7 Ways to Make Your Resume Stronger

7 Ways to Make Your Resume Stronger

by | Apr 21, 2017 | Career

When you’re looking for a new job, your resume is typically the first contact that potential employers have with you. Your goal is to use your resume to create a great first impression–not by lying, but by putting your best foot forward and showing people exactly what you can do. These tactics will allow you to create a stronger resume that will help bring you to the top of the stack.

1. Build your experience. You know that you have to have experience in order to get a job, and you have to have a job in order to get experience. There are, however, some other ways you can get some great experience that’s relevant to your job. In the hospitality and restaurant industry, this might include:

  • Volunteering for events that require a great deal of customer service
  • Finding opportunities to cook for friends, loved ones, and other events–especially if you get paid to do it
  • Organizing local events, including those that aren’t for profit

2. Put the important details first. You have approximately six seconds to catch the attention of the manager or recruiter reading your resume. That means you want to put your most important details at the top of your resume, where they’re easier to see.

3. Keep it clear and simple. It’s tempting to pad your resume with extra words, especially if you happen to have, for example, a page-and-a-half long resume that you’re trying to stretch to two pages. Instead, cut it down: a clear, concise resume is much more appealing than one that appears to gush or to contain unnecessary or excess information.

4. Personalize your resume. Think about the specific job you’re applying for, then put relevant information first or emphasize it more clearly. For example, if you’re applying for a hospitality position, your time as a customer service representative at a call center might showcase your ability to prioritize customer service and handle high-stress situations. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job as a restaurant manager, you might be better suited to discuss your previous experience in the restaurant industry at the top of your resume.

5. List accomplishments, not skills. It’s great that you have customer service skills–but what have you done with them? Instead of a rote list of your skills, use active language to describe what you’ve actually accomplished with them. Which sounds more appealing: “good at dealing with customers” or “effectively managed customer interactions and diffused tense situations” as you describe your previous management position?

6. Keep it real. Don’t lie on your resume. This seems obvious, but all too many prospective employees fall prey to the urge to exaggerate or even manufacture information about their previous positions. If you want the job, be honest: chances are, someone will check before you’re offered the position. Lies will make it evident that you aren’t a suitable candidate.

7. Proofread. This is a critical step in the resume writing process–especially if you’re using a template or copying and pasting from someone else’s resume. You must be sure that you’ve checked your spelling, avoided major errors, and, most critically, put your information in your resume, not the person’s you copied.

Crafting a strong resume is the first step in attaining the employment you’ve always wanted. Don’t just slap it together; instead, take the time to do it right, building a strong resume that reflects your accomplishments and explains to a potential employer why you’re the right fit for the job. Don’t forget to include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and why you think you’re a good fit, if relevant. Your ability to get the job of your dreams could hinge on the quality of that first communication with a prospective employer.

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The Do’s and Don’t’s of Job Searching While You’re Still Employed

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Job Searching While You’re Still Employed

by | Apr 10, 2017 | Career

There are plenty of reasons why you might choose to look for a new job while you’re still employed. You might need more money, feel that you’re overworked in your current location, have personality conflicts with some of the other employees, or simply be ready to move on to new things. Job searching while you’re still employed, however, takes a more delicate touch than job searching when you aren’t currently working. These do’s and don’t’s will help make the process simpler. 

1. Don’t share with your friends. No matter how tempted you are to share your latest career aspirations with the friends you’ve made at work, the workplace isn’t the right location for that kind of gossip. If you don’t word to get to your managers that you’re looking for a new job, it’s best to keep it quiet until you’ve secured a new position. 

2. Don’t use resources from your current company to search for your new position. This includes using company time to search through job listings or update your resume. Contacting a prospective new employer on your lunch break is one thing; printing out your resume on the company printer because you forgot to do it at home before leaving for work is something else entirely. Continue to give your company your best for as long as you’re there, including keeping your future career aspirations to yourself until it’s time for you to let the boss know.

3. Do let your managers know about a new position as soon as possible. Sure, employees who have put in their two weeks’ notice in the past have been escorted off the premises in the past without even getting to work their last shift. Still, you don’t want to wait until your last day and then leave your current colleagues scrambling to find a replacement for you. Instead, put in your notice as soon as you can.

4. Do keep your social media conversations about new work to a minimum. While you might need to update your LinkedIn profile, that doesn’t mean you need to parade the fact that you’re looking for a new job–especially if you want to keep it from getting back to your current bosses for a while. Instead, keep your search private and off of social media. This is not time to take advantage of connections made through your Facebook friends!

5. Don’t list your current employer as a reference. Let interviewers know that you would prefer they not contact your current employer at this time. Instead, use other references from previous employers to build your resume and show your capability. List awards you’ve won or commendations you’ve received as proof of your capability at your current job instead.

6. Do check your attire. You’ve got an interview after your shift, so you dress up more than usual for your work day–and suddenly, your bosses are wondering what’s going on. If you must, change after leaving work, even if you’re running on a tight schedule. Keep in mind that a business casual outfit is easy to dress up with a jacket if you must present a more professional appearance for an interview than is common in your current place of employment.

7. Do behave with integrity. Potential employers are going to want to know why you’re leaving your current job. You can be honest–this job is not a good fit for you professionally; you’re hoping to better your career opportunities–without badmouthing your current employer. Resist the urge to over-share! Behaving with integrity will let a new employer know that you’ll show equal respect to their business if the time comes for you to leave.

Job searching while you’re still employed can be a challenge, but it’s better than having to scramble to find a job–any job–when you lose your current one while still searching. Make sure that you’re prepared for the challenges of job searching while employed before you begin.

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Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar Comes to Denver Spring 2017

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar Comes to Denver Spring 2017

by | Mar 15, 2017 | Sirvo Stories

Gracious food with southern roots arrives in Denver this Spring. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar will be bringing its long-awaited Southern Revival scratch-made menu to the Platform near Denver Union Station in May.

Hailing from the beer mecca of Asheville, N.C., Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar has found rapid success by focusing on their mission to stay committed to responsibly sourced products, working with local vendors and enhancing their employee’s experience.

View Tupelo Honey Open Jobs →

The Asheville location first opened back in 2000 and was known as a late-night favorite for the local crowd. The original Tupelo Honey was one of the first farm-to-table establishments in Asheville and the cafe quickly found success. It’s now spread to 13 locations in 5 southeast states.

The Denver location will be the first to open outside of the south with CEO Stephen Frabitore planning more westward ventures for the future.

Tupelo Honey 1

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar is known for a locally sourced, seasonal menu which changes from region to region, keeping with their commitment to seasonal quality products and vendors. The menu also offers 50 craft beers (also emphasizing local breweries), cocktails highlighting Southern craft spirits, and responsibly sourced sustainable wines.

 

With plans to also promote Denver artists on their walls and to support local charities, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar plans to quickly establish themselves as a pillar of the city’s community.

Along with their dedication to quality and community, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar also puts emphasis on ensuring their employees are always satisfied and well taken care of. Plans are to open with a full-time restaurant staff who are immediately eligible for the company’s amazing benefits package.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar also puts emphasis on ensuring their employees are always satisfied and well taken care of.

This package will include basic health care costs, as well as other benefits specifically added to ease employee’s lives. Besides health care, employees will find tuition reimbursement, child care reimbursement, and paid volunteer hours, encouraging employees to give back to their local community.

 

The restaurant company has a genuine interest in developing their employees instead of simply hiring for the moment. The tuition reimbursement benefit is also available for culinary programs and employees are even encouraged to submit their own recipes at each location. Additionally, the staff can participate in beer, wine, and cocktail appreciation courses to further their knowledge and experience.

The tuition reimbursement benefit is also available for culinary programs and employees are even encouraged to submit their own recipes at each location.

With plans to open near Dallas, Texas (in the Cowboy’s training facility, The Star) and looking at other possible locations, working for Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar may be the start of a long and successful career!

For more information on joining the Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar team, click here to view their open positions and apply today!

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Running a successful restaurant and surviving in the food and beverage industry can be challenging because of intense competition, shifting demographics, rising food costs, high turnover rates, changing labor laws or constant health hazards. However, talented managers and decision makers can use their business skills and experience to make better decisions that lead to success and profitability.

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Tips for Making Your Sirvo Profile Stick Out to Employers

Tips for Making Your Sirvo Profile Stick Out to Employers

by | Mar 10, 2017 | IndiTips

We’ve all done it. We’ve all taken the time to fill out an online profile, whether for a social site, dating site, or even another job site. And we’ve hated every…single…second of it! After all of that, you’d think that you’ve got the process down, but how often are you really noticed?

Filling out a profile on a job site and making it stand out can be daunting. Especially here in the service industry where an outgoing personality, charisma, and the ability to self-promote are a necessity. What’s more, most of us seem to freeze up when we’re put on the spot and actually given the chance to brag about ourselves. It seems easy to do it when the conversation is flowing, but when you actually have to think about it…well, that’s another story.

So how can you stand out from the crowd here on Sirvo? How about we give you a few tips?

We’ll give you the most important tip right away…

You’re probably not going to want to hear this, but the absolute best way to get noticed by employers is to actually go through and make sure you fill out your entire profile. Attaching a paper resume to your application while only filling out one or two fields in the Sirvo profile makes your application look sloppy, and who wants that?

Another reason for this is employers use keywords when searching for candidates. So if you haven’t taken the time to describe yourself and to give some telling details about who you are and what you can do, then don’t expect to get too many callbacks.

If you haven’t taken the time to describe yourself and to give some telling details about who you are and what you can do, then don’t expect to get too many callbacks.

We know that filling out profiles sucks so we’ve made the process as easy as possible for you. We only have five sections: Experience, Education, Certifications & Additional Training, Skills, and Interests. We don’t ask too many questions because we want to allow you to showcase you. We let you get as creative about your story as you want.

PS. If you’re a new Sirvo user and have most of this information already filled out on your Facebook Page then sign up using the Facebook option and we’ll automatically populate the majority of the information for you!

Let’s start at the top.

First things first, let people see who you are. Maybe we don’t want to admit it, but we all start to form an opinion of someone the moment we see them. Photos get as much (if not more) attention than your experience, education, and skills. Make sure you start off on the right foot by adding a photo that lets employers form the right mental image of you.

HINT: Make sure the picture looks like you, isn’t blurry, and won’t embarrass you.

Also, make sure you add your full name and spell it right. Just kidding, we know you can spell your name. But double check for typos, just in case.

The last thing before finishing out the headline section is…make sure you’re a headliner! Give employers 3-5 sentences describing yourself. And don’t just let them know what job you’re looking for or where you want to fit in. Include something personal like your favorite motto or a talent you’re known for. Maybe you’ve won an award or have a hobby you’re proud of. Let them know!

Accomplishments count.

When filling out the experience section, describe what you’ve accomplished and what you can do. Don’t just list the duties of each position you’ve held in the past. If you’ve been a cook or server or any other position, employers will already have an idea of what that entails. They want to know things beyond your just your duties, like what you’ll bring to the table.

When you were a cook, did you create a dish that was so good the manager or owner added it to the menu permanently? Tell them! When you were a bartender, did the bar have higher sales when you were there than when you weren’t? They’ll want to know that, too!

HINT: If you have hardcore numbers to prove your accomplishments, provide them!

If you can add the contact info of a reference who’ll back up your story, feel free to put that in the Experience>Description section.

Education is important in the service industry, too.

Frequently, employees in our industry think this is less necessary than the experience section. That’s not the case. Employers look to this for any number of reasons. Two being, it adds a bit more insight to who you are and potentially shows experience(s) outside of the service industry.

HINT: Add your education in reverse order.

If you’ve just finished a degree, add that first and work backward to high school or trade/technical schools. And remember, dates are important.

Make sure you have the proper certifications.

If you want to work in the front of the house you’ll want to make sure you’re certified to serve alcoholic beverages in your state. If you’ll be in the back of the house, you may want to get take the necessary safe food handling courses your state requires. Having these in advance speeds up the hiring process and gives you a leg up when employers are making hiring decisions.

Find out more information about training and certifications specifically for bartenders, check out our blog post.

Skills

The popular thought here is “the more, the better” but that’s not true. Add the skills you want potential employers to know about but make sure those skills are relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Adding too many skills or random skills sends the message that you don’t really know what you’re looking for. Resist the urge to pad the skills section. Highlight what you’re good at. Leave the rest off. Make sure you can actually do what you say you can do.

What interests you?

This is the section where you can let employers know about any and all work related subjects you’re focused on or would like to focus on. It’s also a great place to let them know you have a life outside of work.

Before you finish.

Head to the Settings page and make sure your name, email, city, and phone number are filled in correctly. You can also add your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram handles if you’d like. 

Filling out the entire Sirvo profile will be worth the time and effort. Not only will you pop up in searches more, but it forces you to add those intricate little details that set you apart from the crowd. Feel free to keep this open when filling out your profile to help speed up the process and remember to update your profile frequently!

Happy searching!

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Should You Work Full-Time or Part-Time in the Hospitality Industry?

Should You Work Full-Time or Part-Time in the Hospitality Industry?

by | Feb 17, 2017 | Career

Gone are the days when the hospitality industry was regarded as a rung in the ladder as you climb to a “real career”. Tending bar or waiting tables is no longer the limbo between jobs that twenty and thirty-somethings are sentenced to just to make ends meet. Kitchens are no longer staffed by ex-cons or high school dropouts. Mom and Dad can’t complain that you need to get a “real job” anymore!

This is due, in part, to the rise of the foodie culture and changing attitudes towards the foodservice industry. Celebrity chefs, celebrity bartenders, and celebrity restaurateurs have also fed the shift. We’ve accepted that making it in the industry somewhat parallels success as an actor or recording artist. However, there’s a greater chance of finding success in hospitality because you’re in full control of the outcome.

It’s not just about learning customer service skills anymore.

In the industry, you’ll learn business theory while gaining sales prowess and leadership skills. Add the “on the job”, practical skills you’ll pick up in the kitchen and behind the bar, then factor in the charisma you’ll develop in the front of the house and you’ve got a pretty solid foundation for a lasting career.

All of these can be developed over time. And none of them have to do with luck or your personal image. You don’t even have to drop a ton of money at some fancy school of business. Take that, Wharton and M.I.T.!

So, should you work full-time or part-time?

The answer is…. always opt for full-time. Here’s why:

1. Benefits

These come in many forms. Restaurateurs know rock star employees put a lot of time and effort into work so they’re willing to offer benefits to those who earn them. Some no longer require you to work the traditional 40 hours to qualify.

There are the other smaller perks, too, such as FREE FOOD (yeah. we thought we’d shout that one out)! And, although not as important as it used to be, you still have the opportunity to take home cash at the end of each shift.

2. On the Job education

You don’t need years of expensive schooling. You can start making money almost immediately and learn the business from the ground up.

Each and every one of the skills we’ve listed above can be learned and perfected while working. In fact, they HAVE to be because whether you’re in the front of the house or the back, your money and your work reputation depends on it.

3. Flexible schedules

There’s real life going on outside of work and the service industry takes that into account. With a flexible schedule, you can still achieve financial goals without feeling bad about taking a week (or weekend) off to live your life.

Also, you won’t find yourself taking work home and you won’t get calls from the boss or clients at all times of the day. Once your shift is over…it’s out of sight, out of mind.

This is a social industry that touches people from all walks of life.

4. Networking opportunities to last a lifetime

This is a social industry that touches everyone from all walks of life. You’ll meet every type; from celebrities to corporate big wigs to up and comers you may take for granted at first.

You never know just how important a connection made at work will turn out to be down the road.

5. Accepting of all points of view

The service industry has always been a haven for those who feel they don’t fit into society’s square pegs. It’s also been a welcoming starting point for immigrants, some of who’ve stayed in the business and found enormous success.

No matter what your lifestyle, beliefs, or circumstances are, the service industry will reward you on equal footing with everyone else as long as you’re willing to work hard.

And things are only getting better.

There have been myths and nightmares of what life in the industry can be like. You’ve heard of the unhealthy lifestyles, the long hours for little pay, and the horror stories of irate customers. But, with the cultural shift towards acceptance of the foodservice industry as a legitimate professional career, business owners and patrons are more educated than in the past, so these myths are disappearing.

All of that signals endless future opportunities for you.

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read more

Experience Sirvo for yourself

Sign up now to find hospitality jobs and hire top industry talent.
Sign up