Why communication and language requirements matter in international hospitality

Strong communication skills and clear language requirements are some of the most important success
factors for international hospitality staff and employers. Hospitality teams across Europe are becoming
more international. A shared working language — usually English — ensures
clear instructions, safe working conditions, efficient teamwork and a smooth hiring process via
WhatsApp and video calls.

That is why it is crucial for both employers and candidates to know the language expectations
in advance and to understand how communication is organised in an international team. This prevents
misunderstandings and disappointment on both sides.

What good communication delivers on an international work floor

• Safe and clear communication during busy shifts
• Instructions are understood correctly the first time
• Better cooperation between international colleagues
• Professional guest interaction, even in a foreign language
• Fewer mistakes during onboarding and training
• Faster selection and onboarding via WhatsApp and video calls

You can read more about how we work on the page
About us.

Communication in the hiring process

WhatsApp — the primary communication channel

In international hospitality, we use WhatsApp as the standard channel for
communication between employer and candidate. This fits the fast and practical nature of hospitality:

• First contact between employer and candidate
• Scheduling and confirming video interviews
• Sharing documents, photos and additional information
• Quick updates without the delay of email

Because almost all candidates use WhatsApp, communication is low-threshold and efficient.

Video calls — a fixed part of the selection process (30 minutes)

A video call is at the heart of the selection process in international hospitality.
Employers usually schedule a call of around 30 minutes. During this time,
both communication style and language skills are tested in practice.

1. Mutual introduction

• The candidate explains motivation, experience and personality
• The employer presents the business, team, location and expectations
• Both sides quickly feel whether there is a good match

2. Assessing language skills

During the call, the employer checks whether the candidate:

• communicates clearly in the agreed working language (usually English)
• understands instructions and questions
• can integrate smoothly into an international team

3. Discussing the role and practical details

• Working hours, shifts and seasonal peaks
• Accommodation or housing options
• Responsibilities in the role
• Salary and working conditions

4. Time for questions from both sides

Both employer and candidate have time to ask questions. This creates a complete and honest picture in
a single video interview and supports good communication throughout the international hospitality process.

Recommended minimum language levels in international hospitality

For international placements, we use clear language levels so employers know what to expect and candidates
know what they should aim for.

• Kitchen (Back of House): A2–B1 English
• Service (Front of House): B1–B2 English
• Supervisory / management roles: B2–C1 English

Candidates who do not speak English at all (for example only Spanish or Italian) can only be placed if the
employer explicitly agrees to this. In practice this is rare, because most international hospitality
roles require at least a basic level of English.

CEFR levels and communication in international hospitality

The table below translates the CEFR language levels (Common European Framework of Reference
for Languages) into practical examples for hospitality work. This helps employers decide which level they
need and allows candidates to see where they stand.

You can find more detailed information about the official CEFR system on the

website of the Council of Europe
.

Learning languages for international hospitality: useful links

Anyone who wants to grow in international hospitality benefits directly from better language skills.
The resources below are a good match for typical communication and language needs in hospitality.

Improve your English

• Duolingo (free)
• Babbel
• 
  British Council – Learn English
  
• On YouTube, search for Hospitality English or English for work

Learn Dutch

• 
  Inburgeren.nl – information about learning Dutch
  
• 
  Steffie.nl – simple explanations and practice
  

What employers can expect

With clear communication and language requirements, employers know what to expect when hiring
international hospitality staff.

• Candidates with a clearly described language profile (A1 to C2)
• Support with scheduling video calls
• Fast, practical communication via WhatsApp
• Realistic expectations about accents and language skills
• Fewer surprises during onboarding

You can find more information about recruitment on
Kok gezocht.

What candidates can expect

Candidates receive a clear explanation of language expectations and communication before they start
with a new employer in international hospitality.

• Honest feedback about their current language level
• Transparent explanation of the selection process
• A 30-minute video call with mutual introduction
• Concrete tips and links to improve language skills
• Insight into what employers across Europe expect

Want to apply directly for an international hospitality job?
Go to Vind een kok.

You can also read more on
About us – how we work.

Communication and language requirements in international hospitality – in picture