If you want to work in the food service industry, being a server at a restaurant can be a great way to start. If you’re not sure about which restaurant to apply for, here are some tips for getting your first gig as a server:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Developing excellent customer service skills is crucial for success as a restaurant server. |
| 2. Highlighting your ability to multitask and work well under pressure can impress potential employers. |
| 3. Knowledge of food and beverage menus, as well as wine pairings, can enhance your chances of landing a dream job. |
| 4. Demonstrating a positive attitude, adaptability, and teamwork skills can make you a valuable asset in the restaurant industry. |
| 5. Pursuing additional certifications or training programs related to hospitality or food service can set you apart from other candidates. |
Learn About The Restaurant First
Before you even think about applying, you should do some research on the restaurant itself. You need to know:
- The location of the restaurant and its hours of operation. Some restaurants are open from 10am-6pm on weekends, while others are open late into the evening in order to serve dinner guests.
- What’s on their menu? Is it a casual place with burgers and fries or does it feature upscale cuisine? If you’re not sure what’s offered at a particular restaurant, find out from an employee or check out its website there may be pictures available online as well!
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Get An Education
You’re already on the right track by getting an education and learning about hospitality. You have a lot of options to consider when it comes to your degree, so I’m going to break them down into two main categories:
- Hospitality degrees that have an emphasis on food service and customer service
- Hospitality degrees with an emphasis on business (often called “hospitality business”)
The first group includes bachelor’s degrees in hotel and restaurant management, culinary arts, food science, or hospitality business.
The second group includes bachelor’s degrees in hotel and restaurant management with an emphasis on business (a Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management).
Watch Clips And Read
Watch the clips of the restaurant you are applying to. Do they have a website? Check out their menu, and see what kind of food they serve.
Read reviews of the restaurant. Reviews will tell you how busy a restaurant is, whether or not it’s popular among locals and tourists alike, and whether or not it’s worth applying to work there.
Know the history of your potential employer: when was it founded? How long has it been open? What awards has it won?
Reach Out To Restaurants Through Campus Career Services
If you’re looking for a job in the service industry, consider reaching out to your campus career services office. They can help you with everything from finding a job to writing your resume and practicing interview questions. The best part? It’s free!
If you’re not sure where your campus career center is located, ask around on social media or look it up on the school’s website.
It might be worth taking some time before heading over there so that you can have an idea of what positions are available in the area and what skills they want from applicants.
This way, when you go into the meeting with them, it will be easier for them to help assess whether or not this is something that would work well for both parties involved.
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Study The Menu Before You Consider Interviewing
You Need To Know The Menu
When you walk into a restaurant, what do you see? You see servers, right? That’s because they are working! They have a job to do: serve customers. When they walk into work, they don’t have time to learn every item on the menu (though some might).
However, if a server doesn’t know what’s being offered for dinner and drinks at his or her restaurant of choice, then how can he or she be expected to sell it?
You should know what kind of food is being served by your prospective employer so that you can confidently recommend items from their menu during an interview with someone who is thinking about dining there.
Your knowledge of this information will help convince potential employers that you’re knowledgeable about food service and its processes and more importantly that you know how to sell successfully!
Schedule A Tour Of The Restaurant Before You Apply
Schedule a tour of the restaurant before you apply. Take some time to really get acquainted with the space, and learn about what it’s like to work there.
On your tour, ask questions of your server: What’s the best part of working here? Where do you like to sit when you come in for lunch? Who are some of your favorite guests?
How long have those people been regulars? (Related question: Do they have special names or nicknames?) Are there any regular tables where you can expect quality service but not get asked for free drinks or other extras?
During busy hours, how often does management step in to help servers move guests through quickly and efficiently so that everyone has a positive experience?
Be Prepared For Your Interview
You’re going to have a lot of questions for your interviewer, so make sure you prepare in advance. Don’t be afraid to ask about the job, including what you’ll be doing and how long it will last.
You should also think about what perks are offered by this restaurant and how they might fit into your future plans. Remember, though: The person interviewing you may not have all the answers yet, so don’t get too frustrated if they’re vague or unsure at first.
When it comes time for your interview, dress professionally but don’t overdo it! Consider wearing something that represents the company or restaurant’s culture or style. No matter what outfit choice you make, keep in mind that any clothing should be clean and ironed (if necessary).
And remember: How well do we know ourselves? If there’s anything on our body that might distract our interviewer from actually talking to us during an interview a piece of lint on our shirt collar (yikes), say then we need to take care of it before the interview begins!
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Know What To Wear For Your Interview
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to wear for your interview. Aside from the obvious (don’t show up in your pajamas), you’ll want to dress professionally and appropriately for the weather, as well as the restaurant culture.
If you’re interviewing at an upscale steakhouse, then slacks and a button-up shirt might be best; if it’s a laid back dining spot with outdoor seating, go with something more casual like shorts and flip flops.
Additionally, make sure that whatever outfit you choose fits the job description if they’re hiring servers who are required to lift heavy trays of food, then high heels aren’t going to work!
The same goes for any job related accessories such as vests or aprons: if there’s no need for them during service hours (which can vary depending on where and how long shifts last), leave them at home so it doesn’t distract from otherwise good first impressions!
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Tips For Serving Success
Be friendly and polite. When you greet your customers, make sure to smile and say hello. They won’t be able to read the menu if they can’t see it!
Be attentive and listen to your customers. If a customer asks for something that isn’t on the menu, offer them an alternative option or suggest something else from the kitchen that might suit their tastes better.
Know about the food you serve. You want people to order drinks off of your menu, not go elsewhere just because they think yours is too expensive!
So if someone says “What kind of beer do you have?” You should know what beers are on tap at all times (or at least have an idea).
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Conclusion
The restaurant server job is a great way to get your foot in the door of the food services industry.
It can also be a stepping stone for other positions within this industry. If you’re interested in becoming a server, then we hope these tips have helped you out! If not, there are always other ways to get started!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic:
- How to Successfully Land a Job in Food and Beverage
- Discover valuable tips and insights on how to navigate the competitive food and beverage industry and secure your dream job.
- How Waitresses Can Land Their Dream Job
- Learn about the specific strategies and skills that can help waitresses stand out in their job search and secure their desired positions.
- How Being a Waitress Helped Me Land My Dream Job
- Gain inspiration and insights from a personal story about how waitressing experience can contribute to career development and help in landing a dream job.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the topic:
What skills are important for landing a job in the food and beverage industry?
Having excellent customer service skills, a strong work ethic, and knowledge of food handling and safety regulations are crucial for success in the food and beverage industry.
How can waitressing experience be valuable in job applications?
Waitressing experience can demonstrate skills such as multitasking, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service, which are highly transferable to various industries and can make candidates stand out to employers.
What are some effective strategies for landing a dream job?
Networking, tailoring your resume and cover letter, preparing for interviews, and showcasing your unique qualifications and accomplishments can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Are there any specific certifications or training programs that can enhance job prospects in the food and beverage industry?
Obtaining certifications such as food safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe) and completing training programs in hospitality or culinary arts can enhance job prospects and demonstrate commitment and expertise in the field.
How can I make my job application stand out from the competition?
To make your job application stand out, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, crafting a compelling cover letter, and showcasing your passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Additionally, consider including any additional certifications, achievements, or relevant projects that can differentiate you from other applicants.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.