Often your resume is the very first impression a potential employer will have of you, so its important to get it right!
However, its also very easy to get it wrong - Here are some basic guidelines you should follow when compiling your CV for hospitality and events roles
Every industry is different and every employer looks for different qualities in their candidates. So when applying for jobs in the hospitality and events industry, how do you make your resume stand out from the rest?
Applying for hospitality or events jobs can be a time consuming process. You are competing with many other passionate hospitality professionals who want the same job just as much as you. So how do you make your resume stand out from the rest?
There are literally hundreds of articles out there on the Internet written by recruiters and employer’s alike telling educating jobseekers what they should and shouldn't put on their resumes, and more often then not the information provided can be conflicting. Certain articles may tell you that you should provide a full list of references and a photo of yourself while other articles may tell you to do the exact opposite – confusing isn’t it?
Every industry is different and every employer looks for different qualities in their candidates. In hospitality when applying for casual restaurant or event roles, employers generally look for candidates with a passion for the industry and a willingness to learn over experience. In higher-level management jobs, employers will usually look for candidates with a wealth of leadership experience.
The Top Shelf Recruitment team are experts in the resume screening processes. Here are some basic guidelines you should follow when compiling your CV for hospitality and events roles, to help you stand out from the crowd and grab the attention of a potential new employer.
LAYOUT
The first thing a potential employer recruiter notices when they pick up your resume will be the layout. So have a think about it – is your CV hard to read? Are there too many colours and strange fonts on it? Is the font too small? Fancy formatting just clutters your CV, and one that is too difficult to read will more often then not go straight into the ‘no’ pile. It’s also important to remember to keep it short, no more than 2-3 pages and always send it in a PDF format.
CORRECT DETAILS
It seems obvious doesn't it? But ensuring that you have included your correct contact details is a must, especially if you are applying for a job while on a working holiday visa. Confirm that your Australian phone number and email are obvious at the top of your CV, and ensure that the date and month of your previous roles are clearly labelled.
PHOTO
Including a photo on a resume is a controversial topic. Some employers agree that a photo should be included while others debate that it is not necessary. Including one is completely up you as a candidate, but when applying for hospitality or events job its important to remember that you are applying to work in an industry where professional presentation is a priority.
EXPERIENCE
If you really want your CV to stand out, don’t just include ‘clearing tables’, ‘taking orders’ and ‘helping customers’ in your job description. We are all aware of the basic tasks that restaurant waiters are required to do – but what about all the other responsibilities you have? Include something different in there that makes you unique. Talk about your results and accomplishments and describe the type of food and venues you have had experience with. It pays to incorporate a brief description of the type of venue you worked at. Was it a fancy fine dining restaurant? A Cocktail Bar? A Casual Eatery? Your resume should relate to the type of role you are looking for, and include specific and relevant experience.
RESULTS
We mentioned above the value of declaring confirming your results and accomplishments, and these are the factors that are going to set you out from the rest. Even if you have only worked in the industry for a small amount of time, there will be some small achievement that you can include. Ask yourself if you have been promoted recently? Were you in charge of a large section of 20 tables? Have you trained somebody else previously? Results are what set you out from the rest.
QUALIFICATIONS
Working in hospitality or events in Australia will mean that you will need at least 1 qualification – an RSA. Having an RSA is a must when working in any hospitality or events role, if you have taken any other classes or courses (from a university course to a cocktail making class) then reference those too. It shows you are committed to learning more about the industry.
DO NOT STRETCH THE TRUTH!
If you stated on your resume that you were a headwaiter, supervisor or team leader when you weren’t (especially if you were only at the venue a short amount of time), the recruiter will almost always find out. Remember, these are people who specialise in hiring for these type of roles – they will most likely find out that you lied about your experience in the interview as you will not be prepared for the types of questions they ask, or will not have the relevant skill set. Lying about your previous experience on your resume will seem like an easy inconsequential shortcut at the time, but they can have lasting consequences. If you show passion and a willingness to learn, then the employer will be more likely to hire you.
CHECK YOUR SPELLING & GRAMMAR
Checking your spelling and grammar seems like another obvious step, doesn’t it? But it’s the one thing that is often overlooked. Reviewing your work is an important step to take, especially if you are applying for a position while on a working holiday visa, as it demonstrates to your potential employer that you have made an effort when putting together your CV.
SOCIAL MEDIA
If a potential employer were to look at your Facebook wall right now, what would they see? Checking over your social media account is something that not all aspiring hospitality staff will think to do, but lets not forget that 94% of recruiters use social media in their recruitment efforts. If you have LinkedIn, check that you have your correct details and have an appropriate and professional headshot. Do you have Facebook or Instagram? Ensuring to delete any embarrassing or unprofessional photos from your wall, or make your profile completely private.
Now that you have that killer resume sorted, remember the preparation does not stop there… It also helps to read articles and relevant industry news that are specific to the type of role and venue that you want to work in. These are the articles that are going to be written by the people who will be advertising the roles, reading your resume and hopefully interviewing you – they are telling you first hand what they want to see on your application.
Good Luck!!