RMS (Revenue Management System)

Term from Hotel Management industry explained for recruiters

A Revenue Management System (RMS) is a business tool that hotels use to set the best room prices and maximize their earnings. It's like having a smart assistant that helps hotel managers decide how much to charge for rooms based on things like seasons, local events, competitor prices, and how full the hotel is. Think of it as similar to how airlines change their ticket prices - sometimes high during busy periods and lower during quiet times. Hotels use RMS software to make these pricing decisions faster and smarter than doing it manually.

Examples in Resumes

Increased hotel revenue by 25% through effective use of RMS strategies

Managed daily pricing decisions using Revenue Management System tools

Trained staff on RMS operations and revenue optimization techniques

Typical job title: "Revenue Managers"

Also try searching for:

Revenue Manager Revenue Optimization Manager Hotel Revenue Manager Pricing Manager Revenue Management Specialist Revenue Analyst Yield Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a revenue strategy for a hotel during both peak and off-peak seasons?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include creating pricing strategies based on historical data, competitor analysis, local events, and market trends. They should mention how to balance occupancy rates with room rates and discuss strategies for different market segments.

Q: How have you handled revenue management during a crisis situation?

Expected Answer: Look for experience in adapting strategies during unexpected events, ability to make quick decisions, and understanding of how to maintain revenue while being sensitive to market conditions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when setting room rates?

Expected Answer: Should mention seasonality, competitor pricing, local events, historical data, current bookings, and market demand. Should also discuss different distribution channels and their impact on pricing.

Q: How do you measure the success of revenue management strategies?

Expected Answer: Should discuss key metrics like RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room), occupancy rates, average daily rate, and total revenue, along with how to track and analyze these numbers.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is RevPAR and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that RevPAR is Revenue Per Available Room and why it's a key metric for hotels to measure their performance and pricing effectiveness.

Q: What reports would you review daily as a revenue manager?

Expected Answer: Should mention daily revenue reports, competitor rate shopping reports, booking pace reports, and occupancy forecasts.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of hotel operations
  • Familiarity with RMS software
  • Basic data analysis skills
  • Understanding of seasonal pricing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced pricing strategies
  • Competitor analysis
  • Market trend analysis
  • Distribution channel management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic revenue planning
  • Team leadership
  • Crisis management
  • Advanced market analysis

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic hotel operations
  • Lack of analytical skills or data interpretation ability
  • No experience with any RMS software
  • Poor understanding of market dynamics and pricing strategies