Good Resume Karma for Hospitality Workers
Author: Josh Stone
So, you've done your turn in the trenches. You've been a busperson, head waiter, bartender, host, and what-not. After ten to twenty years, many hospitality workers, feeling burned-out at the late shifts and long hours, yearn to break into the ranks of higher management. Yet they find themselves in a kind of 'glass ceiling' situation. They can't get a recruiter to look twice at their resume, even when the qualifications are more than a match for the job.
The place where hospitality is at a disadvantage is the job titles. The hospitality industry being as pinched for profits as it is, someone hired as a waiter or bartender will find themselves performing management functions: balancing books, being in charge of the staff, purchasing, ordering, overseeing the operation of the establishment, and on and on. All of these skills are transferable to higher-salary jobs, but because they were done under the job title of "hostess" or some such, they mean zip as far as an interviewer is concerned.
This is a shame, as the person who knows the business the best is the one who worked their way up through the ranks. The computer age has also sealed the fate of many poorly-considered resumes, as human resource departments search resumes in electronic form, including and excluding keywords and only pulling up those resumes that meet the search criteria.
The recruiter's ultimate responsibility is to the restaurants, hotels, casinos, and clubs which they are hired to represent. This is not to say that they don't also have your best interests at heart; it just means that recruiters have to comply with the job description and qualifications set forth by their clients. So they are unable to present candidates that do not match those requirements - no matter how much a candidate calls back.
So this should tell you something: there are good and bad keywords and phrases. Words like "restaurant, hotel, hostess, waitress, bartender, cook, chef" tend to get you stuck in a rotating cycle of those positions forever. What they fail to address is that you have done work far outside the scope of your job title, and are ready for a meatier career. A broad majority of hospitality job seekers have job titles unrelated to their current career goals.
You are much better off using skill headings rather than job titles, if your goal is to land higher salaries and increase your interview rates. For example, if you were quite practiced in enhanced selling at your business, a handy leading line might be: "A versatile and skilled sales and marketing professional with excellent hands-on experience in developing and improving sales for wholesale and retail operations in the hospitality industry." You did it, why not flaunt it?
Or if you were eventually saddled with overseeing the restaurant staff when all you started out as is a line cook, it's high time you boasted: "An assertive manager with outstanding interpersonal people management skills, experienced in communications, negotiations, operations, and scheduling." Again, your title may not have been manager, but that's still the job you did, and the one you're seeking now!
Bartenders are another catch-all position. The head office sees a bartender as somebody who washes glasses and pours. But the best of all outcomes is when your bar business expands so that now you're booking entertainers, arranging bachelor parties, expanding to include a kitchen, purchasing and warehousing the stock, hiring and firing help, placing advertisements, and generally overseeing the day-to-day operations. You've been promoted in everything but title!
How better to highlight some bullet points:
- Recruited and trained X-number servers and kitchen employees in full service dining.
- Assisted in the X-number% reduction of labor costs through better selection of staff.
- Reduced labor and cost of goods sold by X-number%.
- Carried out a demographic study that pin-pointed the establishment's market.
- Developed and oversaw the new catering program.
- Analyzed and upgraded kitchen equipment to achieve greater efficiency.
- Improved cost control by eliminating waste.
- Consistently ran low-overhead costs throughout seasonal highs and lows.
- Prepared the annual budget for the branch location.
- Directed the development of a new line of appetizers.
To your ears, this may sound like "laying it on thick", and you may be right, but you have to understand that head-hunters think this way. To them, there is no "we switched to a cheaper brand of vodka in our martinis". There is only "efficiently oversaw a new product strategy that reduced price of goods sold".
Chefs are another career category with a few roadblocks in advancement. The publicity of the Celebrity Chefs of the Food Network has helped the chef career gain new stamina in recent years, but maybe that casino manager with the hospitality manager position doesn't watch the Food Network. Many people think 'chef' and are unable to picture anything but a line cook in front of a grill, flipping steaks.
If you engaged in anything involving creativity, such as pastry, planning a menu, designing a new side dish, experimenting with a new recipe, or coming up with a new line of beverages, there's room in marketing and design arts for you. After all, if your endeavors were successful, then that shows that you know your target market and what they like. If your restaurant started hosting banquets and providing catering services, then your responsibilities grew with the business.
Whatever the situation, it's hard not to find examples where you expanded your job experience to fulfill higher duties. The trick, then, is to focus on your newly gained skills, which, after all, you undertook in the first place hoping for advancement, did you not? By phrasing things in a more general way, it makes it evident that your skills are easy to transfer to a new job category.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/resumes-articles/good-resume-karma-for-hospitality-workers-126213.html
About the Author
Freelance writer for over eleven years.
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Resume: one-page or more?
I used to have a two-page resume. While I was working on my MBA, someone suggested changing it to one-page & I have, but now I don’t seem to be getting as many “bites” as before…
With so many companies using electronic resumes & computers to search for keywords would it not be better to have a longer resume, since if I explained my work experience I would have more of the “keywords”? Or should I keep to one little page?
More than one page is totally fine, the most important thing is to include any experience related to the field of work you are trying to get! A lot of places use keywork searches, my company being one of them. We search for certain certifications by name, etc, so if its not in the resume we can’t find it. Employers are rushed and will skim through your resume, but what they are skimming for is those keywords and explanations that show you are a good match for their company, so that’s exactly what you want to include!
Good luck, let me know if you need any more help with your resume, I format and correct them for a living.
I modified my current job title on my resume to help with my online job search, but then I got an interview…
As I wrote above, I changed my current job title to help with keyword searches in my online job hunt. My manager is taking advantage of my experience and abilities, and I’ve basically been doing his job while he travels around with his wife. I’m leading the team here in his absence, but I’m not getting paid for the extra work I do. I’ve been looking around for a new job, and I’ve included this experience (managing a team of people, checking timecards, etc.), but because it doesn’t really match my title, I changed it on my resume. I just had a phone interview with someone from one of the companies that found my resume, and while it wasn’t a good fit, I’m wondering what I should do about my title. The recruiter at that company still has it and I told them to let me know if anything else comes around for me. Should I fess up now, or should I wait for another call to interview? I’m not a liar, but my current situation is unique. Please help!
Allow me to clarify my question. A number of companies already have the version of my resume with the wrong title (the job responsibilities are 100% accurate, but do not reflect my current job title–which is why I’m looking for a new job in the first place). My question is, for those companies that already have my resume, when (and in what way) should I clarify that inaccuracy? When do I tell them “oh, by the way…”? In particular, the first company that called me has already given me a phone interview. I’m very interested in something else they might have, so when/how do I tell the recruiter at that company that while the title is wrong, the rest is correct?
if you are worried, tell the interviewer that your title is one that you believe reflects your job duties, paid or otherwise. If you actually do that work, then it’s not a lie. If you are concerned that your previous employer will catch you out, most employers just confirm that you work somewhere and the dates. very few actually give an opinion these days
What are keywords you should use for a job interview or resume?
I have an upcoming job interview and i wanted to know keywords i should use like diligent and good team worker. Any more?
Read the job description thoroughly. Make a list of the qualities they ask for such as team player (yuk!) or confidentiality or whatever their “buz” words are.
Prepare your answers to common questions like:
What is your best quality – or your worst??
What would your co-workers say about you?
What problem did you have with a coworker and how did you resolve it?
How do you prefer your supervisor to communicate with you?
You can find these common questions on the internet somewhere. Type out examples of things you have done or happened.
Then incorporate these “buz” words from the job description into these answers, i.e., “I am a great team player” and helped a coworker with this problem…….
Use their words and match their job description.
What are keywords you should use for a job interview or resume?
I have an upcoming job interview and i wanted to know keywords i should use like diligent and good team worker. Any more?
hardworking
detail oriented
team player
eager to learn
dependable
efficient
prepared
Would it be a good idea to put “keywords” at the bottom of my resume when I send it to recruiters?
One of my friends who is in HR says that most resumes given to recruiters are scanned by machines looking for key words (similar to their postings on websites). Would it be a god idea to put those things on the bottom of my resume. There are some things in my field that have different jargon based on where you are from. I am concerned that if I don’t put the right one in there I won’t even be looked at.
Hi Butnozzle
A bit of research leafing through the adverts of your chosen field should provide you the list of keywords most suitable for ‘scanning’ purposes. From there, incorporate them into the body of your resume.
Putting them at the base of the resume is obvious and speak to a lack of interest, creativity and care to create the right impression.
Agencies are the first step only. They will send candidates out to potential employers but they also have vested self interest there – they don’t want to send someone who will embarrass them either by being underqualified or in some other way.
Time taken to impress at all levels will stand you in good stead ALL the way.
Cheers, Peps
Where is a good website to get a list of keywords to use for my resume?
Im looking for a good website to get a list of keywords that I can use when Im posting my resume with job site search engines, and fortune 500 companies. This helps when you have a target job that you are looking for. the more key words the better.
Hello,
I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, look at the job description of the position you are applying for. Include some of the words in the job description within your resume. This may help get the resume noticed in job search engines.
I have included 2 links to 2 posts about using power (or action) words within your resume. I hope they help you out. You can also use http://www.thesaurus.com to give you ideas if you feel you are using the same word too much.
Good luck.
What are some good search engine keywords to find a great software sales engineer?
If don’t want keywords like “sales engineer” because that is too generic. Also, if I was a candidate, I would only want my resume to be seen by a HIRING MANAGER (not a generic recruiter or other job seekers/hunters), so a keyword like “hire sales engineer” might be good. (Again, a generic term like “software technical sales” would NOT be good because it might just be some other job seeker candidates looking for work, not the hiring manager.)
Will resume written in Microsoft works word processor upload onto job applications?
I am trying to fill out applications for work & some of the sites ask for resume to be uploaded. My resume is on my home computer on Microsoft Works Word Processor . The last two times I sent it on an application, it appeared to take it, but I never heard anything back. Would it be better to try to paste? Would one way be better than another? Most of these resumes would be going to large companies who I guess use some sort of program to scan for particular keywords.
It usually takes a while before anyone answers you. Your resume is most likely going through OK. Sometimes employers will send you a confirmation, but most of the time they don’t. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE YOUR RESUME because the format will get messed up.
If you do need help with writing a good resume, I offer a low cost resume writing service. I have an ad on e-bay and have had over 300 satisfied customers. I only charge $15.00 that includes up to a two page resume, general cover letter and reference list. You can find me on e-bay, or if you don’t have e-bay contact me directly at: ResumesByPatty@yahoo.com. Thanks.
How good are resume development and career search websites in India ?
I would like to avail of the professional services of reputed sites like Naukri, Monster, etc. in India. How good / effective are these for Resume Development & job-hunt for mid-career professionals. I have heard they are good at inserting popular “keywords” into the Resume to help one get more responses from employers. Is that so ? What are the alternatives ?
well see http://ebiznus.com for this I hope this will be resolving your problem you can also browse more for this on answers.yahoo.com but i think you better look at what i suggested it helped me too.
Best of luck.
I need someone to help me find a job.?
I’ve tried searching online and in newspapers. I’ve found countless jobs for which I qualify, but I haven’t gotten any interviews. I’ve modified my resume several times according to several online advice pages, including advice on Careerbuilder, Monster and other advice that I find online. I use keywords and action verbs and list accomplishments as suggested, but I’ve been searching for months now. I have a horrible little job that is killing me slowly and really, really need a better job. I’ve applied at ACT 1 and Apple One job agencies, but nothing yet. I’m really desperate. Is there an agency or are there individuals I can turn to for help? I’m in the blue collar workplace. My experience is in office, secretarial and administrative with light accounting. Please if anyone has an aswer to my questions, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.
Have you done call-backs a week later to check up on your application? Have you applied on Mondays? (It looks more professional & they’re more likely to look at your application then & remember you the rest of the week, than say on a Thursday afternoon or Friday.) Have you looked professional & acted professional/nice/confident? You may need a makeover because appearance has a big impact. Make sure you are clean shaved, good clothes for your industry, etc. Google “business appearance” if you need ideas.
Which sounds better? Please help!!?
I think “job task planning” is a keyword for employers so I would like to keep it on my resume but I’m not sure if the second part should be there or with a different skill. Also, which of these 2 sounds better?
Job task planning to get jobs done efficiently, reliably, and consistently
Job task planning to get jobs done with efficiency, reliability and consistency
Please help! I’m stressing over this one little detail!!
Skills:
Communicate well
Basic computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office
Work efficiently on a team as well as independently
Manage time efficiently and stay organized
Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment
( Job task planning to get jobs done efficiently, reliably, and consistently
Job task planning to get jobs done with efficiency, reliability and consistency)
Work with minimal supervision
Here is what I would put, my suggestion is in Caps.
Skills:
Communicate well
- EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS BOTH VERBAL AND NON VERBAL
Basic computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office
- CAN YOU STRETCH THIS TO INTERMEDIATE?
Work efficiently on a team as well as independently
- ABILITY TO WORK AUTONOMOUSLY AS WELL AS IN A TEAM ENVIRONMENT
Manage time efficiently and stay organized
- EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS
Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment
( Job task planning to get jobs done efficiently, reliably, and consistently
Job task planning to get jobs done with efficiency, reliability and consistency)
- I DON’T THINK YOU NEED THIS, IT’S DESCRIBED WITHIN TIME MANAGEMENT. IT SOUNDS IMMATURE AND UNPROFESSIONAL TO ME.
Work with minimal supervision
- ABILITY TO WORK WITH MINIMAL SUPERVISION
- ADD – FLEXIBLE AND RELIABLE
Is it possible to ask to switch a resume?
Hello. To make the long story short, the company i work for has been expanding its employees therefore, more jobs are being open. I decided to apply for a position. At the end of the day, I turned in my resume and went straight to school after wards. while i was in class, I notice in my folder i had an extra resume so, out of curiosity, i ask my professor to look at my resume and to give me any tips. He basically told me it was generic and that i had to revamp the entire resume. He gave me keywords in the job description there looking for in a candidate as well as some template styles i should go online and use. I finally had some time yesterday to redo my entire resume and came into school today to show my professor.
He said it was a lot better than the ‘generic’ version. The posting ended yesterday so im well aware that there about to start looking through applications. I was wondering if anyone whose ever done inside the job applications; Are we allowed to contact HR and ask to switch out the old resume with the new one.
Im well aware that this is a ‘tough luck’ type of question but if there is some hope i can switch it out tomorrow, it could improve my chances of a better job and career building experience.
In shortness, Im currently enroll in college and the job i work for never ask for a resume therefore, my resume skills are pretty bad; Once i understood what my professor was saying, even if i dont get the job due to it, i will understand how to write a professional resume.
Should be no problem – get to the HR department and ask personnel in charge if you can replace your resume with a new one – as some information is wrong! She won’t know what is wrong and you don’t have to state – just say I’ve got it fixed – can you replace it now and give me the old one?