How to Find Hotel Jobs in Jaffna, Sri Lanka – My Personal Experience
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By Chathura
Looking for hotel jobs in Jaffna wasn’t something I had planned from the beginning. But once I started the journey, it became one of the most eye-opening and fulfilling experiences of my life. I realized that while Jaffna may not have the same scale of tourism as Colombo or Galle, the hospitality industry here is growing steadily, and the demand for passionate, hardworking people is real.
In this article, I want to share my own experience of how I searched for hotel jobs in Jaffna, how I prepared for interviews, and the important lessons I learned along the way. If you’re thinking about entering the hotel industry in northern Sri Lanka, I hope my journey will help guide yours.
Why Jaffna? Understanding the Local Hospitality Scene
Before diving into job hunting, I spent some time understanding the tourism and hospitality market in Jaffna. Compared to the southern part of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is still developing its tourism infrastructure. But with increased interest in cultural tourism, local cuisine, and unique experiences, the region has seen a rise in boutique hotels, guest houses, and eco-lodges.
Hotels like Jetwing Jaffna, Thinnai Hotel, Fox Jaffna, and other local establishments were actively building their teams to deliver high-quality service. That gave me hope that even though the market was smaller, it offered real opportunities.
1: Knowing Where I Fit
My background was in hospitality management, with a focus on front office operations. After completing a hotel management diploma, I knew I wanted to work in a hotel setting—but not necessarily in a big city. I always had a soft spot for the culture and community in Jaffna, so I decided to focus my job search there.
Before applying, I thought about which departments I would be most suitable for—reception, guest services, or even food and beverage. This helped me target the right positions, instead of applying blindly.
2: Finding Job Opportunities in Jaffna
At first, it wasn’t easy to find hotel job openings in Jaffna online. Many of the hotels there don’t advertise heavily on major job portals. But after trial and error, here’s what worked for me:
1. Local Job Portals and Facebook Groups
While TopJobs and XpressJobs had some listings, I had more luck through Facebook groups like “Jobs in Jaffna” and “Hotel Jobs in Sri Lanka.” These groups are updated frequently, and many hotel managers post directly there.
2. Direct Hotel Websites
I visited the websites of hotels in Jaffna and checked their career or contact pages. Some had openings listed, and others provided email addresses to send your CV. I sent personalized emails with a short introduction and my CV attached.
3. Walking In
One of the most effective strategies was actually visiting hotels in person. When I visited Jaffna, I walked into a few hotels with printed CVs and asked if they had openings. Some didn’t, but a few took my CV and called me later when something opened up. This kind of initiative really stands out in a close-knit community like Jaffna.
4. Networking with Locals
I spoke to some of my friends who were working in the area, and even contacted past classmates from hospitality school. Word of mouth is powerful—one of my friends connected me to a hotel supervisor, and that led to an interview.
3: Preparing My CV and Cover Letter
Even though I was applying in a smaller region, I treated every application professionally. My CV was clear and focused on customer service, communication, teamwork, and language skills. I mentioned my knowledge of English, Sinhala, and basic Tamil, which is very important in Jaffna.
In my cover letters, I highlighted why I wanted to work in Jaffna specifically—not just for a job, but to grow within the local hospitality culture. I believe that made a real difference.
4: Facing the Interview
I was invited to an interview at a boutique hotel near Nallur. I was both nervous and excited—it was my first interview for a job outside Colombo.
Here’s how I prepared:
- Researched the hotel: I read their reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com to understand their strengths and guest feedback.
- Practiced common questions: Like “Why do you want to work in hospitality?”, “How would you handle a guest complaint?”, and “Tell us about a time you worked under pressure.”
- Dressed professionally: First impressions matter, even in smaller cities.
The interview itself was friendly but thorough. The manager asked me about my background, my ability to handle foreign guests, and how I would deal with a difficult customer. I shared real experiences from my internship, which showed I had some hands-on understanding, not just theory.
5: Getting the Job and Starting the Journey
A week after the interview, I got a call offering me a position as a Front Office Assistant. I was thrilled—not just to get the job, but to be able to live and work in Jaffna.
Working in a hotel in Jaffna taught me so much. Guests came from all over—Sri Lankans, expats, and international travelers. I learned to adapt, to communicate better, and to understand what true hospitality means. I also developed strong friendships with my colleagues, many of whom were local, and they helped me understand the culture and community better.
Lessons I Learned
- Don’t underestimate smaller towns. Opportunities are there—you just have to look a little deeper.
- Be proactive. Walk in, send follow-ups, and show your enthusiasm.
- Language is an asset. In Jaffna, knowing some Tamil helped me connect better with both guests and coworkers.
- Stay humble and keep learning. Every shift brought new challenges and lessons.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to build a career in hospitality and are open to working outside the usual tourist hotspots, Jaffna is a wonderful place to start. It offers a blend of tradition and growing modernity. The hospitality industry here is still developing, which means you have a chance to grow with it.
My journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. I hope my experience inspires you to take that leap. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, remember—every hotel has a story, and maybe yours will begin in Jaffna.
— Chathura
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