Essential Tips for Food Service Career Transitions

Are you looking to make a move from the food service industry to something else? It may feel intimidating, but with the right advice, a career transition can be achievable and even rewarding for those willing to put in the effort.

Whether you’re a waiter, bartender, or line cook, transitioning away from a food service job requires more than just good references. From understanding your skillset to improving your online presence and networking, there are a few tips that can help simplify the process.

1. Identify Your Skills and Transferable Competencies

Regardless of your current job, you possess a variety of skillsets and competencies that are applicable to other industries. Attentiveness, time management, and problem solving are just a few of the common skills that can be transferable, although the number and scope may all depend on the type of food service job held.

Take some time to reflect on what tasks and responsibilities you have had, even if they seem mostly mundane. It may help to view your current job from the perspective of someone thinking about hiring you for a new position. Think about what duties you perform, how you handle customer interactions, and any other skills you have had to learn.

2. Refresh Your Professional Image

Having a professional online presence is important when looking to transition into any new career. Building your brand starts with creating or refreshing your professional resume, LinkedIn profile, and other websites where employers search for candidates.

Blue collar work such as food service jobs doesn’t typically call for a professional bio, making it important to fill any gaps that don’t look attractive to potential employers. Make sure your profile accurately describes who you are and includes the key skills that you bring to the table. Be sure to highlight any times when you’ve had to problem solve, multitask or manage a situation in order to create a successful outcome at work.

3. Establish a Network of Professional Contacts

Networking is essential for any job search, especially in the food service industry. As some jobs may have fewer open positions, using your resources and contacts can help provide good opportunities. Try to connect with former colleagues, managers, and even friends outside the industry who may know of potential job openings or can put you in touch with their connections. It may also be a good idea to put the word out that you’re looking for opportunities in your new field.

Interact with industry-specific magazines and blogs, join LinkedIn groups related to your desired career, and reach out to recruiters who may be looking for candidates with a unique skillset like yours. Professional contacts can open the door to new opportunities.

4. Set a Plan of Action

Once you have taken stock of the skills you possess and identified jobs to target, it's important to create a plan of action. Making a detailed list of tasks and placing a timeline on them is a good way to make sure you stay on the right path. Don’t let things linger for too long or you may lose motivation. Keep track of the companies you have applied to, prioritize job applications, and stay organized with your networking initiatives.

It may also be helpful to research companies before applying, so you can craft tailored resumes and make sure your skills align with the job requirements. Additionally, consider job shadowing, internships or signing up for relevant classes that can provide valuable experience.

5. Take a Chance

Making a successful career transition takes research, preparation and risk-taking. Don’t hesitate to take a leap of faith and try something that is out of your comfort zone. Apply for positions slightly beyond your experience level and be open to new opportunities—you may be pleasantly surprised.

Making a smooth transition from the food service industry may be challenging, but no change is impossible. With the right mindset and preparation, you can create a career pathway that is rewarding and fulfilling. With these essential tips, you’ll be on your way to making a successful career transition.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify skills, competencies and transferable abilities that are applicable to other jobs.
• Refresh and maintain a professional online presence.
• Network with contacts inside and outside the industry, and join relevant LinkedIn groups.
• Create a plan of action and set a timeline for job applications.
• Take a chance and apply for positions slightly beyond your experience level.

Conclusion:

Leaving a job in the food service industry can be a daunting prospect. But, with research, preparation and networking, it’s possible to make a successful career transition that can be rewarding and beneficial in the long term. The right mindset goes a long way when looking to make strides in a new sector, so be sure to stay focused, prepared and keep an open mind.