According to recruiters surveyed, a strong work ethic is the primary skill gap among graduates seeking roles in hospitality. This is followed by deficiencies in communication, decision making and accountability. Interpersonal competencies are gaining importance, with 71% of recruiters stating they prioritise candidates with strong soft skills over academic credentials and technical expertise.
In addition, 35% of recruiters believe candidates for hospitality roles must demonstrate stronger communication skills today than they did five years ago, reflecting evolving expectations across the sector.
Research conducted by Regent’s University London also highlights a lack of practical experience, with one in five recruiters stating that candidates fail to secure roles due to insufficient on-the-job exposure. As a result, 73% of recruiters report prioritising graduates with practical experience over those without it.
Furthermore, 70% of recruiters believe that traditional university education does not adequately prepare students to succeed in professional hospitality environments. Recruiters indicate that graduates are not being rejected because of academic performance, but due to a disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
One in five recruiters stated they have rejected graduates specifically because of these skills gaps. Combined with increased competition for entry-level roles and broader economic shifts, the findings point to growing challenges for recent graduates. A report from Jisc showed graduate unemployment rates rising from 5.6% to 6.2% between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while full-time employment fell from 59% to 56.4%.
When graduates do secure employment, 69% of hospitality recruiters globally report extending probation periods due to misaligned expectations around work ethic and soft skills.
Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Regent’s University London, commented: “It’s increasingly clear that traditional approaches to higher education are no longer preparing students for the realities of working in the hospitality sector. With many recruiters believing graduates are ‘work-shy’ despite their eagerness to work, it’s evident that change is needed.
“Universities must change in order to prepare students to communicate and thrive in the workplace. At Regent’s, our Luxury Hospitality Management course prioritises learning by doing, delivering dynamic, collaborative classes on campus alongside practical work experience two days a week on site with one of our partners, The Savoy or The Peninsula London. This approach, combined with our truly international community, gives our graduates the resilience, confidence and global fluency they need to step into successful careers.”
Vicky Karantzavelou
