A service industry professional who wants to become a bell captain can usually do so by acquiring experience on the bell staff of a hotel or similar facility. With experience, he can apply for open supervisor positions. It is also possible to attend a hospitality training school that offers career preparation to bell staff and other baggage handlers and to use certifications from the school on an application for an open bell captain position.
Bell captains supervise the staff, which assists patrons with luggage and other needs. Bellhops can bring luggage up and down from rooms, help load and unload vehicles, and may offer other services such as recommendations on where to eat and what to do in the area. The captain coordinates the staff and handles any disputes or concerns. Some bell captains also handle the staff at the front of house, depending on the command structure of the organization, and may assist with security. The job requires good people skills and an attention to detail.
One way to become a bell captain is to work through the ranks. Hotels accept applicants for basic bellhop positions with a high school diploma and no additional qualifications. They provide the training and experience, and a bellhop can gradually work up to positions with more responsibility. This could include becoming a shift supervisor or working with the hotel's most elite customers. After several years of experience, if a bell captain position opens up, the experienced bellhop could apply.
Another option for a person who wants to become a bell captain is to attend a hospitality training course offered by a technical or trade school. Some hotel chains also train hospitality staff through similar programs. During the program, students can learn about different aspects of the work, and at the end, they receive a certificate of completion. This document can be used on applications to document adequate preparation for work as a bell captain.
An employee who knows she wants to become a bell captain may want to build up some ammunition to use on her application. Commendations from customers can be valuable. If a bellhop has a good relationship with a customer or a customer remarks on the service, she could give the customer a comment card and ask him to fill it out. Likewise, a reputation for working well with staff, being flexible about scheduling, and handling unexpected events with ease can be very valuable. Staff members who learn additional languages may also be better candidates to become a bell captain, as they will be able to communicate with more customers and staff.
