Finding Hidden Value: Why Hiring Individuals with Past Food Service Experience is a Game-Changer

I recently came across an article in the Wall Street Journal that resonated with me, “The New Coveted Résumé Line: Flipping Burgers”.? The article speaks of the many skills prospective candidates with prior experience in the food service industry bring to the table in today’s workforce.

I started my first job when I turned 14.? It was about 8 hours over the weekend for a small business that helped me earn a little spending money.? I held other jobs after that growing up as well and I always felt that, to varying degrees, they were helping me learn or build on skills to prepare me for my future, but no job came close to preparing me the way that waiting tables did.?? For $2.13 an hour (the federal minimum wage for tipped positions) plus tips I wasn’t exactly raking it in.? In fact, after a biweekly deduction for health insurance and having taxes withheld on my tips, my paychecks often amounted to little more than a non-negotiable ($0.00) “check” and a pay stub showing where the $2.13 per hour went, but the skills that I took away from that experience provided a value beyond measure.

These aren’t necessarily jobs a hiring manager will find called out on resumes, but candidates with prior experience in this sector possess a diverse array of skills that can enhance any team regardless of industry and merit the effort to learn about their broader background:

Adaptability and Flexibility

People who work in food service are experts in adapting. They seamlessly handle unexpected demands, like a sudden rush of customers or a staff shortage. For example, during peak dining times, food service workers learn to manage their tasks amidst chaos. This flexibility translates well to other work environments. As companies increasingly face change, employees who can pivot and tackle challenges are invaluable.

Strong Communication Skills

In food service, clear communication is essential. Employees regularly relay information between the kitchen and the dining room. They learn to express themselves effectively and interpret non-verbal cues. For instance, a server who recognizes a customer’s dissatisfaction without words can quickly de-escalate a situation. Such communication skills are vital in sales, customer service, and team projects, enhancing collaboration and harmony in the workplace.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Food service workers excel in team environments. Each role, from the kitchen to the dining area, is crucial for customer satisfaction. A well-coordinated dinner service can hinge on seamless communication and collaboration between all team members. This experience ingrains a strong sense of teamwork in employees. In industries ranging from tech to healthcare, teamwork is essential for meeting goals and driving success.

Customer Service Expertise

Customer service is at the core of food service jobs. Employees learn to anticipate needs and manage complaints efficiently. For example, a skilled server may recognize a guest requires assistance and proactively offer help before they ask. A relentless focus on delivering for your customers can be valuable regardless of industry.

Time Management Skills

Working in a fast-paced restaurant requires precise time management. Employees handle multiple tasks, from taking orders to serving food, all while paying attention to details. This skill directly benefits other work settings where meeting deadlines is critical. A report from the Project Management Institute states that 70% of projects fail due to poor time management, emphasizing the importance of this skill.

Problem-Solving Abilities

In the food service sector, surprises are common, whether it’s an order mix-up or special dietary requests. Workers quickly learn to resolve these issues swiftly. For instance, a server adept at managing order mistakes can maintain service flow without disrupting the dining experience. This problem-solving ability proves equally beneficial in any organization, where initiative and innovative thinking are essential for continuous improvement.

Work Ethic and Reliability

Food service jobs often involve long hours and demanding conditions. Employees who thrive in this sector showcase a strong work ethic and dependability. Hiring such individuals means bringing on team members who are accustomed to hard work and committed to quality. Having reliable employees can lead to a business that operates smoothly and exceeds performance standards.

Leadership Skills

Many food service workers grow into leadership roles, managing teams, and overseeing operations. These experiences teach essential skills such as motivating team members and providing constructive feedback. For example, a shift leader who successfully trains new staff fosters a positive learning environment. Incorporating individuals with these leadership backgrounds creates a proactive and effective team environment, benefiting overall performance.

Unlocking Hidden Benefits

Hiring individuals with past food service experience offers significant advantages to any organization, but you may need to dig below the surface of a resume to find it. Their adaptability, communication prowess, teamwork skills, customer service expertise, time management abilities, problem-solving aptitude, work ethic, and leadership qualities make them outstanding candidates across various fields.