Written by Jovan Lee
Career Switch Tips:
Getting into the F&B industry
Getting into the F&B industry
Although the F&B industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are observing growth in the hiring practices of the F&B industry in the recent months. While food outlets and establishments innovate and look for new ways to reach their customers during this pandemic, many of the skills required for a successful career in F&B remain the same. If you're eyeing a purposeful career in the F&B industry, here are some tips that can give you the edge to land that F&B job.
1
Work on your interpersonal skills
Whether you're on the frontlines serving customers as a service crew, or in the kitchen cooking up a storm as a kitchen assistant, having good communication skills can go a long way.
For service crew members who are on the frontlines serving customers, being able to communicate effectively while maintaining an approachable and friendly demeanor is key to satisfying customers.
An employer in the F&B industry told us that it is important to showcase your interpersonal skills during your interview. Show that you are approachable, friendly, and able to exude confidence in the way you speak and carry yourself. And remember to smile!
Behind the scenes in the kitchen, kitchen staff may not interact with customers firsthand, but effective communication with other staff members is also an essential skill to keep things running smoothly.
These skills can be honed with enough practice, which leads us to our next point - look for ways to gain experience.
For service crew members who are on the frontlines serving customers, being able to communicate effectively while maintaining an approachable and friendly demeanor is key to satisfying customers.
An employer in the F&B industry told us that it is important to showcase your interpersonal skills during your interview. Show that you are approachable, friendly, and able to exude confidence in the way you speak and carry yourself. And remember to smile!
Behind the scenes in the kitchen, kitchen staff may not interact with customers firsthand, but effective communication with other staff members is also an essential skill to keep things running smoothly.
These skills can be honed with enough practice, which leads us to our next point - look for ways to gain experience.
2
Look for opportunities to gain experience
Having the added advantage of prior F&B experience on your resume can make a world of difference in the hiring manager's decision on your application. It shows that you are familiar with the workload, skills, and nature of working in an F&B environment.
If you're looking for a full-time career in F&B and have no prior experience in the field, a good place to start would be looking for short-term, part-time roles in smaller cafes or restaurants. This will give you the chance to experience the F&B life first hand, and lets you figure out for yourself if you are a good fit for the industry.
If you're looking for a full-time career in F&B and have no prior experience in the field, a good place to start would be looking for short-term, part-time roles in smaller cafes or restaurants. This will give you the chance to experience the F&B life first hand, and lets you figure out for yourself if you are a good fit for the industry.
3
Get upgraded with the right courses
If you are not able to gain experience in the form of part-time work, there are other ways that you can show employers that you are well-equipped. Pursue upgrading opportunities in relevant fields to show your willingness to learn and adapt.
SHATEC and the Asian Culinary Institute are 2 examples of educational centres that provide training for WSQ courses such as Food Hygiene Certs and Service Excellence Courses.
Make the most of your SkillsFuture credits and embark on one of these courses to brush up your skills and show future employers that you are ready to kick off your F&B career!
SHATEC and the Asian Culinary Institute are 2 examples of educational centres that provide training for WSQ courses such as Food Hygiene Certs and Service Excellence Courses.
Make the most of your SkillsFuture credits and embark on one of these courses to brush up your skills and show future employers that you are ready to kick off your F&B career!
4
Manage your expectations
Being in the service industry can be rewarding when you've managed to deliver a smile to the faces of your customers, however, this task does not come easy. A job in F&B is tough, and often requires strong willpower and the determination to constantly deliver to the best of your ability.
Furthermore, working on the frontlines of F&B can be a physically demanding job, depending on the nature of your job scope. Dining hours are also considered unconventional working hours as compared to the office hours of 9am to 6pm. Hence, you'll need to be prepared to be on your feet and working in shifts if you successfully embark on an F&B career.
When pursuing a career in F&B, it's important to keep these expectations in mind during your application process and understand what the job requires of you. If you feel that you are able to meet those expectations, make sure that you let your interviewer know and portray yourself in a similarly passionate and determined manner.
Furthermore, working on the frontlines of F&B can be a physically demanding job, depending on the nature of your job scope. Dining hours are also considered unconventional working hours as compared to the office hours of 9am to 6pm. Hence, you'll need to be prepared to be on your feet and working in shifts if you successfully embark on an F&B career.
When pursuing a career in F&B, it's important to keep these expectations in mind during your application process and understand what the job requires of you. If you feel that you are able to meet those expectations, make sure that you let your interviewer know and portray yourself in a similarly passionate and determined manner.
Look for F&B jobs on FastJobs!
There are plenty of F&B jobs on the FastJobs app and with these tips in mind, you can go ahead and apply for F&B jobs! Click here to check out all the F&B jobs and use your newfound knowledge to secure and ace your interview!
