Indie rockers Supergrass may have sung In It for the Money with their tongues firmly in their cheeks but, whether you're starting out or changing career, money is everything when it comes to a job - or is it?
We may work to live rather than live to work, but with pay relatively uniform across hospitality - even lagging behind some rival industries - employees are now rightly asking for more than just extra pay from their employers.
So we asked a selection of exhibitors at Caterer Jobs Live to sell themselves, asking the question "Why should I work for you?" The answers make for interesting reading and give candidates a broader view of what they can expect from their career. The hospitality industry is a worldwide employer, and below are just some of the perks it can offer.
Accor Hotels UK & Ireland
The company may have its origins in France, but these days it has nearly 4,000 hotels across the globe, with interests in restaurants, gaming and the travel business. Brands include Novotel, Ibis, Sofitel, Etap and Formule 1.
"The big advantage to joining us compared with competitors is that we have worldwide brands that range from one- to five-star," says Jackie Allen, human resources manager. "It means there's plenty of opportunity for fast-track movement if you want it. You could, for example, be general manager at an Ibis hotel by 25, if you wished."
To aid this, the company has a Springboard Award-winning website that allows employees around the world to search Accor group jobs while at work, often before they are advertised outside the business.
"We have a structured programme called Mobility," says Allen. "It means that if you wish to travel the world and relocate at one of our overseas operations, we'll sort out the paperwork, making sure you have the required visas and forms to enter that country. We certainly don't just leave you to sort it out on your own."
Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf and Four Seasons Hotel London
International brand Four Seasons is looking for the right kind of people who can match up to its reputation for the highest levels of hospitality professionalism. In return, it says, employees will receive nothing less than the same treatment.
"What sets us apart from other companies is our core company philosophy, which is based on the 'people' aspect, and recognises that the greatest assets and strength lie in the people who make up the company," says Emma Corlett, director of human resources. "This is summarised in the golden rule, 'Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.'"
The company lays claim to having received more awards than any other hotel company over the past few years, including an appearance in Fortune magazine's list of 100 best companies to work for. Four Seasons has also achieved Investors in People certification.
Greene King Pub Company
Voted Pub Company of the Year for the past two years by trade magazine the Publican, Greene King has 600 managed pubs and hotels, with an annual turnover of more than £320m.
The company promotes "flex management", a concept that gives managers the best of both worlds between the scale and efficiency of a professional organisation and the freedom and empowerment of a locally run business.
"As a result of this approach, we seek people with the ability to inspire a team to deliver fantastic results through innovative ideas," says James Predo, resourcing controller.
The company provides ongoing training through its "Get a Head" programme, as well as opportunities for career progression.
Greene King also offers 30 days' holiday, a personal pension plan and life assurance.
Corus Hotels
Corus Hotels describes itself as a progressive group that takes pride in recruiting, retaining and rewarding the brightest and best talent.
"We're full of personality, and combine the energy and zest of our people with a service that's simple, honest and memorable," says Komal Jethva, human resources project co-ordinator. "All in all, this results in a really positive team-playing environment, where you can be part of a hugely successful hotel group and still be yourself."
Corus runs a Stay Away scheme that allows employees to stay in Corus hotels at a discounted rate. Employees also get 50% off meals and beverages in the restaurant where they work, and hotel staff are fed while on duty at no charge.
Flexible working patterns, incentive schemes, company sick pay and a 25% discount with Laura Ashley (the hotel group's sister company) are also available.
Cataforce
Cataforce is the in-house recruitment division of the UK's biggest contract caterer, Compass Group. The group employees 265,000 people in 90 countries, allowing Cataforce, which covers both temporary and permanent recruitment, to offer a wide range of job opportunities in fast-paced environments and businesses around the globe.
"The real strength of Cataforce is ensuring that all employees quickly understand the company's operating procedures and the highly professional way Compass Group goes about all levels of its daily business," says Gill Howarth, Cataforce operations support manager UK.
Jurys Doyle Hotel Group
Jurys Doyle Hotel Group has operations across the three-, four- and five-star markets throughout the UK and Ireland and in Washington, DC. This adds up to 30 properties, with six more under construction and due to open next year, meaning it's an exciting time for those at, and those joining, the company.
"Working here is like being part of a big family," says Stephen Seymour, human resources manager. "The company thrives on being people-friendly across all levels."
The company offers employees a career-planning service, educational assistance to gain professional qualifications and a range of branded development programmes.
"At Jurys Doyle Hotels we believe, quite simply, you can become anyone you want to," adds Seymour.
City Inn
"Our employees find us an extremely friendly company with a nice working environment," says Margaret Ireland, group human resources manager. "It means our directors are very involved in the business - right down to building design - and are approachable and easy to get hold of. Getting an answer to your question is immediate."
The company has four properties, all new-builds. Three are in Bristol, Glasgow and Birmingham, and the fourth, a 460-bedroom hotel in Westminster, opened recently. Looking ahead, there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon for bright, ambitious workers, as City Inn has already drawn up plans for a Manchester site, with Leeds, Edinburgh and another in London to follow.
The company makes sure all employees follow a 13-week induction programme so that they are armed with the knowledge they need to enjoy their jobs and do them well. On completion, employees are invited to stay with a relative or partner at the property, in recognition of their achievement and to get to know their colleagues better.