Doorman/doorwoman

Doormen/doorwomen welcome guests to a hospitality establishment and provide additional services related to assistance with luggage, guests’ safety whilst ensuring security.

The duties of a doorman/doorwoman include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure that residents’ needs are met such as responding to requests for deliveries or repair services
• Directing visitors to appropriate destinations within the building or complex, such as front desks or concierge desks
• Interacting with residents and guests, answering questions about building rules and regulations, and handling emergencies such as fires or medical calls
• Inspecting packages for dangerous materials and checking IDs for age requirements
• Operating security equipment such as closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and intercom systems
• Conducting security checks of vehicles entering the complex, including requesting identification from drivers and inspecting vehicles for signs of damage or hidden storage compartments
• Providing security at building entrances by checking IDs and permits of all individuals entering the building
• Maintaining order in the building by enforcing rules and regulations regarding noise levels, pets, unruly behavior, and other infractions
• Providing concierge services to residents, such as arranging reservations at restaurants or entertainment venues, or recommending local attractions

The work environment for a doorman/doorwoman is usually an apartment building, office building, or hotel. They typically work long hours, often including weekends and holidays. The job can be physically demanding, as doormen/doorwomen are required to stand for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy objects.

Doormen/doorwomen also must be able to deal with difficult people, as they are often the first point of contact for residents, guests, and delivery people. They must be able to remain calm and professional in all situations. While the job requires no formal education, taking a self-defense course can be helpful. A situation could arise where the doorman would need to protect himself or others, and knowing how to subdue troublemakers without harming them can prove invaluable.

The following job titles also refer to doorman/doorwoman:

doorwoman
hotel doorman
club doorman
bouncer
doorman
club doorman/doorwoman
hotel doorwoman
hotel doorman/doorwoman
door security staff
club doorwoman
door keeper

No formal educational credential is required to work as a doorman/doorwoman. However, many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma. Many school students are hired as part-time doormen/doorwomen. Some retired people who miss interaction with others seek such job.

Knowing the layout of the hotel or building surrounding can be highly valuable, as it allows the candidate to recommend a good restaurant and entertainment venues.

Most employers usually provide on-the-job training.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Doorman/doorwoman is a Skill level 1 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to doorman/doorwoman.

hotel porter
linen room attendant
cloak room attendant
room attendant
quick service restaurant crew member

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of doorman/doorwoman. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of doorman/doorwoman with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

hotel butler
night auditor
hotel concierge
camping ground operative
hospitality establishment receptionist

These skills are necessary for the role of doorman/doorwoman.

• Comply with food safety and hygiene: Respect optimal food safety and hygiene during preparation, manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and delivery of food products.
• Greet guests: Welcome guests in a friendly manner in a certain place.
• Park guest’s vehicle: Line up guests’ vehicles safely and efficiently and retrieve the vehicle at the end of their stay.
• Maintain customer service: Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
• Assist clients with special needs: Aid clients with special needs following relevant guidelines and special standards. Recognise their needs and accurately respond to them if needed.
• Detect drug abuse: Identify people under excessive use of alcohol and drugs inside a facility, effectively deal with these people and supervise customers own safety while applying relevant regulations.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of doorman/doorwoman. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Handle customer complaints: Administer complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery.
• Provide tourism related information: Give customers relevant information about historical and cultural locations and events while conveying this information in an entertaining and informative manner.
• Provide door security: Spot and monitor individuals or groups of people at the door who intend to enter the premises unlawfully or have potential for causing threats.
• Run errands on behalf of customers: Take orders and follow requests on behalf of a client, such as go shopping or pick up dry cleaning.
• Ensure hotel security: Guarantee the security of guests and the premises by monitoring the different hotel zones.
• Handle delivered packages: Administer delivered packages and ensure that they reach their destination on time.
• Handle guest luggage: Manage, pack, unpack and store guest luggage on request.

9621 – Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters

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References

1. ESCO
2. How to work as a Doorman – Chron
3. Doorman Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder
4. Featured image: Photo by Redd on Unsplash