How to Make a Career in a Restaurant
The highest-paying careers in the restaurant industry usually consist of chefs and managers, but servers can earn a full-time living as well, especially in higher-end restaurants. To not only break into the restaurant industry but remain there for the duration of your time in the workforce, you'll need to meet the requirements of the position you're after and have an insatiable desire to improve.
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Instructions
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Acquire the necessary education. Generally, only managers and chefs require an educational background. Servers, bussers and hosts do not require a degree. Cooks at lower-end restaurants also do not require a degree or specialized training. Restaurant managers may need a business management degree, while chef positions require training from a culinary institute.
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Determine the type of position you wish to work in. Restaurants come in all sizes and flavors, from large corporate-owned diners to privately owned four-star restaurants. As a general rule of thumb, higher-end restaurants require more experience and more education than lower-end restaurants.
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Apply for a position in a restaurant that matches your training. Do not aim for the highest position. Start out low and work your way up. For example, if you wish to become a general manager, apply to become a third assistant manager. If you wish to become an executive chef, apply to become cook.
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Demonstrate an intense work ethic. The environment in restaurants is hectic, especially during the daily rushes. To effectively perform your job, you must move at a high rate of speed while maintaining quality. Don't ask for a break during a dinner rush, and don't complain that you're tired. Doing so sends the wrong message to your co-workers and managers.
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Embrace the restaurant culture. A restaurant's livelihood depends on the food the chefs cook and the customer service demonstrated by the restaurant staff. If you don't focus on your daily tasks and put your heart into your job, your results will reflect your disinterest.
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Look for better opportunities. Restaurants consist of a small group of workers when compared with other types of business. Unless someone leaves, you may find advancing difficult. If you find yourself stuck in the same position for more than two years, look for opportunities in different restaurants. Once you possess the experience and skills, getting hired will become easier.
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