Working in the restaurant business doesn't require the skills of a neurosurgeon, but it's something you have to have in your blood. It takes patience and commitment to always put the guest first and everything else second. Once you have decided to pursue your talent with a certain type of restaurant, you can follow some of these steps to achieve success.
Steps
Step 1. Start with a small role, learn the trade
Some of the best managers started their careers as waiters or hostesses and made their way there. Career progress is very important when looking to move forward as a manager.
Step 2. Do not jump from one restaurant to another
Corporate chains don't like to see you've changed more than two jobs in five years when they're considering hiring one person. Hold on if you have to, but constantly changing jobs doesn't give you confidence in your abilities.
Step 3. Remember that the guest always comes first
Yes, they are called guests, not customers; you want your guests to feel right at home when they come to dinner, and not like they're just another face in the dining room. Talk to them, let them know your habits, spend as much time as you can in the room, and stay out of that office!
Step 4. Know your skills
Even if your General Manager doesn't like to talk about these things, bring them out anyway, learn everything you can from the other managers, from the maitres, learn the necessary steps to improve your skills.
Step 5. Treat your staff with the same respect you expected when doing the same job
From the dishwasher to the owner, everyone on the team is responsible. Your staff should know that you have no problem cleaning a bathroom, in order to make your guests' visit pleasant; nor should it be a problem for them. Your philosophy should be not to ask someone to do something you don't want to do.
Step 6. Stay before you leave
While looking for a new position, keep the old one! It is easier to find a job when you have one. Posting an ad on a recruiting site is acceptable, but if you count on the help of a recruiter, make sure your resume is invisible on the site. Restaurants do their research on these sites, and if you are visible they won't want to talk to you if they introduce you to an intermediary.
Advice
- Always remember that the guest is number one. This will never be stressed enough. The guest is the reason that makes your career terrific!
- The American National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provides educational resources, materials and programs used to attract, develop and retain the workforce in the industry.
Warnings
- Don't lose your patience. People who work in this business deal with difficult people, so keeping your head on your shoulders will bring benefits in the long run. Remember, for every guest who challenges us, there are 10 more that are worth tolerating.
- Beware of recruiters who "introduce" you to the restaurant world. If you've only talked to them for 5 minutes and they're ready to introduce you to 10 different places, they haven't had time to get to know you or what you're looking for.
