Emailing innkeepers, asking for internships

Hello Everybody,
This month I am going to start emailing my favorite inns and small hotels asking for an internship. If this fails (and after being in this website and learning that most innkeepers do not want or need an intern, I suspect it will) I'll start applying for jobs with larger hotels who are actually hiring.
Being on the other side, I was hoping you could advise me on the content of this email. What should I put as the subject line, that will encourage innkeepers to open and read it? What should I include or leave out that will encourage innkeepers to respond -positively? Should I call instead, or also?..or would that be annoying?
Somebody advised me to ask for "seasonal employment" because innkeepers will automatically be turned off by the word "internship." Is this a good strategy?
I really appreciate any advice

I would snail mail rather than e-mail. I delete e-mail at the server that does not appear important - as in a reservation or from someone I recognize. Snail mail I open and read.

gillumhouse said:

I would snail mail rather than e-mail. I delete e-mail at the server that does not appear important - as in a reservation or from someone I recognize. Snail mail I open and read..

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Thank you. I'm embarrassed that I didn't think of that, but your completely right.

unpaid internships are legally not supposed to benefit the employer - a little study will show this.
Paid internship, is intended to give the employer someone who may be a top candidate for future hire.

undersea said:

unpaid internships are legally not supposed to benefit the employer - a little study will show this.
Paid internship, is intended to give the employer someone who may be a top candidate for future hire..

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I know. Are you recommending this as content or just throwing it out there?

gillumhouse said:

I would snail mail rather than e-mail. I delete e-mail at the server that does not appear important - as in a reservation or from someone I recognize. Snail mail I open and read..

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gillumhouse said:

I would snail mail rather than e-mail. I delete e-mail at the server that does not appear important - as in a reservation or from someone I recognize. Snail mail I open and read.

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Or call. We just called a woman who cold called us and gave her a job. (after the second of our disappearing housekeepers disappeared.)

Can you share here what you are actually wanting to do? ie work for free, learn the ropes of innkeeping, secure a real job. If you shared it that was many many posts ago and I can't recall (sorry to ask again).

irisevelynn said:

undersea said:

unpaid internships are legally not supposed to benefit the employer - a little study will show this.
Paid internship, is intended to give the employer someone who may be a top candidate for future hire..

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I know. Are you recommending this as content or just throwing it out there?
.

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This is something for both intern seekers and intern providers that is often misunderstood or abused. It has received a lot of coverage the last several years in the business world.
The (USA) fed govt has a list of factors related to this.
I doubt many innkeepers would even know where to start with an intern request. In addition, some may think it is a scam attempt. You may have to level set them, make it clear what you are seeking, what the govt requires, etc.
Honestly, almost all internships come through universities or schools. Did not read this whole thread or note if you posted on other threads, but it is not really an internship if non-school related, but more of an apprenticeship.
There are also externships, which usually only last 1-2 weeks.

If you google innkeeper internships - you will find such listings with established inns. Some may not like the term 'internship' or 'intern' for an innkeeping position, but it is used. And not just for college students.
irisevelynn - Look at the Stonewall Jackson Inn website, they have a listing right now. I don't know the specifics for pay, housing, etc. and what area you are looking for ... but it might be worth checking out.

Joey Bloggs said:

Can you share here what you are actually wanting to do? ie work for free, learn the ropes of innkeeping, secure a real job. If you shared it that was many many posts ago and I can't recall (sorry to ask again)..

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Of course, thank you for your interest. Exactly what you just said, work for free, learn the ropes of innkeeping, secure a real job, in that order. At least that's my plan. I am living in Germany until Mid-July, when I back in the states I want to start working in innkeeping/hospitality. Since I don't have any experience (other than housekeeping) in hospitality, I will happily work just for the experience and a recommendation.
After a few months interning, I would like to get the perfect innkeeping job at the perfect inn. But if that doesnt happen, having the words "customer service" on my resume would be an improvement and I will at least be able to confidently apply for a lower management position in a larger hotel. (I have my Associates degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Languagenarts)
I know things don't usually turn out as expected, so I'm remaining flexible with my plans.

seashanty said:

If you google innkeeper internships - you will find such listings with established inns. Some may not like the term 'internship' or 'intern' for an innkeeping position, but it is used. And not just for college students.
irisevelynn - Look at the Stonewall Jackson Inn website, they have a listing right now. I don't know the specifics for pay, housing, etc. and what area you are looking for ... but it might be worth checking out..

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Stonewall Jackson Inn...friend of mine...always has position open. they go in and out like a revolving door Not saying this in a bad way.

seashanty said:

If you google innkeeper internships - you will find such listings with established inns. Some may not like the term 'internship' or 'intern' for an innkeeping position, but it is used. And not just for college students.
irisevelynn - Look at the Stonewall Jackson Inn website, they have a listing right now. I don't know the specifics for pay, housing, etc. and what area you are looking for ... but it might be worth checking out..

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Thank you! That looks like an amazing internship opprotunity. I just called them and made a fool of myself not being able to figure out the time differencen but I'm going to call again and talk to the owner tomorrow.

EmptyNest said:

seashanty said:

If you google innkeeper internships - you will find such listings with established inns. Some may not like the term 'internship' or 'intern' for an innkeeping position, but it is used. And not just for college students.
irisevelynn - Look at the Stonewall Jackson Inn website, they have a listing right now. I don't know the specifics for pay, housing, etc. and what area you are looking for ... but it might be worth checking out..

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Stonewall Jackson Inn...friend of mine...always has position open. they go in and out like a revolving door Not saying this in a bad way.
.

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Then it sounds like a good thing, the odds are in my favor It looks like a lovely place, and it has impressive reviews.