The interview process for landing a restaurant job starts the minute you walk in the door. Upon arrival, you will not know who's who and may to talking to the hiring manager when you pick up your application. So, be sure to look and act the part for the job you want the moment you arrive at the restaurant.
The restaurant business does not simply sell food; rather, they sell an entire package of meals, presentation, personalities and service. The would-be waitress or waiter should have food and beverage experience, but if you have an exceptional personality you may slip in with minimal requirements.
When going through your interview stage, the hiring manager will be looking for a personality which will click with the present employees and the potential to connect with the customers. Congeniality is king, so make sure you are on top of your game with every ounce of manners and civility you can muster. A warm, inviting smile does wonders for that first meeting with management, and they are sure to remember the candidates that have an easy, natural feel when greeting new people.
In addition, the server's appearance can make or break the interview, especially when it comes down to cleanliness. Be sure to sweep your hair into the neat and tidy style that you will wear at work, and pay special attention to your hands and fingernails for that fresh-scrubbed look. Keep your jewelry to a minimum, especially rings.
The server applicant may have unique skills such as speaking one or two additional languages or an academic background that would serve the restaurant's interest in advertising, accounting or managerial skills. Be sure you mention your special skills at the interview and let the hiring manager take the conversation where it needs to go. Although you may have written your skills on the application, you want the opportunity to fully express yourself and find a company niche that you may fulfill. The total interview experience should be about adding value to your candidacy and setting yourself above the competition.
Fine dinner houses may require some added experience on your resume, as this kind of establishment provides impeccable service from an attentive waitstaff. The server may need experience in table-side preparations and some knowledge in presenting dessert items. In addition, the exclusive dinner house may offer fine wines and champagne, and the server will be expected to handle to bottles with flair and presentation. If you have a background in this area, be sure to display your liquor menu know-how and skills to market expensive extras such as hors d'oeuvres, appetizers and specialty items. The interview process is not a time to sit silently and listen, but rather engage yourself and show the hiring manager you are capable.
The competition is tough in the food and beverage industry, so be sure to make yourself as pliable and conforming as possible. If the restaurant is a place that you see yourself working in for an extended period of time, you may wish to take the less desirable shifts to begin with and wait for the promotion to peak serving hours. Sometimes a new server will be put on a graveyard shift or the lax periods in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. A willing applicant that is able to be flexible takes the strain off the management to cover less prosperous shifts, and gets your foot in the door for the better hours that will come with seniority.
The key to landing a great restaurant job is persistence and a winning attitude. If there are no openings when you submit your application, ask the appropriate person if you may check back with her once a week. The answer will probably be "yes", but by asking you are showing respect for her busy schedule. Keep your hopes high when calling her back, and she will respond to you with frankness and mutual respect.
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