HR managers and headhunters see huntress of resumes each day from all levels of restaurant managers. They quickly stop looking for the right or perfect resume format. A properly laid out resume does not guarantee that the candidate will be a successful restaurant manager. The most the resume format can identify is your personal choice.
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The resume should not be a job description. The HR manager knows the restaurant manager's job description and assumes that if you've held the job, you've done the tasks. The recruiter wants to see where you've been, and your level of experience. They want to know whether your skills have developed a General manager, kitchen manager, etc… But if nothing catches their eye than they will move on.
At the most, you have 30 seconds to capture the recruiters attention. This is probably much shorter later in the day, and may be extremely short Friday afternoon.
Success and Accomplishments
Save the task details for the interview. Your successes will highlight your skill base, strengths, and weaknesses. They want to know the impact your decisions made on the bottom line.
Did you save the restaurant money?
Were you a problem solver?
Are you a team leader/trainer?
Will your skills save the company money/reduce outsourcing?
Did you increase revenue, reduce costs, reduce overturn?
Are you good at marketing and customer retention?
Are you a good organizer, planner?
Are you a good problem solver?
Do not try to be everything for every HR manager. Identify your greatest strength and focus on the skills and experience that show your ability to handle problems, and find solutions in this aspect of the job.
Tips and Advice
Instead of listing:
- tasks - focus on the outcomes
- education - highlight leadership skills
- achievements - recognize awards and acknowledgements
- experience - outline your personal development
It is important to realize that you won't win every job in the job seeker campaign. It is dangerous to try to be 'everything to everyone' and hope to get 'a bite'. Instead of trying to get 'a' job, work to win 'the job', your dream job.
Robert Krzak is author and CEO of Geckohospitality a respected hotel and restaurant recruitment and recruiting firm.