How to Get Promoted in the Restaurant Industry

7 Tips for Getting That Restaurant Job Promotion

Are you ready for the next level in your restaurant career? What do you do next to get noticed for that promotion? Below are 7 keys to your next promotion.

Quantify Your Accomplishments – Your results and outcomes tell a very telling tale about your performance. Are any key metrics better on your shifts/in your store/in your markets? Labor productivity, labor cost, food cost, turnover, check average, drive-thru time, add-on sales, Guest Satisfaction Survey results…these are all quantifiable results. “Decreased labor by 4%.” “Reduced prep waste by 12%.” While you’re not personally responsible for every improvement or cent saved, you should take some credit where some of the credit is due.
Speak Up for Yourself – Yes, this will involve self-promotion, a little blowing of your own horn, but do it anyway. Nobody cares as much about your career progression as you do so let your supervisors know what you’ve accomplished.
Tell Your Supervisor You Want a Promotion – Many restaurant leaders don’t lay awake at night trying to figure out how to best promote their people. You need to speak up and say, “Look at what I’ve already brought to the table for the company. I’ve demonstrated my leadership skills on the last menu rollout. I am ready to move into a larger role. What do I need to do to do that?”
Apply for Open Positions – I know, “Duh!” But, a lot of people sit on their hands, assuming their boss already knows them and if they haven’t been offered the job without asking for it, that must mean that she doesn’t want you in the job. Maybe, but unlikely. Apply for the position! Apply for it internally through your supervisor first and apply for it externally through the corporate website, etc.
Take on Additional Projects – “I need someone to head this project,” says your boss. That’s your clue to step up. Someone to take track the boss’ markets comp trends, lead the new Local Store Marketing program, Lead the next staff meeting. Volunteer and be seen!
Ask a Peer for Help – Food always creates a willing helper. Ask someone who sees you in action to meet outside of work for lunch. Share your career plans with them. Ask for their opinion on what your strengths are and where your opportunities lie.
Update your resume – This task will help you to more clearly specify and quantify your accomplishments. Plus, it’s good to keep your resume updated, especially since you’re going to be applying for higher positions!

If all else fails, call me. Maybe I have the perfect opportunity for you with one of my clients!