Almost every venue in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, cruise ships, serves food. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.9% increase in the need for food service managers every year for the next ten years.
While a college education is not necessary—many food service managers learn on the job—a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, restaurant, or food service management may speed you into a position of responsibility. If you are applying for a position as a food service manager, you have probably already spent years in the food industry in other positions, working your way up. Your resume needs to show how you advanced, what you learned at each stage, and how you prepared for the responsibility of managing food services.
In addition to a college degree, if you have it, your resume must show that you meet these qualifications:
- Certifications in food safety. Many states require that food service managers be certified in how to prevent food-borne disease and safely handle food. The state of Florida, for example, requires that a certified food service manager must be on hand at all times in any food establishment with four or more employees.
- Leadership skills. You will be managing people and their attitudes toward food safety. You must be able to get them motivated to meet legal and safety requirements. You may have to hire, train, and even fire employees; you will have to set up their schedule.
- Great restaurant atmosphere delivery. According to one survey, 51% of Americans choose their favorite restaurant because of the food; 38% because of the overall experience, including the atmosphere. Nothing will make a restaurant fail faster than bad food and a bad atmosphere, including disgruntled employees and poor service—which the food service manager should be turning around.
- Customer relationship skills. When customers complain about food and beverages, the food service manager is often the person sent to calm customers down and address their concerns.
- Inventory management skills. You will be expected to order food and beverages, know what is in stock, and keep the stock current.
- Interest in food and beverages. While this may seem obvious, true knowledge about food and wine can take years to develop.
- Business skills. Many food service managers own their restaurants, but all of them need to have enough business skills to recognize the financial need for low turnover, excellent inventory control, and accurate budgeting.
At Robin’s Resumes®, we make sure we understand the requirements of every job—including academic degrees, certifications, skills, and abilities—before we begin writing. We talk directly with you and can provide career coaching if needed. Contact us today.