10 Things to Avoid When Applying to a Restaurant Job
Who actually likes applying for jobs? We didn't think so. While we try our best to make the process easier, at the end of the day, applying for a restaurant job can be challenging. Whether you're drafting a resume, creating an Industry profile, or interviewing in person, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
<p>Who actually likes applying for jobs? We didn’t think so. While we try our best to make the process easier, at the end of the day, applying for a restaurant job can be challenging. Whether you’re drafting a resume, creating an <a href="http://industry.co">Industry</a> profile, or interviewing in person, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.</p>
<p>To make sure that you get hired the first time you submit an application, we’ve put together this list of 10 things to avoid when applying to a restaurant job.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Don’t Interrupt a Lunch or Dinner Service</strong></p>
<p>If you are planning on walking in to ask a restaurant if they are hiring, be courteous and avoid doing so during peak hours of operation. The last thing the manager wants to do is look over your resume when they are trying to operate a full house. <em>Pro tip:</em> <em>check to see if they are hiring online or on <a href="https://www.industry.co/">Industry</a> first.</em></p>
<p><strong>2. Not Following Instructions</strong></p>
<p>Read the application and hiring instructions thoroughly. If the restaurant says to submit your application through the Careers Section of their website, then do that. If they say to send them an email and provide not only your resume but information about the position you’re applying for, then make sure to do both requests. If you follow application instructions and give the hiring manager everything they need in a timely manner, you’ll already be one step ahead of the game.</p>
<p><strong>3. Applying with an Inappropriate Email Address</strong></p>
<p>While it may be OK to communicate with your friends and family using emails like Bossman11, Whiskeyboy33, or Catlady7, it’s not professional to use when applying for a job. Rule of thumb is to use your first and last name. If that’s taken, try adding an underscore or period in between like: john_smith or john.smith.</p>
<p><strong>4. Spelling & Grammar Errors</strong></p>
<p>Double, no triple check your profile or resume before applying to work at a restaurant — or any job for that matter. Some hiring managers will stop reading as soon as they notice spelling or grammar mistakes. We recommend using <a href="https://www.grammarly.com/">Grammarly</a> to check for spelling and grammar errors before submitting an application.</p>
<p><strong>5. Incomplete Application</strong></p>
<p>Having a complete application helps the potential hiring manager know more about you. It also shows that you are detail oriented, thorough, and dedicated to getting the position. Remember, this is your chance to give them as much information about why you should get the job so take advantage of that. One way to really stand out is to create a video resume that highlights your personality. If you don’t have one yet, here are a few tips to help you <a href="./7-tips-create-video-resume/">get started on a video resume</a>.</p>
<p><strong>6. Generic Experience</strong></p>
<p>If you just put “helped customers” or “served tables” under experience on your resume, you aren’t giving the hiring manager enough information. Give them more detailed and numeric information on how your efforts assisted with the growth or continued operation of the restaurant. For example, “I served 100 customers nightly and increased wine sales by 10%”.</p>
<p><strong>7. Being Late to an Interview</strong></p>
<p>Showing up late to an interview is like showing up late to work. It signals to the hiring manager that you’re not reliable. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to avoid any unforeseen events like lack of parking, traffic, etc.</p>
<p><strong>8. Unfitting Attire</strong></p>
<p>“Don’t dress like someone you would serve.” To make a good first impression, always dress to impress — especially when it comes to an interview. This also applies to your profile pictures — make sure your attire is appropriate and something your potential boss would approve of.</p>
<p><strong>9. Being Overly Confident</strong></p>
<p>No one likes a know it all or someone who thinks they’ve “got it in the bag”. It’s OK to highlight your experience and skillset explaining why you think you’d be a great addition to the team, but don’t be overly confident that the job is yours. Working in a restaurant means being part of a team, listening to one another, being able to admit fault, and being dependable. Show <em>that</em> in your interview.</p>
<p><strong>10. Lying or Stretching the Truth</strong></p>
<p>Lying will lead you nowhere. Don’t beef up your <a href="https://www.industry.co/">profile</a> or resume with facts that aren’t true and please don’t lie in an interview. The truth will eventually come out…</p>
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<p><em>What have you learned from your experience applying to restaurant jobs? What mistakes would you avoid?</em></p>
