HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT CAREER STARTER Phần 6 doc

Career-Related Websites Some of the online resources available to the job hunter are listed next. But don’t limit yourself to this selection; using any Internet search engine or portal (such as www.dogpile.com, www.hotbot.com, or www.yahoo.com), you can enter a keyword such as: “resume,” “job,” “career,” “job listings,” or “help wanted” to find thousands of others. 6-Figure Jobs—www.6figurejobs.com About.com—www.jobsearch.about.com/jobs/jobsearch/msubrespost.htm America’s Employers—www.americasemployers.com America’s Job Bank—www.ajb.dni.us Boston Herald’s Job Find—www.jobfind.com Career Builder*—www.careerbuilder.com Career.com—www.career.com CareerNet—www.careers.org CareerWeb—www.cweb.com College Central Network—www.employercentral.com Gary Will’s Worksearch—www.garywill.com/worksearch JobBank USA—www.jobbankusa.com JobLynx—www.joblynx.com JobSource—www.jobsource.com Monster Board—www.monster.com Occupational Outlook Handbook—www.stats.bls.gov/oco/oco1000.htm Salary.com—www.salary.com Vault.com—www.vaultreports.com/jobBoard/SearchJobs.cfm Wall Street Journal Careers—www.careers.wsj.com Yahoo Careers—www.careers.yahoo.com *CareerBuilder lists ads from major newspapers, including the Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, San Jose Mercury News, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Southern Florida Sun-Sentinel. Hotel and Restaurant Manager Employment Sites Most of these sites list only jobs in your profession; however a few of them are more comprehensive. Conduct a search on the Internet with terms such as “hotel [or restaurant] manager” and “employment” to find more sites. 109 Finding Your First Job Ehotelier—www.ehotelier.org Federal Job Announcements—www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.html Food Service.com—www.foodservice.com Hotel Manager Jobs—www.hotelmanagerjobs.com Hospitality Careers—www.hcareers.com Hospitality Executive—www.hospitalityexecutive.com Hospitality Online—www.hospitalityonline.com/jobs National Hospitality Associates—www.nationalhospitality.com Restaurant Beast—www.restaurantbeast.com Restaurant Jobs—www.restaurantjobs.com Restaurant Managers.com—www.restaurantmanagers.com Restaurant Recruit—www.restaurantrecruit.com Restaurantville—www.restaurantville.com SOS hotels—www.soshotels.com Government Job Searches Finding a job with the government is a more involved process than finding one at a small business or corporation. While some federal agencies have the authority to test and hire applicants directly, most work through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which accepts applications, administers the appropriate written tests, and then submits an eligibility list of qualified candidates to the agency for consideration. For example, if you want a job with The Department of Agriculture, you will have to wait until you see a specific vacancy announcement posted through the OPM, then go through the office to start the application process. There are several ways to get information from the OPM, with the easi- est being through their website at www.opm.gov. On this site, you can read answers to frequently asked questions, read about changes that are affecting government employees, read and download or print some of the forms you may need, and get some background information about the OPM. You can also contact them at 202-606-1800. The OPM also operates www.usajobs.opm.gov, which lists employment opportunities, including the full text of the job announcement. The announcement will give you the classification of the job, known as a “grade.” 110 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter It will indicate the experience necessary, salary level, and other features. Once you have read the application process for a specific job, you can access an online application that may be used to create a resume. After creating it, you can submit the resume electronically, or save it to their system to retrieve and edit for future use. You may also find a food service position with the government at many individual agencies, which do their own hiring and maintain websites that list job openings. Federal Jobs Digest maintains a website that claims to be the country’s premier source of federal job information. They not only post job openings, but also allow you to register your resume, conduct a job- matching search, and read job descriptions, including the extensive benefits that come with federal employment. Check them out at www.jobsfed.com. Industry-specific periodicals, such as those listed in the next section, often list federal government job openings, as do national newspapers. You may also get information from a Federal Job Information Center. There is at least one of these centers in each state, which posts federal job openings for the area in which it is located. While many offer only a recording over the telephone or several job announcements posted on the wall, they can be a worthwhile contact. Industry Newsletters & Magazines If you are already a member of one or more of the hospitality industry asso- ciations, you are familiar with the publications they produce; if not, consult the list in Appendix B. There are hundreds of newsletters and magazines that deal with the industry as a whole, or specific segments of it. Many of them contain classified sections in which job opportunities are listed. This is especially true of those associations that publish material on their web- sites. In addition to discovering specific employment openings in industry pub- lications, your reading will help you to track changes and identify trends in the industry. Newsletters and magazines often announce breaking news and explain its significance. Being up on industry news will help convince poten- tial employers that you will be a valuable asset to their business. The fol- lowing are some helpful periodicals: 111 Finding Your First Job National Publications—Broad Industry Coverage Nation’s Restaurant News—weekly, 800-944-4676 Restaurant Business—bimonthly, 212-592-6264 Restaurant Economic Trends—monthly, 202-331-5900 Restaurant Hospitality—monthly, 216-696-7000 Restaurants & Institutions—monthly, 800-446-6551 Restaurants USA—monthly, 202-331-5900 NETWORKING It is estimated that up to 90% of all jobs are filled by word of mouth. That means that someone you know, perhaps even an acquaintance, may be instrumental in helping get you employed. But that doesn’t mean you should sit around waiting for someone to call with a job offer. Instead, be in active contact with those you know, in effect, creating a network, and work your network as an integral part of your job search process. Described in this way, the process probably sounds a lot less complicated and intimidating than the “networking” you may have heard of. Networking is simply the art of making contact with others to obtain information or get help meeting a specific goal. Successful people know that it is useful throughout a career, both when just starting out, and when looking to move ahead. But there are still some who picture it as insincere small talk or hand- shaking. Don’t let that reputation get in the way—when done properly, net- working is completely sincere, and can provide many benefits, such as:  mentoring  making contacts within a hiring company  furthering training  getting information about trends in the industry  increasing business Todd Warren, director of sales and marketing for a large hotel group, notes that once you are employed, you will need to network with your peers at other lodging establishments. He also offers the following: 112 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter The key to successful networking, no matter where you are in your career, is to break down the process into seven, easy-to-follow steps. An exploration of these steps follows, showing each one’s direct application to a hotel or restaurant management job search. Step One: Identify Small Goals Your ultimate goal, not only for networking, but for the entire job search process, is to find a great job. However, you shouldn’t approach day-to-day networking as a means to that larger goal. Instead, as your first step, identi- fy smaller goals that can be met quickly. For instance, suppose you have nar- rowed down your search to three hotels in your area. Now, you want to get “inside” information about them in order to decide which to apply for a job with. Or, you may simply be seeking advice from those already working in the field. Once your goals are identified, you can best determine how to meet them. Step Two: Be Informed If your goal is to seek advice about employers in your area, get as much information as you can first. Research the companies that hire hotel or restaurant managers as described earlier in this chapter. Understand the Hotels in the same city rely on each other. Even though we are com- petitors, we need to work together. For instance, if I am sold out, I will send guests to your hotel, and I expect you to do the same for me. It is not uncommon for hotels to call each other and check on availability. If you don’t have positive relationships with your com- petitors, you will miss out on information, and on the business they can send you. Plus, as you get along in your career, you may find yourself working with one or more of them. It pays to network, and be a team player, with your peers in the hospitality industry. 113 Finding Your First Job field in general, too. You want to sound like you have done your homework when you begin to make contacts. This is also the step in which you should begin to make a list of potential contacts that may help you meet your goal(s). If you are in school, the per- son running the Job Placement Office should be at the head of your list. Then, look to your research: you have probably read the names of others you can add to your list (heads of human resource departments, and others who do the hiring for their businesses). Others who may be of help to you are:  friends and relatives  current or former fellow students  current or former teachers  other members of professional associations  other professionals, such as your insurance agent  people who work for a company you would like to work for Newsletters from your industry associations may list hotel or restaurant managers working in your area. The Internet is also a good place to find contacts. Industry association websites may provide you with leads, and there are an increasing number of sites that provide message boards on which job seekers can network. Check out some of the business sites listed throughout this chapter, and find other sites by searching the Internet with terms such as “networking” and “job search.” Step Three: Make a Connection Using the list of potential contacts you developed in step two, build your network. Connect with each person, and take the time to let him or her know about your job search. Tell them briefly about your education, and what makes you a superior candidate. Give them a good idea about the types of positions you are most interested in. In other words, be sure that every- one you know who may be able to help you land a job knows that you are looking for one! During these contacts, work on developing a list of hotel or restaurant managers who work at the places where you are interested in finding 114 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter employment. Call them, or visit them at work. Although busy, most will take a few minutes to speak with a prospective newcomer. They were new to the business once themselves, so if you are careful not to take up too much of their time, they will probably be willing to give you some information. Begin by introducing yourself, showing that you are informed (step two) and interested in what they have to say. Then, ask if they are willing to help you. Step Four: Ask for What You Want If your contact indicates that he or she is willing to help you, be honest and direct about what you want. If your goal is to find out inside information about the restaurant in which a contact works, tell her that you are thinking of applying to work there. Then, ask questions such as:  “How do you like the restaurant?”  “What are the benefits of working here?”  “What is the atmosphere like?”  “Where else have you worked, and how does this restaurant compare?” Step Five: Expand Your Network One of the most valuable pieces of information you can get from a contact is another contact. After you have received the information you need to meet your step one goal(s), simply ask if he or she would mind sharing with you the name of another person who might also be able to help you. Also consider requesting informational interviews at hotels or restaurants that interest you. An informational interview is one in which you meet with someone to find out about the company, and may be an excellent opportu- nity to:  learn more about how the hotel or restaurant works  gain interview experience  make a contact that might help you get a job in the future 115 Finding Your First Job You can also expand your circle of contacts by joining professional organ- izations while you are still a student (many even offer discounted student memberships). Be sure to join both national organizations and their local chapters. Though the national organizations can give you valuable informa- tion, it is on the local level that you will be more effective at networking. Go to local meetings and ask questions—people almost always like to talk about their jobs—and volunteer for committees. The members of your local hotel or restaurant manager group will most likely know about job openings before anyone else does. Step Six: Organize Yourself You have probably already written down your goals, and made lists of con- tacts. Once you have spoken with some of them, organization becomes even more important. You will need to keep track of your contacts, as well as the information you receive from them. When you need to connect with this person again in the future, you will be able to easily access your information. There are software packages that can help you to keep track of your net- working contacts, or, you can simply use a notebook and organize yourself. For each contact, note:  name  address  e-mail address  phone number (work, pager, cellular phone, residence)  fax number  company name  job title  first meeting—where, when, the topics you discussed  last contact—when, why, and how 116 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter Step Seven: Maintain Your Contacts It is important to maintain your contacts once you have established them. Try to reach people again within a couple of weeks of meeting them. You can send a note of thanks, ask a question, or send a piece of information related to your conversation with them. This contact cements your meeting in their minds, so they will remember you more readily when you call them again in the future. If you haven’t communicated with your contacts for a few months, you might send them a note or e-mail about an article you read, rel- evant new technology, or other information, to keep your name fresh in their minds. As you begin your job hunt, keep in mind that you are not just looking for a job; you are looking for a good job, one you will enjoy and feel chal- lenged by. Remember: you are not begging for employment; you are trying to find an employer who will be a match for your skills and talents. Once you have found an available position or positions that interest you, you will need to contact potential employers and express your interest. Chapter 5 explains how best to make that contact, from the initial phone call or letter, to the interview and job evaluation. THE INSIDE TRACK Who: Lyle Feingold What: Kitchen Manager Where: Gray Hill Academy Dallas, Texas INSIDER’S STORY I’m one of eleven kids, so my mom did a lot of cooking! I always liked helping her in the kitchen, from just stirring or slicing vegetables, to making whole meals by myself when I was older. There’s something really satisfying about taking a pile of ingredients and transforming them into something that’s both beautiful to look at and delicious. I trained as a chef—I have an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts—and worked as a chef for eight years before I took my current job. I am the kitchen manager at a small private school. The students are divided pretty evenly between boarders and day 117 Finding Your First Job students, so we provide lunch for all of them, as well as breakfast, dinner, and snacks for the residential students. My experience was very helpful in getting this position; I didn’t have any formal management experience, but many of my other jobs had incorporated different management-level responsibilities, so I was already familiar with many facets of the job. The director of dining services is also a graduate of my training program, and I’m sure it was an asset to me that she knew the program and had an idea of the kind of things I would have learned there. Since we are an educational institution, I pay close attention to the nutritional value of the food we prepare, as well as accommodating the special needs of students who are diabetic, allergic to certain foods, vegan, or vegetarian. Having come from a culinary background, though, I’m also very interested in serving food that’s fresh and attractive, and most importantly, tastes good—we want the kids to like it! Working for a private school lets me experiment a little and probably end up with more varied, creative meals than I would if I worked in a public school or larger institution. Since the students are paying quite a bit to be here, there is a real “please the customer” attitude, which is nice for me. One of my favorite parts of my job is the feedback and interaction with students. I still do a lot of cooking, but being kitchen manager also allows me to have more control over the way the kitchen is run than I did when I was a full-time chef. I do all of the menu planning, supervise two full-time cooks and several part-time kitchen staff, and try to streamline the operations of the kitchen (food prep, scheduling shifts) so that everything operates as efficiently as possible. I also order food and kitchen supplies, and ensure that we are in compliance with sanitation and food safety regulations. During the summers, while the school is closed, I do catering and cook for special events. It’s a nice break from the routines of the school year, and again, it’s a great way to branch out and be a little more creative than I might be otherwise. I don’t know whether I will want to move up to a higher position, but if I do decide to, I know that this experience will be very useful to me. My advice to someone thinking of following this career path is to make sure that you are really suited to it. Attention to detail is essential, and bear in mind that you can’t cut corners, either in terms of the quality of the supplies or the energy you invest.You also have to be able to see the broader picture—all while managing a number of other tasks simultaneously. 118 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter [...]... telephone number: Pager/cell phone number (optional): Fax number (optional): E-mail address: Personal website address/online portfolio URL: 121 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter School address (if applicable): Your phone number at school (if applicable): Job /Career Objective(s) Write a short description of the job you are seeking Be sure to include as much information as possible about how you can... you will learn how to land the job you want by writing great cover letters and resumes, interviewing with confidence and proficiency, and assessing job offers thoroughly and honestly 119 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter WRITING YOUR RESUME Whether you are responding to an advertisement, following up on a networking opportunity, or making a cold contact, your resume is usually the first means by... public, communicate well in writing, communicate in multiple languages, or perform research are all examples of marketable skills When reading job descriptions or help wanted ads, pay 123 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter careful attention to the wording used to describe what the employer is looking for As you customize your resume for a specific employer, you will want to match up what the employer... or summer jobs held while in school, as well as temporary jobs, internships, and volunteering You probably won’t want to reveal your past earning history to a potential employer, 125 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter but you may want this information available as reference when you begin negotiating your future salary, benefits, and overall compensation package Most recent employer: City, State:... taught you lessons that are valuable for a hotel or restaurant manager to know? If you can’t find a way to include those experiences on your resume, mention them in your cover letter 127 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter List any hobbies or special interests you have that are not necessarily workrelated, but that potentially could separate you from the competition Can any of the skills utilized... bring about positive changes in your personal, professional or financial life? Where would you like to be personally, professionally, and financially five and ten years down the road? 129 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter What needs to be done to achieve these long-term goals or objectives? What are some of the qualities about your personality that you are most proud of ? What are some of the qualities... would make it the ideal employment opportunity for you: 1 2 3 4 5 What did you like most about the last place you worked? What did you like least about the last place you worked? 131 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter What work-related tasks are you particularly good at? What type of coworkers would you prefer to have? When it comes to work-related benefits and perks, what is most important... Writing—www.abastaff.com /career/ resume/resume.htm Accent Resume Writing—www.accent-resume-writing.com/critiques Damn Good Resume—www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html The Elegant Resume—http://resumeadvice.tripod.com e Resume Writing—www.eresumewriting.com JobStar—www.jobstar.org/tools/resume JobWeb—www.jobweb.com/catapult/guenov/restips.html Learn2 Write a Resume—www.learn2.com/07/0 768 /0 768 .asp 120 Job Search... Decorations or awards earned: Special skills or training obtained: Professional Accreditations and Licenses List any and all of the professional accreditations and/or licenses you have earned thus far in your career Be sure to highlight items that directly relate to the job(s) you will be applying for Hobbies and Special Interests You may have life experience that should be emphasized for potential employers... Resume—www.learn2.com/07/0 768 /0 768 .asp 120 Job Search Skills Monster.com Resume Center—resume.monster.com Rebecca Smith’s eResumes & Resources—www.eresumes.com Resumania—www.resumania.com Resume Magic—www.liglobal.com/b_c /career/ res.shtml Resume Tutor—www1.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/resume Resume Workshop—http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/ hypertext/ResumeW/index.html 10 Minute Resume—www.10minuteresume.com The four elements . 800-944- 467 6 Restaurant Business—bimonthly, 212-592 -62 64 Restaurant Economic Trends—monthly, 202-331-5900 Restaurant Hospitality—monthly, 2 16- 6 96- 7000 Restaurants & Institutions—monthly, 800-4 46- 6551 Restaurants. Bank—www.ajb.dni.us Boston Herald’s Job Find—www.jobfind.com Career Builder*—www.careerbuilder.com Career. com—www .career. com CareerNet—www.careers.org CareerWeb—www.cweb.com College Central Network—www.employercentral.com Gary. JobWeb—www.jobweb.com/catapult/guenov/restips.html  Learn2 Write a Resume—www.learn2.com/07/0 768 /0 768 .asp 120 HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT career starter  Monster.com Resume Center—resume.monster.com  Rebecca Smith’s