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'Should You Reach Out to That Hotel GM (Again)? A Front Desk Tale of Second Chances and Awkward Emails'

Anime-style illustration of a hotel reception with a concerned individual pondering job offers.
In this vibrant anime scene, our protagonist contemplates a challenging decision about a hotel job offer, reflecting the emotional journey many face when navigating career choices in hospitality.

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through job boards, dreaming of crisp uniforms and the satisfying clack of a keyboard at the hotel front desk. Suddenly, your phone pings — it’s a job offer from that Holiday Inn you interviewed at! You hesitate, decline, then have second thoughts and accept. But wait! A twist: A family emergency pops up, so you gracefully bow out. Now, with everything back to normal, you can’t stop thinking about the one that got away. Should you slide into that GM’s inbox for a third time… or just move on?

This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s the real-life conundrum faced by Redditor u/tytyily135, who turned to the wise (and sometimes wild) sages of r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk for advice. Let’s unpack this tale of front desk drama, regrets, and whether the third time really is the charm.

The Awkward Dance of Job Offers

First, let’s acknowledge the universal awkwardness of job offer yoyo-ing. You say no, then yes, then no again. It’s the professional equivalent of “U up?” at 2 a.m., except with more at stake than your dignity — like your rent and your LinkedIn recommendations.

From the hiring manager’s perspective, it can feel like trying to herd cats. GMs (General Managers, for those not fluent in hotel lingo) juggle dozens of resumes, interviews, and background checks. When a candidate flip-flops, it’s tempting to write them off as flaky. But here’s the dirty little secret of hospitality: hotels are desperate for good people. Turnover is sky-high, and reliable, friendly front desk agents are worth their weight in gold-foil chocolate coins.

Do Hotels Give Second (or Third) Chances?

Short answer: Sometimes! Hospitality is all about second chances. No-shows for interviews? It happens. New hires ghosting after day one? Par for the course. If you handled your previous declines professionally (and it sounds like you did, citing a family emergency rather than just ghosting), you’re already ahead of the game.

In the comments of the original Reddit post, several seasoned hoteliers chimed in. Some said, “Just apply again — what’s the worst that happens?” Others noted that the GM might have already moved on, but wouldn’t blacklist you for life unless your previous communication was rude or bizarre. (Pro tip: Don’t send memes or cryptic riddles when turning down a job offer.)

How to Reconnect Without Looking Like a Hot Mess

If you’re still pining for that Holiday Inn front desk, here’s how to craft your comeback:

  1. Be Honest, But Keep It Brief:
    “Dear [GM’s Name], I hope you’re well. I wanted to reach out and let you know that my previous family emergency has been resolved, and I’m hoping to see if the front desk position is still available. I remain very interested in joining your team and apologize for any inconvenience my earlier decision may have caused.”

  2. Acknowledge the Awkwardness:
    GMs are human. They know life happens! A little humility goes a long way.

  3. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm:
    Show that you’re genuinely interested — not just desperate for a job. Mention something specific you liked about the hotel, or your eagerness to learn the ropes.

  4. Accept the Outcome:
    The position might be filled, or the GM might be cautious. That’s okay! Thank them for considering you and leave the door open for future opportunities.

The Hospitality Job Market: A Land of Infinite Possibilities

Even if the GM doesn’t bite, don’t let it haunt you like a rogue room service tray in the hallway. Hotels are always hiring, and your willingness to own up to a change of heart is a plus in an industry that values flexibility and candor.

And hey, if you do get the job, you’ll have a killer “How I Got Hired Story” for your next breakroom chat — or your own r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk post.

The Takeaway

Regret is the ultimate lost-luggage scenario. You can either mourn your missing opportunity or file a claim and see what turns up. In the world of hotels, doors swing both ways (sometimes literally, if the keycards are glitchy).

So go ahead, reach out to that GM. Worst case, you get a polite “no, thank you.” Best case, you’re back at the front desk, handing out keycards and stories like candy.

Have you ever been on the hiring or job-seeking side of a hospitality second chance? Share your tales below! And if you’re a GM, what’s your hot take on boomerang candidates? The lobby is open!

Original Reddit Post: Should I reach back out to a hotel GM after declining an offer twice?