Working in a restaurant isn’t just about carrying trays and running between tables. It’s chaotic, fast-paced, fun, stressful and, in a weird way, infectious.
Whether you need a summer job, are looking to escape the office or dream of opening your own café one day, a restaurant could be the place for you.
But how do you actually land that job? Let’s get started. Stress-free.
Why Working in a Restaurant Is Actually Great
According to Statista, more than 13.2 million people were employed in the restaurant industry in the United States alone in 2023 and the number of open positions is constantly growing due to high labor turnover.
No, it’s not all about tired legs and nervous cooks. There’s something special about being part of a place where people come to eat, laugh, celebrate or just end their day with a plateful of pasta.
You Meet New People
From aspiring actors to people with three college degrees and tattoos all over their arms—you have no idea who your coworkers will be, which is why it’s so interesting.
You Learn to Work Under Pressure
Forget about the gym. You’re on your feet all day, memorizing orders, avoiding collisions with coworkers and all with a smile. There’s no boredom, believe us.
You Gain Skills
Patience. Organization. Problem-solving while your feet are burning. All of that comes in handy, even if you never see yourself in the hospitality industry again.
How Do You Get a Job Like This?
Join thousands who are finding restaurant jobs online. It’s faster, easier and you can find specific job postings from restaurants that are actually looking for employees. No more wasting time.
You could go the old-fashioned way: printing out a resume and walking from restaurant to restaurant asking, “Excuse me, are you hiring?” But that’s, let’s be honest, stressful and often leads nowhere.
What Are the Positions Available in a Restaurant?
If you don’t like serving customers, no problem. There’s room for everyone in a restaurant.
Front of House
- Waiter/Waitress—the face of the restaurant. Sometimes the victim, when guests get too hungry.
- Host/Hostess—the first smile guests see when they walk in.
- Bartender/Barmaid—often a psychologist in their spare time.
Back of House
- Chef/Cook—fast, focused and a little burnt out.
- Sous Chef—chops, prepares and makes the kitchen breathe.
- Dishwasher—you don’t see him but without him/her, everything fits.
Management and Additional Roles
- Shift manager—balances between staff and guests.
- Restaurant manager—takes care of everything, literally.
- Event planner—for restaurants that organize parties, weddings, etc.
Do You Need Experience?
Honestly? Not always.
Of course, it helps if you have worked somewhere before, but what is really appreciated is the attitude. If you are ready to learn, to work, not to whine at the first dirty plate—you are welcome.
If you have no experience:
Start with a position such as a busboy, hostess or dishwasher. Be honest in your application. Write that you are new, but have a desire to learn.
If you have experience:
Don’t take the first job that comes your way. Use a platform like OysterLink to find exactly what you need—location, salary, shifts, everything that suits you.
How Much Can You Earn?
Let’s talk about what everyone cares about the most—money. How much can you make?
- Waiters and bartenders: The salary may be lower, but tips make up for it. Some days are slim, but some will pay you half your rent.
- Kitchen: No tips, but the base salary is often better.
Do you work weekends and holidays?
Generally yes. It’s part of the package. But that means you have Mondays off to sleep, shop and have a coffee in peace. Everything has its advantages.
How to Stand Out When Applying
To avoid being just another one in the crowd, pay attention to the following:
1. Write a clear and engaging CV
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s enough to write where you worked, what you did and include something that shows your character. For example: “I’m a quick learner and don’t panic when the ketchup runs out.”
2. Be relaxed but serious during the interview
You might get called back after just a few hours. Be honest, don’t be pretentious and if you don’t have experience—say so, but with a smile and a willingness to give it your all.
3. Apply where it makes sense
Forget about cluttered websites with questionable ads. Use proven platforms that are made specifically for the hospitality industry.
Is This for You?
Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. But the only way to find out is to try. If you want a job where you’re not bored, where you learn a lot and have stories to tell for the rest of your life, a restaurant is a good place to start.
Take a day, check out what’s available online, polish your resume (it doesn’t have to be perfect, just honest) and check out OysterLink. Your next job might not be behind a counter, but behind a bar.
