How to Get a Job at a Restaurant

If you’re wondering how to get a job in a restaurant with no experience, the good news is that many restaurants are open to training the right person. Hosts, bussers, runners, dishwashers and counter staff are often considered entry-level positions. These roles focus on reliability, energy and a willingness to learn, not formal experience. Once you’ve established yourself in one of these positions, it’s often easier to move up into serving, barbacking or kitchen-prep roles. For those with experience, positions like line cook, bartender or shift lead may be within reach right away — especially in fast-paced restaurants that need staff who can jump in quickly. Larger operations usually have a clear path to promotions, so you know exactly how to gain experience and move up. Small businesses may have smaller teams but often allow for more hands-on mentorship and the chance to learn multiple roles.

You don’t need restaurant experience to get in the door and succeed — you need transferable skills. If you’ve worked in retail, helped organize events, or even managed a classroom or childcare setting, you’ve already built skills in customer service, multitasking and time management. For example, someone who’s worked a cash register is already familiar with working under pressure and handling transactions. A volunteer who supported a fundraiser knows how to work with a team and stay organized during a rush. These are the types of experiences that translate well, and employers in the restaurant industry recognize their value.

Even for entry-level roles, having a clean, focused resume helps you stand out. Highlight any experience you have working with the public, staying organized under pressure or juggling multiple responsibilities. If you don’t have prior work experience, think about school activities, volunteering, or informal jobs like babysitting or tutoring. Focus on reliability, communication and energy — these are often more important to employers than formal titles. Your resume doesn’t have to be long; it just needs to reflect who you are and what you bring to the table.

There are multiple ways to find restaurant jobs in Cook County. General job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are full of listings, especially in high-traffic areas. Many large restaurant chains — which are practically always hiring — post jobs directly on their own websites. You can also try hospitality-focused sites like HCareers or Hospitality Online if you're looking at more specialized roles. Small restaurants and neighborhood spots often prefer to meet candidates face-to-face before making hiring decisions. In many suburbs, walking in with a printed resume during off-peak hours can still be surprisingly effective.

At both smaller restaurants and larger fast-casual chains, hiring managers may offer to interview you right after receiving your application. If that happens, be ready. Dress neatly, speak clearly and be prepared to explain why you’re interested in that particular job. Restaurants want people who can handle busy environments without losing focus. If you’ve ever dealt with a challenging customer or worked through a hectic schedule, talk about that experience. It also helps to know your availability, especially if you can work nights, weekends or holidays — prime shifts in food service.

Once you're hired, consistency matters. Show up on time, stay focused and look for ways to support your team — whether that’s restocking napkins, cleaning up during downtime or helping out with closing duties. In many restaurants, staff members who show initiative get promoted quickly. Managers often keep an eye out for people who take their roles seriously, handle pressure well and ask thoughtful questions. Whether you want to move into a serving role, get trained in the kitchen or eventually become a manager, the path is often built through your day-to-day work.