Getting a Job at an American Restaurant - Tips and Insights

Getting a Job at an American Restaurant

Working at a restaurant in America can be a rewarding experience. The food service industry employs over 12 million people across the country. With hard work and dedication, restaurant jobs can lead to exciting careers and opportunities.

Types of Restaurant Jobs

There are many different restaurant positions available for those looking to get their foot in the door:

• Waiters and waitresses take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customers have enjoyable dining experiences.
• Cooks and chefs prepare entrees, appetizers, desserts and other menu items in the kitchen.
• Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons at the bar.
• Hosts and hostesses welcome guests, manage wait lists and seating arrangements.
• Bussers clear dishes, set tables and assist wait staff.
• Dishwashers clean plates, glasses and kitchen utensils.

Front of House vs. Back of House

Restaurant positions typically fall into front of house or back of house roles:

• Front of house staff like servers, hosts, bussers and bartenders directly interface with restaurant patrons in the dining areas.
• Back of house personnel like cooks, chefs and dishwashers work behind the scenes to run the kitchen operation.

Many restaurants hire both front and back of house employees, while some smaller establishments may expect staff to multitask across different areas.

Getting Hired at a Restaurant

Those eager to work in a restaurant first need to find job openings and submit applications. Common steps to land a restaurant gig include:

Finding Restaurant Job Openings

Open food service positions can be found via:

• Online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn and Craigslist.
• Careers pages on restaurant websites.
• Apps like Poached Jobs and Job Today catering specifically to restaurant/hospitality roles.
• Networking with current industry staff and managers.
• Stopping into local eateries to check if they have any positions available.

Those open to different locations and flexible with timing usually have the most options.

Submitting an Application

Common materials needed to apply for restaurant openings include:

• Resume summarizing work history and relevant skills.
• Cover letter detailing interest and qualifications.
• References from past employers or professors.
• Completed application form (if specified).

Some restaurants prefer paper applications, while others provide online forms. Following any special instructions shows attention to detail.

Preparing for the Interview

Prospective hires should get ready for one or more job interviews, potentially including:

• One-on-one talks answering situational questions.
• Auditions determining skill level such as making a sample drink.
• Working interviews shadowing on the actual restaurant floor.

Studying the menu along with general interview prep demonstrates genuine enthusiasm.

Getting Hired and Starting

Once officially brought onto the team, newly onboarded restaurant staff can expect:

• Orientation sessions to learn operations and expectations.
• Training shifts to acquire hands-on experience alongside veterans.
• Mentorship programs partnering new hires with guides.
• Manager check-ins to provide feedback and encouragement.

Common Restaurant Workplace Culture

America's vibrant restaurant scene leads to some typical cultural traits across eateries nationwide:

Teamwork is Crucial

Collaboration ensures food reaches tables on time and patrons receive exceptional service. Squads need to work cohesively across stations - from dishwashers keeping pace for cooks to assemble orders to servers coordinating with hosts for seating.

The Pace is Fast

Be prepared for energetic, bustling environments even during slower periods. Multitasking skills allow staff to juggle numerous tasks and requests simultaneously.

The Hours are Long

Employees need stamina for extended shifts and ability to work weekends, nights and holidays per customer demands. However, the nonstop hours translate to more tips.

Perks Exist Too!

Though exhausting, restaurant crews often form close bonds over shared experiences. Other advantages can include shift meals, after-work hangs, talent shows and compliance rewards programs.

Career Growth Trajectories

Restaurant work teaches transferrable abilities valued across industries, offering viable career paths for driven professionals including:

Management

Those proving leadership skills may be promoted to head chef, general manager or other restaurant supervisor roles.

Corporate

Some leverage operational excellence into corporate positions with restaurant groups overseeing multiple locations and brands.

Entrepreneurship

Passionate culinarians open their own establishments after learning menus, pricing, hiring and more while on existing teams.

Regardless of specific aspirations, on-the-job restaurant experience establishes foundations for growth.

FAQs

What education or experience is required to work in a restaurant?

While some fine dining establishments may require formal training, most restaurants provide on-the-job training to teach the necessary skills. As long as you have a good work ethic and positive attitude, no prior experience is necessary for entry level positions.

What can I expect to earn working in a restaurant?

Wages vary greatly depending on the restaurant, your position, experience level, and geographical location. Entry level roles like hosts, bussers, and dishwashers often start around minimum wage. Servers and bartenders rely heavily on customer tips to supplement hourly pay.

What hours are common in the restaurant business?

Be prepared for a variable schedule requiring availability on evenings, weekends and holidays when restaurants tend to be busiest. Open availability especially helps new hires get their foot in the door. Most work part-time splitting shifts between the lunch and dinner rush.

Is there opportunity for advancement in restaurant jobs?

Yes! Hard working and ambitious restaurant staff can move up to management roles with more responsibility and higher pay. Some even go on to open their own eateries after learning the ropes on existing teams.