Working in food service can be a fantastic way to earn some extra money and gain valuable skills. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job during school or a way to make a full-time income, the potential for tips, flexible hours, and diverse job opportunities make it an attractive option for many.
For those who want to take their skills and degree further within food service, jobs in management, accounting and finance, and, of course, culinary arts positions are all viable (and well-paying) career paths. At larger companies, there are even opportunities for advancement in areas like menu development and marketing. In today’s guide, as part of our food business advice, we’ll walk through how to find, apply for, and land a job in the food service industry.
1. Deciding your career path
With nearly 14 million people employed in the U.S. food service industry, there is no shortage of opportunities available. Before you start searching for job openings, it’s important to think about the type of position you want in the food service industry. There are several opportunities:
- Front-of-house (FOH) positions, such as servers and host/hostess
- Back-of-house (BOH) positions, like cooks and dishwashers
- Management roles, including Restaurant Manager or General Manager
- Executive roles at larger restaurant groups/chains for experienced and highly skilled professionals, such as Executive Chef or Director of Food and Beverage
- Culinary arts positions, including chefs and sous chefs
If you’re primarily concerned with building a cooking career, you should focus first on BOH positions, potentially starting as a prep cook or line cook before working your way up to becoming a chef as you continue your education. On the other hand, if you’re interested in management positions, consider starting a FOH role to gain customer service experience before moving up the ladder.
2. Preparing your resume and cover letter
Once you’ve decided on the type of position you want, it’s time to prepare your resume and cover letter. This is where you will highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications that make you a great fit for the job. When it comes to your resume:
- Keep it concise and easy to read
- Include any relevant education or training
- Highlight any previous experience in the food service industry
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For your cover letter:
- Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for
- Showcase your passion for and knowledge of the food service industry
- Demonstrate how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the position
Keep in mind that at the lower level, you don’t necessarily need prior restaurant experience. If you’re able to convey your transferable skills and eagerness to learn, you still have a shot at landing a job in the food service industry.
3. Searching for job openings
Now that you have your resume and cover letter ready, it’s time to start searching for job openings. Here are a few places to look:
- Online job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn
- Company websites of specific restaurant chains or ownership groups
- Networking through friends, family, and acquaintances in the industry
- Walking into local restaurants and talking with their GM
For higher-level roles, you can also work with food recruiters. They can help connect you with job openings that may not be listed publicly and provide valuable insight and assistance throughout the hiring process.
Endnote
The food service industry offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals looking to gain experience, develop skills, and potentially build a long-term career. By deciding your focus and taking the necessary steps to get you from one role to the next, your chances of landing the perfect position in this dynamic industry are high.
Remember to stay positive and persistent throughout the process and always be open to learning new things; it’s all part of the journey towards a successful career in the food service industry.
