How to Prepare for an Upscale Restaurant Job Interview

 

Five-star restaurants have higher standards, from food to service, as compared to smaller, chain or family-owned restaurants. Patrons and management at these establishments alike expect nothing short of the best, so interviewing for a job at an upscale restaurant will follow a different set of rules. Here are some tips for you so you can thoroughly prepare in advance:

#1: Review terminology.

Before you head to your interview, make sure you to not only research the restaurant, but also review the usual vocabulary used in a fine dining setting. For example, words that you definitely want to be familiar with include: "à la carte," "al dente," "mis en place," "garde manger," etc. Your hiring manager may or may not use these kinds of terms with you during the interview, but they will be important to know when you work at the restaurant.

#2: Go through the restaurant's menu.

Get to know what the restaurant you applied for offers. You can easily find this out through their website, calling them or requesting a copy to be sent to you via email. Knowing what the dishes the restaurant serves shows that you are set and ready to work there.

#3: Learn about food and wine pairings.

Wining and dining is common practice at upscale restaurants, so your interviewers will surely test you on food and wine pairings. They will typically question you what types of wine go best with particular dishes. If you are looking to be a server, you will need to know this when diners ask for suggestions and recommendations.

#4: Dress appropriately.

The wardrobe will be more formal, so it is recommended to wear a dark-colored business suit or dress. Be mindful of non-essential accessories and jewelry and grooming. Keep your clothing, hair and nails clean and neat.

#5: Don't forget about the basics.

HR managers will still probably ask you the general get-to-know you questions, such as, "Why did you apply for this position," "What is your greatest/weakness," etc. Refresh yourself and find out how to answer the most commonly asked restaurant job interview questions.

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Benefits of Seasonal and Temporary Jobs

 

The holiday season is approaching very quickly, and businesses are in full hiring mode to prepare for the next few months. Therefore, there will be lots of part-time job openings around this time. It might seem like a step backward taking a short-term role, however, there are a quite a number of benefits. Here's why seasonal jobs are actually a good idea:

#1: Earning extra cash

The most obvious benefit is money, as you will be receiving a steady paycheck. You can potentially earn even more from generous tippers during the festive season.

#2: Gaining new experiences

You may learn some new skills from the job, which is always a big plus to your resume. These skills could also be applied to future roles. For example, money handling experience as a cashier can boost your chances when you apply to be a server later on.

#3: Updating your skills

If you have not been working for a while, you can use this time to refresh your skills. Update and improve your existing skill set and capabilities.

#4: Filling in gaps in your resume

Hiring managers typically like to see a consistent employment history, so temporary and seasonal positions help to fill those gaps. Additionally, it shows that you are diligent and is serious about seeking long-term work.

#5: Getting a reference

This is a great opportunity to network and meet more people in the industry. These connections can be great references when you look for work again.

#6: Transitioning into a full-time employee

If you work hard enough and impress your manager, you might receive a full-time offer. Or when the company does have an availability, they might contact you, since you are already familiar with operations. Your employer will be saving money and time because you will not have to be retrained.

So do take full advantage of the holiday labor demand; earn some extra money, skills, experiences and connections for the new year ahead.

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How to Dress for a Restaurant Job Interview

Dressing appropriately for a job interview is one way you can make a good impression. Yet, it can be quite difficult, since the restaurant and hospitality industry is pretty diverse. From fast casual to upscale, the attires vary. Fortunately, the basic rules apply to all.

• Wear clean, wrinkle-free clothes.
• Do not wear jeans or hats.
• Take off distracting jewelry, piercings and accessories.
• Keep it professional and avoid revealing too much skin.
• Trim fingernails and facial hair.

Here are some wardrobe tips for specific roles:

Chefs and Managers

For these roles, you should dress in a suit, or the minimum, a dress shirt and tie; as these positions are the key players in restaurant management. If the restaurant you are applying for is more laid back, business-casual, such as khakis and a button-down shirt, is suitable.

Servers

Servers are the faces of the restaurant floor, so it is important to look tidy and fresh. For formal restaurants, men should wear a suit or dress pants with a shirt, tie and blazer; for women, a pant suit or knee-length skirt is acceptable. For other types of settings, familiarize yourself with the restaurant’s standard uniform and wear clothing that is similar in style.

Cooks and Supporting Roles

The wardrobe for these staff is typically flexible, because, more often than not, they are not seen by patrons. However, it does not mean sneakers or a t-shirt are appropriate. Wear casual dress pants or slacks with a collared top, and a pair of shoes.

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How to Write an Effective Job Description

In order to attract the attention of top talents, as an employer, you have to write an effective job description. As it is the initial starting point of the recruitment process, it needs to be authentic and captivating; so much to the point where candidates feel that they cannot miss out on such a job opportunity. But what are the necessary components to a job description you ask? Here are important elements you must include:

#1: Background Information

This portion needs to be short and to the point. Keep the length to a maximum of two paragraphs. It should include your history, what you do and your mission. You may also recognize your achievements and defining moments. Don't forget to mention other significant details that the candidate for that particular role would care about.

#2: Role Overview

Start the paragraph off with a compelling job title. Provide a summary of the position by listing the main tasks and goals, and name the supervisor/team leader that the candidate needs to report to.

#3: Job Details

For this section, in one to two paragraphs, provide more specific information about the role. Go into detail what the candidate would be doing day-to-day and job responsibilities. Use words to that indicate movement or measurable action, such as "leading", "supervising", "managing", etc.

#4: Qualifications

List ideal traits that you are looking for in candidates, such as, years of experience, certifications and knowledge.

#5: Compensation

Money matters always brings up debate, however, candidates surely would like to see a range of the expected salary, especially those applying for top-level positions. For senior/executive titles, include the salary, benefits and other perks. If you still prefer to not disclose the compensation, let candidates know that it will be discussed privately during the interview itself.

With these five components, your job description is set. Post and share it through your job networks, and prospective candidates will reach out to you in no time.

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Tips on How to Build Your Online Reputation

 

The Internet and social networking play a bigger part in our everyday lives than you think. CareerBuilder found that more than half of hiring managers research applicants using search engines, and 52 percent said they used social networking sites.

It goes to show that you need to be careful of what you put out there on the world wide web. However, you can use these online profiles to help you stand out and distinguish yourself from others in the talent pool.

Here are a few ways you can create a better online reputation and impress your employer:

#1. Exhibit skills and experience.

You can provide your work history in a generic format, but that's just boring. Enhance your profile with graphics or other stimulating visuals to highlight your progression and career growth. You can create an infographic or timeline for greater support. On Harri, you can tag your profile with specialty keywords of your skills and experience, including "POS Systems", "Advanced Knowledge of Cash Registers/Money Handling", amongst many more.

#2. Display your craft.

Share files or links to your personal website and portfolio. This helps break up the amount of reading that your employer may have to do, and increases your memorability factor. Examples of popular types of imagery that are uploaded on Harri include coffee/latte art and beautifully presented/plated dishes.

#3. Show your personality through videos.

Show off your character with videos. Film yourself in your working environment, may it be working in the kitchen or behind the counter. If you like to get more personal, you can also share a short clip of you enjoying your favorite activity or hobby. You can easily import videos in the Gallery portion of your Harri profile.

#4. Provide professional references.

Include professional recommendations and references to boost your online reputation. It acts as written proof to employers of your capabilities.

With these few additions, you can raise your online presence to a greater level. Just make sure that you maintain a professional mindset when you manage all your channels, so that it doesn't hurt your chances of getting a job.

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