1 FRMCA Level 1, Chapter 12 Building a Successful Career in the Industry 2015 Summer Institutes Level 2

2 Session Objectives Identify skills needed by foodservice professionals. Outline a plan for an effective job search. Write a résumé that lists your experience, skills, and achievements. Write an effective cover letter. Compile the best examples of your work into a portfolio. Read and complete a job application form.

3 Session Objectives continued List ways to find and apply for scholarships. Read and complete college and scholarship application forms. List the steps to an effective job interview. Explain the follow-up steps for a job interview. List ways to manage time and stress.

4 Session Objectives continued Explain the importance of professional development, and list ways to achieve it. Identify career opportunities in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

5 Careers Career: A profession or work in a particular field, such as foodservice, that individuals choose for themselves. People advance in their careers by mastering the skills needed for their jobs, and by showing they are qualified to take on new responsibilities. Training and additional education can help motivated individuals move up the career ladder.

6 Career ladder: A series of jobs through which people can further their careers Career Ladders

7 Communication Teamwork Positive attitude Willingness to learn Technology literacy Math literacy Analyzing Problem solving Knife and other equipment skills Food safety knowledge Product knowledge Required Career Skills

8 Developing Career Skills Now How to develop skills necessary for success in the restaurant and foodservice industry: Make a commitment to put forth your best efforts. Work part-time in the industry while in school. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges in school and to work at learning new skills. Be active in school clubs and activities. 12.1

9 Developing Career Skills Now continued Volunteer time in the community. Take some time to read and learn on your own. Familiarize yourself with basic computer functions and software programs. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve learning and work habits while still in school and working part time. 12.1

10 The Job Search Students who learn how to find a job now have a head start when they are ready to work full time. Job hunting can be exciting and fun. The job market is the ideal place to tell others about abilities, talents, and dreams. People find jobs in a wide variety of ways. Some employers recruit graduates from a particular high school. Many recruit from colleges and universities. Others print employment ads online and in local newspapers. 12.1

11 The Job Search continued Search job ads in online job search engines and job banks by keyword, discipline, and location. Job ads in newspapers are listed alphabetically by job title or job category. 12.1

12 Résumé, Portfolio, and Cover Letter Tools needed for conducting a job search include: Résumé Portfolio Cover letter 12.1

13 Preparing a Résumé Résumé: A written summary of experience, skills, and achievements related to the job being sought Similar to a sales brochure, a résumé tells an employer why the applicant is the best person for the job. It should be short—no more than one page—and should contain only the most important information. It should include relevant work experience. When work experience is lacking, describe other tasks completed—highlighting various skills and abilities—and explain how skills and abilities relate to the job.

14 Preparing a Résumé continued References: Contact information for unrelated people willing to provide information about the applicant’s character, ability, work ethic, or academic standing. A résumé changes as the applicant gains more experience, training, and education.

15 Building a Successful Portfolio Portfolio: A collection of samples showcasing interests, talents, contributions, and studies A portfolio displays an applicant’s finest efforts and is a good self- marketing tool to show potential employers. Select samples that highlight your best talents. Each sample should be accompanied by a brief explanation of why it is important. A portfolio is best displayed in a three-ring binder or folder. It should be about 10 pages in length and easy to carry to interviews. 12.1

16 Building a Successful Portfolio continued Start collecting materials for a portfolio while still in school. Creating a complete and accurate portfolio is an ongoing process. Electronic portfolios are a great way to showcase a collection of work and require minimal effort to access. 12.1

17 Creating a Winning Cover Letter Cover letter: A brief letter introducing an applicant to a potential employer. Can be a printed letter or a cover message. The cover letter should highlight your strengths and confirm your interest in the open position. Keep the cover message brief and be sure to use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 12.1

18 Job Application Job application: Gives the employer general information and some insight about an applicant Shows how well the applicant can follow instructions and communicate Shows employment history 12.2

19 Tips for Completing a Job Application Write or print clearly. On questions about money, write “Open.” Sign or acknowledge on the application that you have answered all questions and provided information that is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Remember that even with no work experience, you may still have the qualities and skills needed in the workplace. 12.2

20 College Applications College or trade school applications require information about the applicant’s education. Applicants may be asked to state the program or course of study for which they are applying, and may request a short essay. Essays should provide information that indicates how the applicant will be successful. High school transcripts must be sent to the college. Applications must be delivered to schools by a specified deadline. 12.2

21 Most careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry require at least a high school diploma, or the equivalent, as does admission to a college or trade school. Although not all restaurant and foodservice careers require a college education, today many do. College Applications continued 12.2

22 Scholarships Scholarship: A grant or financial aid award to a student for the purpose of attending college. Most people need help to pay for tuition and other expenses at colleges, trade schools, and community colleges. To find scholarships: –Contact the financial aid office of the school to find out what types of scholarships are offered and how to apply for them. –Search the Internet. –Talk with a guidance counselor. 12.2

23 Scholarships continued Some states and schools also have financial aid to offer students, including grants, educational loans, and work study. To qualify for financial aid, the student and the student’s parents need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called FAFSA, at The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation funds many scholarships as well. Visit

24 Completing College and Scholarship Applications Remember that all of these applications have deadlines. Be sure to keep track of them, and make sure that you have enough time to provide all of the necessary documents. –Essays and samples of work –Transcripts Provide all components. Incomplete applications are not processed. To write essays successfully: –Focus on successes and future goals. –Ask an adult to review drafts. –Be sure to check grammar, spelling, and composition.

25 Display a positive attitude. Smiling and enthusiastic applicants suggest they will do their work in the same manner. Use good manners. When meeting the interviewer, applicants should smile, extend their hand, and exchange a friendly greeting. Show interest. Learn basic facts about the company before the interview. The Interview 12.3

26 The Interview continued The interview provides a chance to: –visit a workplace –learn more about position –meet new people –practice interviewing skills Potential employer asks questions to “get to know” the applicant and identify talents required for the available job. Depending on the job level, most job interviews last about an hour. 12.3

27 The Interview continued Practicing interviewing skills with a friend is a good way to prepare for the real interview. Closed questions can be answered with a simple yes or no, or with a brief, factual statement. Open-ended questions are designed to encourage you to talk about yourself, make you feel more comfortable, and give the interviewer important information and valuable insight about you. 12.3

28 The Interview continued Tell the truth when answering questions regarding previous salary history. Avoid talking negatively about previous managers and coworkers. The interviewer is not allowed to ask about your race, national origin, gender, religion, marital status, age, physical or mental disabilities, or sexual preference. 12.3

29 Closing the Interview Asking questions shows confidence and helps the applicant make sure the job is a good match, both personally and professionally. When the interview is over, smile, shake the person’s hand, and thank the interviewer for taking the time to explain the job. Before leaving, obtain the interviewer’s contact information. –Follow up on the interview. A simple thank-you note shows interest in the job. 12.3

30 Health and Wellness Staying healthy is the key to building skills, gaining experience, and working up the career ladder. Eat right. Get exercise. Don’t smoke. Find something else to love. Don’t take drugs, and, when of legal age to do so, drink alcohol responsibly. Take advantage of the resources offered. Have a plan for saving money. Find a job that makes you happy. 12.4

31 Stress and Time Management Stress: The condition or feeling that demands exceed the resources available for use. Stress may be caused by factors such as time pressures, grades, getting into college, and relationships. Stress management: A process used by people to identify what causes them stress in the workplace and in their personal lives, and then applies various strategies to minimize their effects. 12.4

32 Stress and Time Management continued Time management: Uses tools to increase a person’s efficiency and productivity. Skills needed for time management include: –Planning: Document what needs to happen in a certain period of time. –Goal setting: Always set a time line for task completion. –Setting priorities: Identify order of tasks based on importance. –Delegating: Assign tasks to someone else and ensure completion. Leaders help their staff: Managers who manage their stress and maintain their own quality of life help foster that behavior in their employees. 12.4

33 Staying Educated and Involved Continuous improvement and professional development is essential for success in restaurant or foodservice management. Part of self-development is being involved in the industry. Achieving certifications is one key way to improve professionally. Attending continuing education courses through a local college or university is essential for manager’s knowledgeable of the latest industry information. 12.4

34 Staying Educated and Involved continued Professional organization membership is one way to stay on the industry’s “cutting edge.” Industry publications provide a resource for professional development opportunities. Networking helps professionals: –Stay current with industry trends –Connect with industry people –Build relationships that may result in career advancement 12.4

35 Entry-Level Jobs Host/hostess/cashier Hosts perform a variety of functions, including: –Greeting customers –Assisting guests with coats or items to check –Taking reservations –Seating customers –Asking whether departing customers enjoyed their meals and thanking them for their visit –Answering customers’ questions about hours of operation, types of credit cards accepted, and what menu items are available –Acting as cashier in some operations 12.5

36 Server: In a full-service operation, servers greet customers, take their orders, serve the orders, check on customers’ needs after serving the meal, and continue to provide service until customers have left the table. Quick-service counter server: Counter servers greet customers, take their orders, accept payment, and thank customers for their patronage. Entry-Level Jobs continued 12.5

37 Buser: The buser is primarily responsible for clearing and grooming the tables. Prep cook: Prep cooks help the more experienced cooks and chefs prepare and cook guests’ orders. Dishwasher: Clean, sparkling, sanitary tableware is essential to an enjoyable meal, and dishwashers see that this function is fulfilled. Entry-Level Jobs continued 12.5

38 Careers in Restaurant and Foodservice Industry Owner/operators and entrepreneurs General managers: Responsible for overall planning, direction, and coordination of the business Managers: Responsible for hiring and supervising employees, staff training, and maintaining an operation Assistant managers: Responsible for helping manager Executive chefs: Oversee the entire kitchen Sous chefs: Lends cooking expertise to overall food production; leads the team in the executive chef’s absence Banquet chefs: Responsible for catered parties, functions, and banquets Pastry chefs: Pastry and baking production Station cooks: Responsible for a variety of areas within a kitchen 12.5

39 Careers in the Restaurant and Foodservice Industry continued Food writers Food stylists Foodservice marketers Research and development chefs Food scientists Nutritionists and dietitians Food production and food processing Accountants and controllers Trainers Retail food managers Foodservice and hospitality educators

40 Careers in the Lodging Industry General management Accounting and financial management Human resources Marketing and sales Front office Housekeeping Engineering and facility maintenance Security Food and beverage Concierge 12.5

41 Careers in Travel and Tourism Transportation Travel agent Corporate travel office employees Airline careers Trains Cruise ships Charter services, buses, limousines, and cars Tourism Tour guide Tourism office employees Convention and meeting planners Travel writers and photographers Theme park and amusement park employees National Park Service 12.5