Looking for a Restaurant Job? Tips from a Hiring Manager

Looking for a job can be a frustrating task. We have all gotten tips from people we know on the whole process, from putting in applications to following up after an interview. Now, would you believe that most of the tips you have received from family, friends and teachers actually turn entry level hiring managers off? Here are a couple tips from someone who actually does hiring in a restaurant.

Submitting an Application: If you are submitting applications in person there are a few things to remember.Never go into a restaurant during breakfast, lunch or dinner rush times. Early morning or between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. are the safest bets. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately. This doesn’t mean you have to put on a suit to go out and put in applications, however you want to wear clothes that fit, have no tears or stains and also have no offensive writing on them. You want to also make sure that your hair is clean and brushed. Most applications ask the same general questions so make sure you have a list of your last three jobs with addresses, phone numbers and the dates you worked there. Also your list should include three references that are not related to you with a phone number.

Most jobs require that you have known the person over a year. You will be asked for your school information so write that down too. Bring your own blue or black pen to show that you are prepared. The first thing that the manager will notice on the application is your handwriting and spelling. Always fill out the application yourself because managers can tell if the signature does not match the handwriting. If your handwriting is hard to read, just take your time and do the best you can. Never try to spell a word that you are unsure of. If you don’t know how to spell something, use another word. Common misspelled words on applications are negotiable, immediately, and minimum. The most important part of the application is the position you are applying for and the hours you are available to work.

The more open you are the better your chances will be. Many companies only hire people who are willing to cross train into various positions and will bypass an excellent application if the person is only willing to do one job. Your available hours are a crucial part of the application. Managers have to coordinate the schedules of many employees so they are looking for people who will make that task easier not harder. If you are unavailable on a certain day by all means write that down but remember the company is going to hire someone that will benefit them. Restaurants are always the busiest on the weekends and usually require all employees to work these times. If you are unavailable on weekends it will be very hard for you to secure a job. Unfortunately, a company won’t care about your social life and will be less likely to hire someone who is more worried about theirs than their job.

Even if you know nothing or very little about the company you are applying to, check the hours of operation. There are many restaurants that are only open specific hours or they could be open 24 hours and knowing that will help you more accurately apply to the job. Lastly, when you turn in your application, ask to speak to the manager. This is your first impression and could turn in to an interview. When applying at a restaurant you have to assume you will be working with people so take this time to show off those people skills. Introduce yourself and smile. You could say something along the lines of, “Hi, I’m _______, I saw that you were hiring and would love the chance to talk to you sometime.” The manager may have time to talk to you right away but generally they will either set you up with an interview time or tell you they will call you if they are interested in setting one up. Always say Thank You!!

If you are submitting an application online remember to use the spell checker and also do not use an e-mail address that is or can be construed as offensive. If your e-mail address is questionable you can go to Yahoo! to create a new one for free.

Waiting: The waiting part is always the hardest. You’ve put yourself out there and really want to work. Many people will tell you to call and check on your application. They say it shows that you are really interested in the position. Unfortunately, this is a very common misconception. Most restaurants receive hundreds of applications monthly if not weekly. Usually though, there are very few positions available. Managers realize that those callers have good intentions but it is just not realistic that they will search through all of the applications to find yours and look at it right then. When a manager is ready to hire someone they will set up a specific time to go through all of the applications to find potential people to interview. In general the manager will go back 6-8 weeks. When the manager is looking through the applications they are going to be looking for very specific things to fit the restaurants current needs. Your application may not fit at that time but might in the future. If you haven’t heard anything after about 10 weeks you should go out there and reapply to the places you did before.

The Interview: Great! You got an interview. An interview does not mean that you will get the job. Any time you get an interview you should check the company out if you aren’t familiar with it already. You always want to dress at least one step nicer than the employees dress. If the employees uniforms are jeans and a tee shirt , slacks and a polo or dress shirt should be sufficient. However, if the uniform is black pants and ties you should wear a suit or dress pants and a jacket or a dress. If the employees wear ties, guys you should too. Every manager conducts interviews differently. It is almost impossible to know what to expect. Many companies require managers to use an interview guide with specific questions. These types of interviews are usually a little uncomfortable because the questions require you to think about things that you don’t normally.

These will be questions like: tell me about a time that you were in a difficult situation and what did you do. Obviously you want to look good so you stumble and get nervous. An easy way to be ready for this sort of interview is to research common interview questions on line. Once you have a list these questions, actually think about what you will say if you are asked a question like that. Sometimes you will get lucky and get a manager who realizes that interviews are nerve racking and they will try to put you at ease. Remember that even when a manager is laid back they are still paying close attention to how you are acting and what you are saying.

Managers are usually looking for someone who they believe will work hard, be available when it is needed and also they will be looking for someone who’s personality is going to fit with the other employees. There is nothing worse than hiring someone who doesn’t fit in. The other employees will rebel and you will feel very uncomfortable. This is another reason to research the company. Try to see how the employees act so you have an idea of if this will even work out for you. A job isn’t worth it if you are miserable in your environment.

Follow-up: Many people feel that they should call and check on the status of the interview. Managers don’t forget who they interviewed so you really shouldn’t call. They may be conducting several interviews to find the best candidate or they may have decided you won’t fit for whatever reason. Restaurant managers do not have time to call and tell every person if they did not get the position. They will generally only call if you do get it. If you haven’t heard anything within 10 days, you probably were not chosen for the job. Sometimes the manager will call back and set you up for a second interview. Follow the same tips on the second interview. If the first was laid back the second probably will be more structured and vice versa.

In conclusion, you should not put all of your eggs in one basket. Don’t apply to only one job and wait for them to call you. Get yourself out there. Even if you have set up or have gone to an interview you shouldn’t stop looking until you have been offered a job. Most of the tips you receive from family and friends like calling to check on the status of an application or interview are really for corporate positions. Busy restaurant managers just don’t have time for them.

They don’t have secretaries to handle that kind of work. If you have been trying to find a job with no luck, try having someone you know in a hiring position go over an application that you have filled out to see if there are any red flags on it. It could be something simple. If you don’t know of anyone who can do this for you try calling a local restaurant and seeing if you can set up an appointment with a manager to go over an application with you and explain what things you should change. Not all managers would be willing to do this but calling during a non busy time to ask for an appointment can’t hurt.

Good luck!!