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Working at a Restaurant
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| Nick Cenik |
Long story short: even though I have a Masters degree in criminology (including completion of special addiction studies and relevant research experience) I cannot seem to find a job in my field (what a surprise! :( ) Harm reduction programs (e.g. needle exchange programs) and other social service/community service programs (e.g. the John Howard Society) simply are not hiring at the moment. So, I'm considering other options.
I'd like some advice re: working at a restaurant.
Specifically, I am planning on visiting a number of different restaurants tomorrow or Wednesday in order to drop off resumes and try to acquire some kind of employment. Questions:
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?
I believe that working in a restaurant may be an appropriate job for me because I enjoy interacting with others and people seem to perceive me as a friendly guy (usually haha).
Thank you kindly folks :) |
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| Sasha |
that. find something in the office environment at least. like a calling centre or some social ...
working at a restaurant won't get you anywhere and you can't even really use it on your resume |
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| VERTiG0 |
| Goddamn, the current job hunters market sure is a sad state of affairs if an educated person such as yourself can't get a job. |
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| ChemEnhanced |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sasha
that. find something in the office environment at least. like a calling centre or some social ...
working at a restaurant won't get you anywhere and you can't even really use it on your resume |
+1....you are better off in an office environment...at least its something that can be put on a resume. |
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| ChemEnhanced |
| quote: | Originally posted by VERTiG0
Goddamn, the current job hunters market sure is a sad state of affairs if an educated person such as yourself can't get a job. |
sometimes too much education is a bad thing. |
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| Inrush |
| quote: | Originally posted by ChemEnhanced
sometimes too much education is a bad thing. |
thats sooooo funny, but sooooo true |
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| DaRoZa |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sasha
that. find something in the office environment at least. like a calling centre or some social ...
working at a restaurant won't get you anywhere and you can't even really use it on your resume |
that's what i was going to say...
an office job lets you build a better rapport with your co-workers and managers as opposed to a stressful environment like a restaurant or retail store. you are more involved in knowing how the business is actually run, and there's a far greater opportunity to get promoted (or at least gain some genuine references) if you do well and seem interested and talented enough to help the company. |
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| kotsy |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sasha
that. find something in the office environment at least. like a calling centre or some social ...
working at a restaurant won't get you anywhere and you can't even really use it on your resume |
listen to him
I'm living proof |
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| barbina |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nick Cenik
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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 |
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| Nick Cenik |
| quote: | Originally posted by barbina
get your smartserve! you can't get a job without one |
I've heard conflicting things about this. Some ppl have said you need it, others have said certain restaurants will not require it. Maybe I'm best off just completing the course to be safe.
(BTW thanks for the great reply hun). |
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| Nick Cenik |
| Also, re: office work: I've applied for various office positions but b/c I have no experience in admin/customer service I've had no success in securing a position. If anybody has any pull/influence for office/admin/customer service PLEASE let me know ;) I'm a rather smart guy and I'm quite proficient with computers. |
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