Like many of my readers are, or once have been, I am a waitress. I work at East Side Mario’s on Front Street approximately 20 hours a week while going to school obtaining a postgraduate degree. I love my job, and have been a waitress since I was in high school. Its a great way to make money, meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun.
When writing my resumes, I was trying to think of transferable skills from a serving job to a career in PR. Now, I can’t put this on a resume, but anyone who can handle serving tables in a busy restaurant I think is the best candidate for a job in public relations.
First, it’s all about the clients. It is my job first and foremost to make sure my tables are happy. I can advise them on what to order, make suggestions to increase the check (bigger bill generally means bigger tip), and ensure that they are looked after in every way possible. Now, I have to do this to four or five other tables at the same time. I have to remember who ordered what and which tables needs more salad. If a problem occurs, I break into crisis communication mode and try to resolve the problem without the table knowing. Its all about time management and the ability to multi-task. You have to be able to read people within a 30 second greeting and treat each table accordingly.
I work in a team of 20-30 people, communicating with cooks, hosts, bar staff and busers who all who together to create a effective and efficient work environment. We all get along and after a long day at work we often sit at the bar for a nice cold refreshing beverage.
So, in a part time job that really has nothing to do with public relations, I have learned skills that will help me better understand my clients. I had a hard time of coming up with transferable skills for a resume, but come watch me work and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
