Long-term unemployment, slow economic growth, and stagnant consumer confidence—the media often reports data related to trends such as these. While following such details can be of benefit to investors, they only serve to alarm the average job seeker—sowing seeds of anxiety and apprehension. Fortunately, there is little need to worry, whether you’re planning to pursue a restaurant or hotel career. Consider three fears of new hospitality professionals and our suggestions to help you eliminate them.
1. I’m afraid I won’t find a hospitality job.
While some industries are still struggling post-recession, hospitality is not among them. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the leisure and hospitality industry continues to add jobs. In fact, employment in food services and drinking places alone grew by 32,000 job positions in May, reaching a total of 311,000 new jobs over the past year. The industry overall has added 1.7 million jobs since January 2010.
Eliminate this unfounded fear by accepting that any job search takes time, especially if you want to find a hotel or restaurant job that best fits your career goals. Once you eliminate this fear, utilize employment tools that yield the best results, including job boards such as Hcareers. Jobs posted on the industry’s only single-source recruitment solution increased 39 percent year over year in 2013. First quarter data for 2014 was even more impressive; jobs posted by hospitality employers around the world increased 71 percent over the first quarter of 2013.
2. I’m afraid I won’t be qualified for the hospitality job I really want.
All professionals want jobs that are perfect fits for both their current skills and future goals. However, it’s rare for anyone to find a job position that is an exact match on all fronts. Whether you’re looking for a barista job or a restaurant manager position, it’s likely you will identify gaps between your experience and the skills the employer desires.
Fortunately, many hospitality employers understand this. If you look for organizations with nurturing cultures, you will find hotels and restaurants with programs designed to help employees grow their skills through continuing education or on-the-job training. You can also take care to emphasize your assets when approaching employers. For example, if a restaurant chain prefers a manager with two years of experience and you only have one, you can highlight the value of your leadership skills, shift flexibility, and computer knowledge instead.
3. I’m afraid they’ll offer me a below-market salary.
It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about negotiating salary. However, you really shouldn’t be. In fact, a recent survey of employers found that 73 percent were not offended when a job candidate negotiated. Eighty-four percent actually expected the candidate to make a counteroffer. If you’re among the 45 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds who never negotiate on pay or benefits, you might want to reconsider.
For best results, research the salary standards for your desired hotel or restaurant job online. Don’t neglect to consider the variables that can influence compensation such as company size, geographic location, and your own experience level. If the data you collect shows you’ve received a below-market offer, construct a reasonable counter. You’re likely to discover you had nothing to fear after all.