Turn an Entry-Level Job into a Long-Term Restaurant Career

Turn an Entry-Level Job into a Long-Term Restaurant Career

by | May 23, 2016 | Career

For a wide variety of reasons, many don’t consider restaurant work as a long-term option and hold the belief that it cannot translate into a career able to support oneself and family. But that is completely untrue. In fact, an entry-level restaurant job can be the beginnings of a viable and specialized career path in the restaurant industry.

The ‘hidden’ benefits

A recent Rutgers University study discovered that 40% of today’s college graduates are working jobs that don’t require the use of their degrees… and being a member of the restaurant floor staff is part of that ‘degree-less’ contingent that is often incorrectly categorized as unskilled.

But those working entry-level jobs in the restaurant industry, including graduates, can gain valuable knowledge and access great opportunities from these supposedly ‘low-level’ jobs.

  • The restaurant industry is the perfect place to hone universally applicable skills such as teamwork, time prioritization, and budgeting.
  • If you work in a restaurant that allows you to learn about other aspects of the job while you’re working on staff, you can grow laterally with the position, and get to know the restaurant business on a higher level, while earning money. Think of it as a paid internship of sorts!
  • An entry-level job in the industry can open the door to a variety of long-term career options. From management to operations to entrepreneurship, the options are endless and bountiful.

The key to moving up

According to those who utilized their restaurant experience to become professionally successful, the key is to do the following:

  • Always strive to be better. This will not only keep you engaged at work but also prevent boredom or burnout.
  • Transferable skills are the most important skills to have in the restaurant business. For example, you might not consider taking orders to be a transferable skill, but chances are you’ll someday be giving orders, so learn to do it right!
  • Finally, but certainly no less importantly, the best advice one can give in this circumstance is not to give up. Always try to be energetic and maintain a positive attitude.

How to get started

Finding and applying for jobs in the restaurant industry can be frustrating and big time-suck. So, skip the headache and save time by using Sirvo to connect with top employers.

Instead of walking from restaurant to restaurant or clicking on every single craigslist post, find exactly what you’re looking for with Sirvo’s search feature. Whether it be a specific position, company or location, simply type in a keyword and get results immediately.

And the benefits don’t end there. You can save jobs you’re interested in and then apply for them on Sirvo in literally seconds with your Sirvo profile (a.k.a digital resume), which is easy to update and never has to be printed!

Are you wondering if a certain job can lead to advancement opportunities or have a question about the specifics? Just ask by messaging employers directly on Sirvo.

It’s a no-brainer, so get started to find your next job today!

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Customers You Meet as a Server

Customers You Meet as a Server

by | May 18, 2016 | Career

If there’s one universal truth amongst waitstaff no matter when or where you work: there are certain types of customers that you’ll always encounter when serving.

Some of these customers are amazing, the kind of customers that you’ll want to get all the time. Some of these customers are horrific and hope to never see again. And still other customers who are absolutely hilarious, the kind that you simply have to tell anyone and everyone about, and the kind that you’ll share stories about on various waitstaff websites.

Here’s a breakdown of the customers you’ll meet while serving: the best, and the worst!

The Customer Who’s In a Rush

These kinds of customers can go one of two ways: they can request their food, leave in a hurry, and give you a big tip for being so efficient or they can request their food, leave in a hurry, and give you a small tip because you didn’t bring out their food fast enough.

Do these customers not realize that you don’t control the kitchen? Probably not…

When it comes to customers like this, one of the easiest ways to tip the scales in your favor is to gently remind them that you are there to serve them and that you’ll do your best to make sure their food gets out in time, but you don’t have absolute control over the kitchen.

Pro-tip: If the customer is amenable to suggestions, perhaps you can suggest a dish that doesn’t take as long to prepare.

The Laidback Customer

One of the easiest types of customers you’ll serve, the laidback customer is a simple orderer, easy to please, and an eat-pay-leave kind of person.

They understand the purpose of servers: to take your order, get your drinks and food, and make sure the experience is pleasant.

This is why they’ll need no special accommodations and likely won’t be rude or difficult. It’s likely that they have worked in the food industry and relate to the job.

The Splitter

These kinds of customers usually pop up when as a large party. They’re the kind of customers that want to split the check into many different parts…down to the penny. (How dare you charge them for an extra basket of bread?)

One of the easiest ways to appease these kinds of customers early on is to ask if the check is separate before you take the order.

Pro-tip: Another option is to make sure that you make careful notes about what each customer ordered, so that when they ask to split the check, you can do so with ease.

The Customers with Bratty Children

It’s inevitable that you will get customers with unmannered (or spoiled) children who have no idea how to behave in even the simplest of civilized ways.

Whether it’s the parents of a child who simply must run everywhere throughout the restaurant or who simply will not stop screaming, you’re going to have a huge challenge on your hands.

That said, the easiest way to deal with this kind of customer (and to get the huge tip you certainly deserve) is to appease the child.

Try to engage the child, talk to him/her in such a way that s/he feels included in the restaurant process, and encourage good behavior with a special treat.

The Regular

This is perhaps the best kind of customer you’ll ever serve. They’re the customer that not only knows the menu but also knows what to expect when frequenting your restaurant. From service to timing, there will be no surprises.

The regulars will also treat you with respect, and tip you well.

Pro-tip: If you’re lucky enough to get this kind of customer, hold on to him/her for dear life!

 

There you have it; the customers you’re most likely to encounter while serving and how to approach each!

Learn more about customer service here →

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Job Opportunities for Food Service Managers

Job Opportunities for Food Service Managers

by | May 16, 2016 | Career

While Cooks and Chefs prepare the food and Servers serve it up, it’s up to Managers to ensure that the show runs smoothly. And it’s not just in the restaurant industry that they’re needed. Everyone needs to eat, and because of that, food service managers are a part of most industries, further increasing the number of management opportunities available to those looking. They are the conductors that keep all the moving parts working together and this integral role equates to some great perks, including a high paycheck and job security! Don’t worry, we’ve got the specifics.

Opportunities by Industry

The responsibilities and background of food service managers typically make them the highest paid professionals on the restaurant floor and food service industry in general according to figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The average salary for food service managers is $53,640 per year ($25.79 per hour). The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $28,780 per year ($13.84 per hour) while those at the top can make more than $83,010 per year ($39.91 per hour).

When it comes to available positions, the best opportunities for food service managers are, of course, in restaurants and other eating places, where nearly 142,100 of these professionals are employed. Next comes special food services with 12,300 positions, followed by traveler accommodations with 9,020 jobs.

As for salary, it’s outside restaurant industry that you’ll get paid top dollar.

The industry paying the most for these professionals is insurance, where food service managers make an average of $94,330 per year to take care of in-house cafeterias and food service facilities.

Coming in second is the real estate industry, averaging $83,100 annually. Ranking third is healthcare, specifically specialty hospitals where the average annual salary runs at $82,120.

Opportunities by Location

California, the most populous state, comes in first in terms of necessity with 35,510 food service manager jobs. Texas, the second most populous state, has the second highest employment level at 12,010 jobs, followed by Tennessee, where 10,540 food service managers work.

When in comes to cities, the most opportunities are available in the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale, California area with 9,970 positions. Offering 5,130 jobs is the Chicago, Naperville, and Arlington Heights, Illinois, division, followed by Atlanta, Sandy Sprint, and Roswell, Georgia, with 4,630 managers.

The state with the highest pay for food service managers is New Jersey, averaging $71,440 per year. Delaware ranks a close second at an average of $71,130 annually. In third is Rhode Island at $69,000 yearly.

Among cities, Tallahassee, Florida tops the pay chart, averaging $84,050 per year, followed by the Atlantic City and Hammonton area in New Jersey where the average salary for food service managers is $80,930 yearly. In third is Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding metropolitan area in Maryland and New Jersey, at a mean $79,260 a year.

Projections

According to the BLS, food service manager positions is forecast to increase by 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, the reasons being a growing population and an improving economy: more people with more money to spend on eating out, food delivery, and takeout.

And, to meet this expected demand, more restaurants, catering services, and other food service establishments will open, requiring the expertise of managers to run efficiently.

Managers with many years of experience in the food service industry will have the best opportunities. As experienced managers leave the profession, the majority of job openings will be to replace these individuals, especially in upscale locations that pay higher salaries.

If these figures tempt you into finding better restaurant employment for yourself, search for opportunities sirvo.com/search →

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Serving Tables for Tuition

Serving Tables for Tuition

by | May 11, 2016 | Career

Finding a job that gives you the flexibility you need to make it to class on time and get your school work done is challenging in and of itself. Add getting paid enough to cover tuition and/or living expenses, groceries, and still have a little fun money left over, well that’s near impossible…unless you land a job as a server.

Serving tables is a great way to make some extra cash while you’re in college. Plus, you can learn some important business skills that will be an asset when you graduate and move on to a job in your field (or another job in the restaurant industry). Here are some things you need to know about serving tables for tuition so you can make the most of your time in the restaurant industry.

Scheduling ⌚

A tough thing about being a college student is that your schedule changes every few months. If you’re really concerned about finding a place to work in between your schedule from semester to semester, consider looking at 24/7 dining establishments.

These are great because they need employees at all hours of the day, so it’s easy to work around a class schedule.

Another perk of the 24/7 restaurants is that they’re few and far between and a hot commodity on college campuses, so you’ll be busy for the majority of your shift.

Living off tips ?

We’ve all heard horror stories of large tables that barely leave a tip after taking up a couple hours of a server’s time. While there’s no guarantee that you won’t experience this type of behavior, know that customers who stiff their servers are not the norm.

According to an article in the Atlantic, while the median tip amount varies based on location and gender, on average servers make between $7 and $13 per hour in tips.

Get to know your customers ?

Get to know your customers, especially your regulars. Working in the restaurant industry is a fantastic way to network, even though that’s rarely talked about.

Think about it: people from all walks of life go out to eat, which means you’ll have the chance to rub elbows with those who work in all types of industries.

You might make a connection with someone in the field in which you’ll someday work.

Secondly, you may make a great friend or even meet your future husband or wife while serving. Especially in college when you may have fewer close by friends than in the past, working in a restaurant is a great place to meet new people!

Fine-tune your people skills ?

You may think you understand people, but working in a restaurant is one of the best ways to interact with people from all walks of life. You’ll be serving the most polite and generous people along with the rudest (and cheapest). And you’ll have to do it all with a smile on your face and in a calm tone of voice.

During those rough shifts, keep in mind that all of this interpersonal experience will help you in your future career. It’s inevitable that you’ll work with a wide variety of clients, co-workers and managers, and being able to handle their personalities and quirks will lead to higher job satisfaction and make you an invaluable asset.

It could pan out to a career you love ?

You may not have dreamt of being a server as a little kid, but there are a lot of great career options within the restaurant industry. From Marketing to Management, a graduate degree combined with restaurant experience can turn into a lucrative, long-term career.

Keep an open mind and it may lead to something extraordinary.

When you can, take on extra responsibilities. You might end up with a promotion, which would mean extra cash in your pocket along with a new world of career opportunities available after graduation!

Working in a restaurant can be a lot of fun, especially if you like your co-workers and are able to work around your school schedule. Along with making enough money to cover your tuition, living expenses, and/or entertainment, you’ll be gaining valuable career skills that will help you after you graduate.

You might also like…

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The Best Cocktails to Suggest to Customers

The Best Cocktails to Suggest to Customers

by | Apr 27, 2016 | Career

From time to time, you’ll have patrons come in to your bar who don’t know what they want. Actually, this will likely happen often. From couples on first dates to friends catching up, there are a plethora of moments where you’ll asked to suggest just the right cocktail for that particular patron. So, what are the best drinks for when this situation comes to pass. We’ve got them here!

Margarita

One of the most popular drinks to order in America, you’ll want to have this on your suggestions list. It’s a simple yet refreshing classic, it’s a favorite for bar customers all over. Sure, it’s pretty common, but it’s also easily customizable so you can put your own creative twist on it: Frozen and fun? On the rocks and classy? Orange juice or a splash of grapefruit? Serve it your style.

Manhattan

Consider suggesting a Manhattan for your patrons who like whiskey (be sure to ask) and want a full-flavored drink to savor. You can then tailor it even more to the guest’s taste with the type of whiskey you use; go with a rye whiskey for a smoky, spicier flavor or a bourbon for a sweeter taste. It’s another classic that will do the trick for the right person.

Cucumber Basil Vodka

From one end of the cocktail spectrum to the other, this drink is light and refreshing, plus easy to sip on, making the cucumber basil vodka a tasty delight that will be sure to satisfy both regulars and infrequent drinkers alike. Suggesting a vodka drink is a smart move as it’s mild flavor is easy to mix. Try this tasty, but not too sweet or heavy, option next time a guest asks for a helping hand.

Mojito

The mojito makes use of a light rum, which many drinkers enjoy. With its mint leaves and citrus flavors, it’s a sweet, enjoyable treat of a drink. Another very popular cocktail that is also easy to make your own. To mix it up, consider offering an infused mojito, with flavors of mango, coconut, grape, apple. The possibilities are endless!

Grapefruit Paloma

If you want to offer tequila but skip the margarita option in favor of a more nuanced drink, consider the suggesting a Grapefruit Paloma. The kick of tequila is cut by the addition of grapefruit, and with the balance of sugar and lime juice, the end result is a pleasingly tangy, yet smooth, cocktail. While this option is a unique twist on an old favorite, its varieties have become widely enjoyed and requested in bars all over, so you’ll be making a wise choice to suggest this one.

White Russian

Many of these options have a summery feel to them. However, if you’re bartending on a colder day and feel the need to suggest a heartier option, consider the popular White Russian. It offers the dessert-like taste of Kahlua, along with vodka and cream. Not a party-all-night drink, the White Russian is an excellent option for a first drink or for quick catch-ups, as it’s meant to be enjoyed fully, and can be filling (for a drink). It’s one of the most delicious and fun options you have, so consider it for patrons looking to indulge.

These six options cover your alcohols and list some of the nation’s favorite choices in drinks, but you can always add your own twists and additions as you serve. Remember to ask your patrons what type of drink they’re looking for, they’re general likes and dislikes,then offer up your best from there!

Training and Certifications Required For Bartenders

Training and Certifications Required For Bartenders

by | Apr 13, 2016 | Career

Serving alcohol is a big responsibility, both in the eyes of the law and in terms of safety. Because of this, if you’re going to be bartending, or serving alcohol in any capacity, the proper training and certifications are not just advisable but most likely mandatory. While the specifics vary from state to state, here are some of the general rules to be aware of as a bartender or server.

The act of serving alcohol is hedged around rules to keep people safe, so many municipalities require bartenders, servers, or anyone else who physically handles/serves alcoholic drinks to have certification in responsible alcohol serving. Furthermore, most places require that training be completed and certification be in hand within 30-60 days of starting.

The course can go by many names depending on the state. For instance, those in California call it Responsible Beverage Server Training while Texas folks call them Texas Alcohol Bureau Control Classes. Whatever the name, they are all about the same thing: making sure everyone complies with the law and that they’re safe while doing so. As for specifics, here are the topics covered:

  • Current state and local laws
  • When and how to check IDs, including how to spot the fakes
  • Legal consequences of serving someone who is under age
  • Effects of alcohol and signs of impairment
  • Intervention methods and techniques

Most of the time, these classes have to be in person and you will want to check with your local government to make sure the town will accept that particular class’s certificate especially if you’re moving elsewhere.

Where can you find such training programs? Sometimes the local police or state alcohol boards provide classes as well as the certificate, but you can get it just as easily from certifying bodies such as ServSafe and Server Certification Corp. These certificates can last a year or two, depending on the issuing body and municipality.

Fortunately for bartenders and others serving alcohol, the legal requirements end there. There isn’t any place that requires a bartender to take classes or be certified in drink-making, just to be trained in safety, which is always the #1 priority.

Need to get certified?

Click here to get all of the information you need, including training options, class dates and times and links to register.