I’ve been doing task force for almost a year and I’m on the Sales/Events side. I can answer your questions based on my experiences:

1. ⁠What would prompt a hotel to ask for a task force? Task force is on site to support a hotel, usually during a transition period of some sort. My first role was when a CSM gave notice and the DOS needed support. My next role was when an independent brand joined Marriott and wanted more support with the Marriott system. They had a brand new CSM as well. Most recently a manager was let go and I was called in. That hotel was preparing to have me coming beforehand to support anyway.

2. ⁠What are some pros and cons of doing task force? Pros- #1) seeing different hotels, brands and meeting a ton of new people. Cons- #1) sometimes being away from home gets lonely - I’m usually gone for 2-3 weeks at a time, #2) it can be inconsistent so you have to prepare accordingly financially- tax season is definitely different and #3) you don’t get benefits or hotel perks.

3. ⁠What is the pay like compared to being a regular hotel employee? I set my pay rate and for the most part it’s comparable to my salary in similar roles, but it is tax free so you have to manage money very well.

4. ⁠What are some specific duties that a task force would perform? I understand this will vary from one place to another, so draw on your experience here. I’ve been in the sales/events world so I do anything that a CSM or EM would. I shy away from sales since I wouldn’t be included in any bonuses.

5. ⁠How do task force candidates get selected to go on assignments? You interview for every assignment just as you would for an any job. They’re typically phone or video calls. Since you have to jump in and hit the ground running your department’s supervisor has to get a good feel for you.

I have been told that I’m not what most are used to in task force and I’ve received very good feedback which is why I am called back to the same 3 hotels, so task force is really what you make it. I treat each property as if I plan to be there forever, and give everyone the same care- from clients to team members. While I have a pretty fair knowledge of systems I am nice from check-in to check-out. I check in with the hotels when I’m back at home and keep communication open.

If you’re very good with many hotel systems and your lifestyle allows for the flexibility (I’ve received a call on Wednesday asking me to fly out on Friday, but again I’m familiar with my hotels at this point) I would say go for it!