Fresh Profile: Restaurant Jobs

Published on 2008-03-28

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) projects that in 2008, restaurant sales will exceed $550 billion. Approximately 13 million Americans work in the restaurant industry, making it the nation's largest private-sector employer. It's a diverse labor pool that includes chefs trained at world-class culinary institutions, teenage dishwashers working their first part-time jobs, moonlighters in need of extra income, and entrepreneurs managing single-unit diners and family restaurant chains. If you're interested in a career in the food service industry, these are the qualifications you'll need for the most common restaurant jobs.

Chef

The word chef derives from the French term chef de cuisine, meaning chief or head of the kitchen. Who deserves to be given the title of chef is a topic of debate, but in general, it's an honorific reserved for those who possess a culinary degree. In any event, most chef jobs require a two-year or four-year degree and sometimes additional specialized training. Large restaurants and fine-dining establishments will also advertise for sous chef jobs. Sous (pronounced sue) is French for "under"; this is an assistant position that with time and on-the-job training can lead to a position as an executive chef. Restaurants also require a variety of assistant or line cooks, such as grill cooks, pastry cooks, vegetable cooks, etc. Experience and education requirements for cooks will vary by eating establishment, but completion of at least a basic training program is recommended.

Waiter & Waitress

The majority of waiter and waitress jobs are part-time positions, and about 20% of them are held by workers aged 16 to 19. Because job responsibilities are mostly service-oriented â?? interact with customers and take their orders, serve food and drinks, prepare itemized bills, etc. â?? related experience is usually the most important requirement for applicants. Knowledge of foods and cooking is useful for making menu recommendations to guests. These are often entry-level jobs for high school graduates and students, who appreciate the flexible scheduling and potentially high tips (particularly on busy Friday nights and weekends). With additional training or experience, waitress and waiter jobs can also lead to positions in the kitchen or restaurant bar.

Manager

The job requirements for restaurant managers have evolved in recent years as more schools offer four-year degree programs in hospitality management. However, experience is still widely regarded as the best teacher for restaurant management jobs, and motivated kitchen or service staff can advance into management positions through on-the-job training. In independent restaurants, the restaurant owner may also perform managerial responsibilities. One major plus about the restaurant industry is that it's truly an equal opportunity workplace; the NRA reports that women and minorities comprise 60% of restaurant owners in the U.S., and restaurants employ more minority managers than other industries.

When you're looking for restaurant jobs in New York, California or somewhere in between, make Fresho.com your first stop. Unlike other job search engines, we do not require user registration, and job ad and resume posting are free. Our fast and effective search tools make it easy to find food service jobs in all sectors of the industry.