attention. Thank you!”

Guest 5 (child): shyly “Hi…”

Anna: “Hello there! Are you excited to stay with us? Here is a small welcome gift for you.” hands a small toy

Guest 5: smiles “Thank you!”

Anna (thinking to herself): “Okay, everything is organized, the desk is tidy, all guests are helped. Now time to finish emails and check for arrivals.”

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Strengths demonstrated in this dialogue:

  • Friendly and polite, makes guests feel comfortable.
  • Handles multiple tasks (check-ins, phone calls, emails) at the same time.
  • Solves problems quickly (billing, full rooms, taxi arrangements).
  • Stays calm under pressure (many guests, busy lobby).
  • Knows hotel services and local area (directions, breakfast, taxi).
  • Speaks clearly and communicates well (simple explanations, listens).
  • Works well with staff (housekeeping, maintenance).
  • Pays attention to guests’ needs (elderly, children, VIPs).
  • Learns and adapts (booking last-minute rooms, new requests).
  • Keeps desk organized and professional.