#JobSearch : How Servers Can Successfully Change Careers. Work in a Restaurant or Hotel? MUst REAd!
For many people, myself included, working as a server or barista is one of our first jobs. It’s often a way to earn extra money during college, or even deliver valuable income during post-university internships. However, for millions of restaurant employees, being a server isn’t a job; it’s a career.
...And the pandemic is changing that.
To me, there are two pieces of data that seem contradictory.
As lockdowns began in 2020, the National Restaurant Association found that more than eight million restaurant employees were laid off or furloughed. Throughout 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently reported that people who work for hotels or restaurants are quitting their jobs at twice the rate of everyone else. In May 2021, that amounted to giving notice.
You’d think with so many layoffs last year, restaurants would be flooded with applicants. Instead, hospitality brands are scrambling to offer everything from signing bonuses to higher wages and better benefits… So what’s going on?
Outside of the obvious health concerns throughout the industry, an additional factor driving the current quit numbers is something Anthony Klotz, an associate professor of management at Texas A&M’s business school, calls “turnover contagion.” Like the coronavirus, it spreads rapidly. When a server quits, it often leaves their restaurant short-staffed. This makes the job even harder for everyone else––motivating more resignations., “Whenever your co-worker leaves, it causes you to think … ‘what is she going to do next? And am I missing out on that opportunity?’” Seeing a coworker get a better opportunity or even pursue a brand-new career can be inspiring––which also drives more servers to give notice.
One possibility is also that generous unemployment payments incentivized servers to stay home, which is why it’s been so hard to restaff after last year’s layoffs. before they’re set to expire in September. Although higher benefits may be one reason for server attrition, I suspect that there’s another that’s far more common. Being away from the restaurant allowed servers time to quietly reflect on their options., being home with his children made him realize how much he values being able to make dinner for them and spending Christmas morning with them. It also made him think about “who I’m working for, what I want out of life now because working 50, 60 hours a week for what they’re paying just – it isn’t worth it anymore.”
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Article continued …
The truth is, landing a great job takes time. It means listing goals, crafting a standout résumé and cover letter, networking and going on interviews. With many servers working until 1 or 2 in the morning, it’s challenging to keep their job, and search for other work. Plus, after a long day of waiting on tables, it’s tough finding the energy to pursue a new career. Whether you recently quit your job as a server or hope to soon, here’s what you should know about making a smooth career transition.
Where Do You Go From Here?
A few years ago,. They selected all of those listing “server” under work history to determine what positions former servers landed after their restaurant career. Although many servers took similar jobs such as a barista or bartender, many found work as personal assistants or administrative assistants. Others became marketing or human resources coordinators, research assistants and agents. There were photographers and case managers, recruiters and teachers…. The point is, the list was incredibly diverse.
There’s no question that numerous industries have actively recruited former servers just like you. Why? Because working in a restaurant helped you develop the soft skills that so many businesses crave. Hard skills are often the result of schooling –– think software design or microbiology. Soft skills, on the other hand, are ones you cultivate in your relationships. In an interview with Medium, “…a lot of men and women may not have the soft skills that will be increasingly valued in the technology world….We’re steadily altering the culture of the workplace, including all technology-based work settings.….we’re not as accepting of personalities that are cold, self-interested, and alpha-oriented. That kind of employee is recognized as under-performing because people realize workplaces are social settings. Being personable is an attainable skill — it’s not something you have to be born with. It can be encouraged, rewarded, and grown.”
and help your company grow. They include being organized, a team player, and having attention to detail. You may have noticed that these soft skills are in successful servers’ toolbox. Soft skills also look great on a résumé. What are some soft skills servers have?
Teamwork
You developed this working in a restaurant. I recommend that you not only note it in your résumé, but reflect on stories from your time serving that really demonstrate your teamwork and collaboration skills. A good interviewee is always showing, not just telling., and as a server you need to seamlessly work with other servers along with cooks, bussers and hosts in order for the business to be successful. The same is true with other companies. If you are unsure of how you’ll land a coveted office job, for example, remind yourself of how great you are at teamwork and how valuable his skill will be.
Attention to Detail
As part of your job, you not only had to remember who ordered what, but also be aware when a bartender or cook made a mistake. Most of the time, it was up to you to make it right. This attention to detail will help you stand out from other applicants. Consider mentioning this in your cover letter, and reflect on stories that demonstrate this skill.
Punctuality
If this seems basic to you, it’s only because it’s likely second nature. Being late or not showing up is an easy way to lose a restaurant job. Potential employers will appreciate this quality. Maybe it isn’t true that 90% of life is just showing up, but this isn’t overstated by much.Show up a few minutes early to interviews, but not too early,.
Networking is vitally important. The majority of jobs. Most positions are filled through connections. Fortunately, you likely already have a large network. Get in touch with fellow college alumni who are working in a job or industry that interests you. If your school has an active alumni network, this can pay real dividends, given that warm contacts are stronger than cold ones (ie. college alumni versus random outreach). In addition, chances are some of your former supervisors left the restaurant business as well. Consider reaching out to them. Finally, if you have any entrepreneur customers with whom you have a good sense of kinship, now is the time to get in touch about possibly supporting their business, letting them know you’re looking.
Remember, soft skills trump almost everything in today’s workplace… Even if you don’t have specific experience, your experiences as a server may put you at the top of the list of applicants. After that, it’s up to you.