quote:

Originally posted by crazedcanuck Also don't forget that your income will be largely tip driven, and if by some miracle you get a serving job it's still an uphill battle. Guys tend to get stuck doing the majority of the side/prep work, working on the beer room, etc while often getting no where near the tips that the girls do. It takes a long time, and becoming proficient @ upselling etc to have your game to the point it compensates enough to draw somewhat equal tips to a moderately attractive girl with poor service.

Or you just kick ass in being attentive & making the customers laugh. Way back when I waited tables, I frequently had people line up & wait to sit in my section even though there were other seats available. Some looked at it as dinner & a side show, others crowded my section to talk sports, others still came in for some fun verbal sparring.

I know it sounds weird, but I usually out tipped even our hottest servers by roughly $20-$30/night simply b/c I made it more than just "going out for dinner".

Another little known piece of info: if you're damn fast & can deal with high stress, but don't want to spend much time conversing with the customers, the work the breakfast rush at a mid-size greasy spoon.

I also did that on the side a few years ago to save $ for some new furniture & whatnot, & usually finished the 8am-1pm run on Saturdays & Sundays clocking close $200/shift in tips... & that was in a small town where people are fucking tightwads.

Just a few tips for those out there working in the industry.

Re: Working at a Restaurant

quote:

Originally posted by Nick Cenik 1) I have zero related experience--do I still have a shot at securing a job? I am thinking about hosting, waiting, or working in the kitchen in some capacity--is this unreasonable? I'm basically willing to do anything besides wash dishes (I think). 2) Which things should I make sure to mention and, conversely, avoid in my cover letter/resume? 3) What kind of money should I expect to make as someone with no experience? 4) Any recommendations re: which specific restaurants to target? I am planning on visiting the 'nicer' establishments, e.g. the Keg, Moxy's, etc. 5) I live in Mississauga--anybody here work at a restaurant that is currently hiring?

It all depends what kind of restaurant you wanna work at. Cheaper restaurants such as Kelsey's are easier to get. If it's a steakhouse like the Keg it will be a little harder.
I work at a steakhouse and worked at Kelsey's for 2 months prior to that.
During my interview at Golf's Steakhouse (my current job) one of the first things he asked me is if I had experience...and I did but 2 months at Kelsey's is not really "experience"...I got lucky here.
As for money. It is the best job I have had. Fits my school schedule really well. Not including my hourly pay, I make anywhere between 400-600/week..and I only work an average of 4 hours. So money will be good, but you have to be a really friendly person too
Again, definitely try and get into a steakhouse...you never know, you might get lucky. A couple of girls at my work had no experience and got hired. Also, the restaurant you might be applying at might be dry for workers...you never know.
p.s. SmartServe is a good thing to have, but most places won't ask to see your certificate...if you have no way of getting it and don't want to spend money on it, just tell them that you do...hah i told my boss i had one and he never asked to see it.
I have a lot of fun working here as well. Very social
Good luck with your search!

this thread is pretty helpful considering I am looking for a entry job into the restaurant industry.. I am still in school and tired of the retail business.. but im having a hard time trying to get into the restaurant industry any suggestions for places in the downtown core willing to hire newcomers?

quote:

Originally posted by kvn this thread is pretty helpful considering I am looking for a entry job into the restaurant industry.. I am still in school and tired of the retail business.. but im having a hard time trying to get into the restaurant industry any suggestions for places in the downtown core willing to hire newcomers?

Try places that aren't corporate chains. Typically in the core, the chains will be looking for people who've already worked in resto's, the private owners may be more willing to give you a chance.

Also, if you go in around 2-3ish, you'll likely get the chance to speak to either the manager or owner as that's typically the dead time. Key things to play up: ability to work fast, great memory, enjoy working with people, ability to handle fast pace/high stress conditions.

quote:

Originally posted by The Ear Try places that aren't corporate chains. Typically in the core, the chains will be looking for people who've already worked in resto's, the private owners may be more willing to give you a chance. Also, if you go in around 2-3ish, you'll likely get the chance to speak to either the manager or owner as that's typically the dead time. Key things to play up: ability to work fast, great memory, enjoy working with people, ability to handle fast pace/high stress conditions.

and positive attitude. or else the stress will get to you

PS: Smile!

quote:

Originally posted by The Ear Try places that aren't corporate chains. Typically in the core, the chains will be looking for people who've already worked in resto's, the private owners may be more willing to give you a chance. Also, if you go in around 2-3ish, you'll likely get the chance to speak to either the manager or owner as that's typically the dead time. Key things to play up: ability to work fast, great memory, enjoy working with people, ability to handle fast pace/high stress conditions.

thanks for the advice, I will go resume pitching soon. Also, I don't have my smart serve.. is it a good idea to get it beforehand or after I get hired? Kinda a waste of money to get it if no one is willing to hire me lol. Yah, I think i'll be fine working in the resto industry, I like working with people, I can handle fast pace and never really get too stressed.. i just want the chance too hah.

You can always make $400 day panhandling; http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/s...ing-police.html

im hiring... but its in london. good money though. went from 3 employees last summer to around 10 now. should have 20 or so by feb/march

Re: Re: Working at a Restaurant

quote:

Originally posted by barbina 1) With no experience it may be a bit harder. You're amazingly lucky if you grab a serving job. I'd start by looking for a job as a busser, barback, tray runner or host where they would train you to work around the kitchen and on the floor. Then if you're good 90% of the time they'll train you to serve. 2)Being able to lift trays is a big deal.. so if you have past experience with labour list that. Heavy lifting etc.. 3)If you can get a server job they'll start you off slow, but it all depends on the restaurant, the turnover, the pricing and the crowd. 4) the nicer the restaurant the harder it is to get the job.. just go in, make a great first impression, prove you're reliable and willing to learn and a super fast learner. I've got over 3 years under my belt and I've been turned away for "not enough experience". good luck! its a tough business.. serving is far from easy, but if you get a good job the money is worth the work. edit. I agree with sasha 100% .. but if you can't get anything and you need fast cash... resto work is your spot. get your smartserve! you can't get a job without one

and with no experiance. the best kitchen jobs u might be able to grab are Stewards, Runngers or prep assistants

I wouldn't quit looking for jobs just yet, it takes time!!

If you're still struggling to find one in the next few months or so, then why not start by volunteering at some of these needle exhange programs or facilities?

There are a bunch in Hamilton, the van needle exhange program is always looking for new volunteers or people to help out. It will definately boost your chances of finding a job as it looks really good on the resume.

Try looking around your regional Public Health department for part-time positions and that could open some doors into public drug relation and many new Harm Reduction programs which is becoming more prevalent nowadays.

I'm working at the region of Waterloo in their Public Health dept working sometimes in the immunizations/needle exchange section - some real hardcore users stop by!

Good luck with the search, don't give up!

Re: Re: Re: Working at a Restaurant

quote:

Originally posted by Halycon and with no experiance. the best kitchen jobs u might be able to grab are Stewards, Runngers or prep assistants

did you read what i wrote? because you just said the exact same thing

ps. restaurant training days suck. the one where i'm working down here makes us sit through verbal conferences, take written tests, do menu flashcards AND 4 pages of vocab that we had to write out. I feel like I'm in highschool again

Re: Re: Re: Re: Working at a Restaurant

quote:

Originally posted by barbina did you read what i wrote? because you just said the exact same thing ps. restaurant training days suck. the one where i'm working down here makes us sit through verbal conferences, take written tests, do menu flashcards AND 4 pages of vocab that we had to write out. I feel like I'm in highschool again

lol not really. sorta skimmed and recalled my entry into the food service industry.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.