What to do when you're out of options applying for serving jobs?

Asked by livelaughlove21 (15724

) August 19th, 2011

Ok, so I just recently started college classes at my university and I had to cut my hours at my full time day job to a mere 5 hours per week, with an occasional Saturday morning (three between now and December). This will only bring me about $200 a month in income. My bills add up to $725 a month, so it’s obvious that I have a bit of an issue.

I knew this ahead of time and started applying to night/weekend jobs about a week and a half ago. I’ve had NO luck. I go in between 2 and 4, but there’s never a manager available to speak to me. I call before I go in so I’m not wasting my time applying somewhere that’s not hiring, and most of them tell me that they just got done hiring a bunch of people and have a full staff or they’re only hiring hosts, which won’t give me enough money.

In case you haven’t caught on, I’m applying at restaurants for serving positions because I figure it’ll bring in the most money with the most flexible schedule. I’m in school Monday through Friday from morning until 3:30PM, so now that my classes started, going to restaurants between 2 and 4 is nearly impossible. I have serving experience, but it’s been since high school (3 years) since I’ve done it. Since then, I’ve had more “professional” or office jobs. Two of them, in fact.

I’m filling out the applications to the best of my ability, putting down good references, and calling every couple of days to check on the status of my app. Still, nothing. Not even one interview. I guess with school starting, all the students already got the jobs I’m looking for.

So, I am going to hit one or two restaurants a day after class for the next week or so, but I’m thinking about going out tomorrow and hitting about 3 or 4 that have confirmed they’re looking for servers. I know it’s not M-F 2–4, but do you think I’ll still have a chance? I mean, what else can I do if I’m in class when they want people to come apply?

I know finding a job now takes time and I’m just being a big whiner, but I guess I figured finding a job that pays $5 less than minimum wage wouldn’t be so frustrating. I feel like I’m doing all I can at this point, but time is just running thin here.

Thoughts?

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6 Answers

Do you have marketable skills that would allow you to do work that fits tour schedule?

Find faculty members involved in research who might have tasks they need done but never seem to have enough time to do. You can do those things, on your own time and get well paid.

Dr_Lawrence (20014

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If you’re in a big college town, it’s probably the hardest time of the year to get a serving gig.

You’re probably not as out of options as you think, so just be open to other opportunities.

If I needed something immediately and I was in your shoes I’d take the hosting job from the place with the best sales, get through whatever training they have, prove yourself reliable, and then approach someone about getting trained as a server as well so you can do both.

funkdaddy (17777

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Does your school have a employment center? Everyone I have been to have them and they can help you get a job. Usually the people that post jobs there know that you are in school and are flexible with hours.

jrpowell (40562

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Why is your “application window” so narrow? (It’s a rhetorical question.) I recommend that you apply later in the evening when managers will almost surely be on duty, but before the dinner rush, when they surely won’t have time to talk to you. I’d suggest applying between 4 – 6 PM.

Managers who work in restaurants that are open through the evening have to take some time off. If I were managing a restaurant, I’d probably stay away during the afternoon hours, too, if I could.

CWOTUS (26102

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Keep at it. Do not even consider leaving a resume during service. If the place is open for lunch go in 45 minutes before they open. They will be getting set up for service. Ask to see the manager and if they say no say you’ll wait. When you see the manager say politely, “Hi. I know your busy, but I wanted to drop off my resume before you started service.”. (Let them know you understand that you wouldn’t do this once they’re open. You get points.)
If they are only open for dinner (5pm) then show up at 4:15 and do the same thing.
Be friendly and eager. If they say they only have breakfast and brunch shifts, say “great! I love mornings”.
Reinforce that you really like working as part of a team. Don’t try to be cool. Try to seem eager.
Good luck.

breedmitch (12171

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@CWOTUS I’m not sure what to make of your response, so I won’t comment on it any further than this.

@breedmitch Keeping at it is the problem. If I go after school, I’ll only have time to apply to one restaurant per day before 4PM. At that rate, it’ll take me forever to find a job. I’m not suggesting I go on a Saturday at 7PM, that would be crazy dumb. I’m thinking of going today between 2 and 4. I can’t go in 45 minutes before they open because, once again, I’m in school at that time. I can’t gush about how I love mornings, because I can’t work them.

livelaughlove21 (15724

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