Thinking of a career in the hospitality industry?  You’ve made an excellent choice.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hospitality industry is expected to see double-digit increases in wage and salary employment through 2014.

But where should you start?

Whether your career aspirations are to work as a sous chef, a catering event manager or a general manager for a major hotel chain, you have to start by getting that first hospitality job.  No matter what side of the hospitality industry interests you, use these tips to break into the field:

Sell yourself.  Know what sets you apart – what makes you worth bringing on board.  Before you start your hospitality job search, spend some time developing a short (20 – 30 second) personal sales pitch that summarizes your skills, experience and those unique qualities that make you ideally suited to work in hospitality.

Share your vision.  Distinguish yourself from other hospitality job seekers by sharing your vision for your hospitality career.  Don’t just think of yourself in terms of an entry-level job; visualize where you want to be in your career five years from now.  Create a long-term success plan for yourself, outlining your career goals and defining the steps for achieving them.  When you interview, share your career goals with your potential employer.

Understand the hospitality ladder.  Most people who rise through the ranks of hospitality management start out with entry-level jobs like washing dishes, cleaning rooms or answering phones.  These jobs are important because they build character and provide the opportunity to learn the industry from the ground up.  So realize that it’s okay to start small.  Set your sights on an entry-level position, knowing you can work your way up from there.

Register with Penguin Staff.  If you want to break into the hospitality industry, Penguin Staff can provide access to great on-call and temporary hospitality assignments.  Working as a Penguin employee can help you get your foot in the door with a great hospitality employer, build your resume, and provide opportunities to network and uncover additional employment leads.  Through a partnership with HTI, we also offer comprehensive hospitality training.  Take the next step in your hospitality career by contacting Penguin today.

You’ve found a hospitality job that you really want – and you’ve landed an interview.  Congratulations!

Now, what can you do to make sure you nail it?

Cover all your bases.  Before heading into any hospitality interview, review this check list to make sure you’re prepared, poised and confident:

• Revisit your résumé.  Make sure you know dates of employment, responsibilities, accomplishments, etc. for each position you’ve held.
• Prepare answers to the most common hospitality interview questions.  Make sure you’re ready to answer questions like:  “Why did you leave your last job?”  “Why do you want to work for us?”  “How do you handle difficult customers?” and “How do you handle a rush?”
• Do a practice run to make sure you know the route.  See how long it takes to drive there, factoring in rush hour traffic if applicable.
• Create a great first impression.  Right or wrong, an interviewer will size you up within the first few minutes of meeting you.  Use these tips to create the wow factor from the moment you walk through the door.
• Emphasize your reliability.  Punctuality and reliability are two of the best assets a hospitality worker can have.  If asked about your best qualities, stress your attendance record, willingness to work overtime or to cover extra shifts.
• Focus on your customer service skills.  Whether you work front desk, front-of-house or back-of-house, hospitality is all about service.  Prepare a few examples of situations where you went the extra mile to deliver a great customer experience.
• Thank the interviewer for his time.  You’d be surprised at how many hospitality candidates forget this simple but important step!

Need more interviewing help?  We at Penguin Staff want to do all we can to help you land the perfect hospitality opportunity.  If you need assistance or would like additional resources to help hone your interviewing skills, please contact us directly.

Looking for hospitality jobs in Atlanta, Richmond, D.C. or Baltimore?

Sure, it’s tough out there.  But fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone.  At Penguin, our staffing specialists are committed to your success and can facilitate your hospitality job search in a number of ways.  Here are just a few:

Access the “hidden job market.”  When you work with an employment agency like Penguin, you have access to great job opportunities that are not advertised anywhere else.  Many hotels, industrial caterers, CVBs and other foodservice management organizations trust our staffing specialists to quickly identify the right hospitality professionals for their staffing needs.  Often, these clients will not advertise their positions through traditional means like job boards.

Career guidance and training.  Are you re-entering the workforce?  Just out of school?  Laid off?  If you fall into one of these categories, you may be unsure of exactly how best to use your talents.  A staffing professional can help you critically examine your skills, training and experience to identify the right opportunities for you.  And if you need to update your skills or learn new ones, Penguin offers comprehensive hospitality training through HTI.

Feedback on your résumé and interview skills.  As employment experts, we can help you polish your résumé and build your interviewing confidence – so you can land the job you want.

Confidential, anonymous representation.  If you’re currently employed, you probably don’t want your boss knowing that you’re actively seeking work elsewhere.  Penguin can market and represent you anonymously, so you can continue working until a prospective employer expresses an interest in your credentials.

Keep your chin up!  Being out of work can take its toll on you, both emotionally and financially.  If you’re looking for a hospitality job, Penguin Staff can provide on-call and temporary hospitality assignments to help you:

• earn money while you search for a full-time job;
• keep your schedule flexible so you can continue your job search;
• keep your skills sharp and up-to-date;
• network with new co-workers to uncover additional employment leads;
• avoid gaps on your résumé;
• stay positive and productive.

At Penguin Staff, you’re more than just a résumé, a certification or a set of skills.  You’re a vital part of our success!  Whether you’re searching for temporary employment, a permanent position or some extra money on the weekend, Penguin has the career opportunities you need.  Take the next step in your hospitality career by contacting Penguin today.

People come to Penguin Staffing for all sorts of reasons.  Some are looking for flexibility or extra income.  Others work as a hospitality temporary to gain work experience or find direct employment.

Whatever your reason for choosing temporary employment, here are a few tips to help you get the most from your experiences working as a Penguin employee:

1. Dress the part.  You will fit in, perform, and feel better if you’re dressed appropriately for the type of work you’re doing.
2. Display a positive attitude. When you work as a temporary, you are put into unfamiliar situations with people you don’t know.  Make a conscious decision to approach your new work situation constructively.  Choosing to display a positive attitude – even if you’re a bit uncomfortable – can help you manage the stress of a new situation.  Your optimism will be appreciated by co-workers and assignment supervisor alike and set the stage for a great working relationship.
3. Act as if the job is permanent.  Give your best effort on each assignment – you never know where it might lead.  If an employer is impressed with your performance, he can work with your staffing service to offer you direct employment.
4. Learn all you can.  Each assignment provides fresh opportunities to learn.  From practical job skills to industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on every chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
5. Test the waters.  If your career path is uncertain, temporary work affords you the ability to try out different jobs, at different companies, in a variety of hospitality settings.  Find out where you fit by accepting diverse assignments.
6. Network.  A temporary assignment puts you in a unique networking position.  While at work, you have the opportunity to interact and develop relationships with business colleagues whom you might not otherwise meet.  Leverage this “inside track” access by sharing your career interests and goals with managers you encounter on the job.
7. Communicate.  If you enjoyed an assignment and would like to work for the employer again once it’s over, say so.  Your staffing consultant and supervisor can look for additional opportunities for you to work in a different area of the company.  And if the assignment was not right for you, consider why.  Try to understand why the job or the employer didn’t meet your needs, so you can choose an assignment that’s a better fit the next time.

We want to help you get the most from your experiences as a Penguin temporary employee.  Please visit our website to learn more about the services, support, and resources we provide.

Getting ready for an upcoming hospitality job interview?  Here is a quick list of 10 questions you should be prepared to answer:

1. What do you consider to be good hygiene practices on the job?
2. Can you give me an example of a situation where you solved a problem for a customer who was unhappy?
3. How do you handle difficult co-workers?
4. Can you explain what the Heimlich maneuver is, when to use it and how to perform it?
5. How do you handle a rush?
6. What did you like best (or dislike most) about your last job?
7. How have you prepared yourself for this position (i.e., experience, special skills/training, etc.)?
8. How do you help your team to be more successful?
9. What can you tell me about the food/drinks we prepare/serve here?
10. How do you ensure a great customer experience, time after time?

Preparing answers to common interview questions like these will help you feel more calm and confident.  The more poised you are, the better your chances will be of landing the job!

If you’re looking for a great hospitality job in Atlanta, Central Virgina or the D.C./Baltimore Metro area, be sure to register with Penguin Staff.  As a leader in hospitality staffing, Penguin matches job seekers like you with front of house, back of house and culinary professional employment opportunities.  Contact Penguin today to learn more or apply online.

When it comes to your job security in the hospitality industry, you have to depend on YOU.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where seemingly nobody’s job is safe.  Downsizing, layoffs and company closures have made even the most successful individuals question how truly “indispensable” they are.

Still, everyone knows people who are always working on a consistent basis – even in shaky industries and during uncertain times.  So, what are their secrets to success?

Honestly, there’s nothing magical about it.  The people who enjoy long-lasting job security depend on themselves, rather than waiting for things to happen to them.  By being proactive and responsible in managing their careers, they create their own luck.  Every day, they find ways to contribute, grow and make themselves indispensable at work.

Learn from their success!  Use these tips to proactively create your own job security:

• Take responsibility for your own career development. In today’s “right-sizing” workplace, don’t rely on anyone else to safeguard or guide you in your career.  Be proactive in protecting your job by:  learning new skills; finding a mentor to help you develop and grow professionally; investing in training and development courses in your areas of expertise; staying on top of industry trends that may impact you or your organization.
• Make your boss look good. Your direct supervisor is the most critical person to your success in the workplace.  Like it or not, your success is closely linked to his.  If you want to keep your job, get a raise or earn a promotion, one of the smartest things you can do is make your boss look good.  Do what he asks, when he asks it.  Try to anticipate his needs.  Talk him up to his supervisor.
• Try to excel in areas where others are weak. Look for tasks your boss considers unpleasant, or isn’t particularly skilled at, and volunteer to take them on.  Examine your co-workers’ proficiencies and try to strengthen your skills in areas where they are weak.  Become an expert in a relevant subject that will make you a more valuable employee.  When you possess skills, experience and/or knowledge others don’t, you make yourself that much more indispensable.
• Anticipate trends in the hospitality industry. If your job is in danger of being eliminated, you need to find out before HR sits you down to let you go.  Research what’s happening in your area of the hospitality industry, identifying trends that could impact your job.  Find out what skills you’ll need to stay at the forefront of your industry, and then seek out training in these areas.
• Go above and beyond the call of duty. If you want to cultivate value, respect and trust in the workplace, develop an entrepreneurial spirit on the job.  Volunteer for additional assignments or identify opportunities to improve products, processes or services within your company.  Make a habit of doing more than what you’re asked to do.
• Honor your commitments. Meet your deadlines. Do what you say you’re going to do.  If you make a mistake on the job, find a way to fix it and take responsibility for implementing the solution.  When you develop a reputation of under-promising and over-delivering, you greatly increase your value to your employer.
• Network regularly. If you start networking only when you need something, you’ll have a lot of ground to make up.  Make networking part of every day.  Keep in regular touch with key contacts – even if it’s only via e-mail – so that you won’t feel like you’re “bothering” someone when it’s time to reach out and ask for help.

Become an Indispensable Hospitality Employee with Penguin Staffing

Penguin does so much to help put you on the path to hospitality career success:

• we listen to your needs, interests and goals;
• we match you with top temporary and direct hospitality jobs in Atlanta, Richmond and Washington, D.C. to further your career development;
• we offer comprehensive hospitality training through HTI to develop the essential tools you’ll need to succeed.

Contact Penguin Staff today and use the tips above to become an indispensable part of your next work team.

The latest jobs report revealed that 167,000 leisure and hospitality jobs were added since mid-2011.  But if you’re one of the countless unemployed Americans still trying to find a hospitality job, this encouraging statistic is of little consolation.

The simple fact is, it’s tough out there.  A large portion of the hospitality workforce is currently unemployed, and has been for quite a while.  To make things worse, unemployed hospitality workers now face yet another, seemingly unfair barrier to finding work – their employment status.

Right or wrong, some employers unfairly discriminate against candidates who have been unemployed for more than a few months.  Despite numerous EEO laws and safeguards, these employers ignore the résumés sent to them by hospitality job seekers who aren’t working.  They believe that requiring that a candidate be gainfully employed is just “smart business” – helping them control the flood of applications and filter out “damaged goods” before spending valuable time and resources on screening and interviewing.

So what’s a smart job seeker to do?  First of all, don’t admit defeat.  If you’re out of work and need a job, now is a time to stay strong.  Use these tips to overcome the stigma of unemployment – and find a great hospitality job:

• Forgive yourself – and move on.  Losing a job is nothing unusual, especially these days.  Mergers, cost-cutting measures and total shutdowns have forced countless people out of their jobs over the past few years.  Whatever your reason for being unemployed, you need a positive mindset to tackle what may be a tough job search.  The best thing you can do is forgive yourself for being out of work, and then move on.
• If you’ve only been out of work for a short time (a few weeks or months), invest a lot of time and energy into networking and informational interviews.  This will help you get past the initial human resources screening that would eliminate you from consideration.  Use networking as a tool to demonstrate your willingness to work hard, and your drive to find a job may overcome the bias against you as a person out of work.
• Ignore the verbiage in job posts that suggests an employer intends to discriminate based on recent employment status.  Just because the discriminatory language is present in a job listing doesn’t mean you have to adhere to the request!  If your job skills and experience are a good fit for the posting, by all means apply for that position – regardless of your employment situation.
• Consider adjusting your résumé.  If you’ve been out of work for awhile, you may want to switch from a chronological to functional résumé format.  This will allow you to lead with your skills and qualifications, outside the context of your employment history.  Additionally, you may want to omit dates from your employment history section.  Once your skills have an employer’s attention, he can inquire about the dates.
• Solidify references from previous employer(s).  When you’re unemployed, a strong endorsement from an employer – even one who let you go – may outweigh the length of your unemployment.

Temporary Hospitality Work – Your Best Bet for Beating Jobless Discrimination

Looking for a sure-fire way to overcome your jobless stigma?  Go to work for a hospitality staffing service like Penguin – as soon as possible!  It’s easiest to find a job while you’re working, so stack the deck in your favor.  Beyond merely changing your employment status, on-call or temporary hospitality assignments can help you:

• Earn valuable income – at a time when you really need it.
• Keep your spirits up – by being productive and engaged.
• Build your résumé and keep your skills sharp – the variety inherent in temporary assignments presents you with new challenges, allowing you to grow and gain experience.
• Find direct employment – if you prove yourself on the job, your temporary or contract position may convert to a direct opportunity.  Additionally, while you’re on assignment, Penguin Staff can actively search for direct positions that match your skills, experience and interests.

Contact your local Penguin Staffing office today to learn more about hospitality jobs in Atlanta, Washington D.C, Baltimore and Central Virginia.

Imagine you’re a hospitality manager interviewing for a new banquet captain position.  You walk into the waiting room and see two candidates, ready to be interviewed.  One is dressed professionally, looks you in the eye and smiles.  The other is wearing jeans and a ballcap, and is sitting with his head down listening to his iPod.

Which is the better candidate?

The correct answer is that it’s too soon to be sure.  You shouldn’t ever make hiring decisions based on first impressions…right?

Well, the reality is that a potential employer is heavily influenced by first impressions, or what his experience tells him are “pivotal moments” in his interaction with you.  Fair or unfair, he sizes up you and your abilities within the first few minutes of meeting you.  And the more experienced he is, the more likely he is to draw conclusions about you based on limited information.

So whether you call them first impressions, hunches or simple intuition, an interviewer’s snap decisions are critical to the success of your job search.  Make sure you do everything you can to really “wow” your hospitality interviewer from the get-go by using these tips:

Do your homework. Spend a good amount of time before the interview date researching the employer.  Their company website is a great place to start.  Don’t just skim through the information – really read it.  Find out everything you can about the organization’s history, mission, lines of business and key personnel.

Next, Google the company and find out what others have written or said about them.  Check newspapers, business magazines or other reputable sources to further educate yourself.  When you finally head into your interview, you’ll have an additional level of knowledge and confidence that will shine through – and keep from looking like a “deer in the headlights” if the interviewer asks you to tell him what you know about the company.

Remember that actions speak louder than words. The nonverbal cues you send from the moment you walk into an interview are scrutinized.  Pay careful attention to your posture, handshake and eye contact to create a positive first impression.

Come prepared. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes.  What would you think of a candidate who had to ask for a pen, or who rifled through a cluttered briefcase to dig out a wrinkled résumé?  Have a crisp copy of your résumé and references, as well as a pen and notepad for notes, ready to go.  Doing so will allow you to hit the ground running and immediately focus on the interviewer.

Avoid common interview mistakes. To succeed in your job search, you need to back up your skills and experience with a first impression that leaves no doubt that you’re the right person for the job.  Arrogance and sloppy attire are mistakes you simply cannot afford to make.  Be confident, but make sure you’re not cocky.  Overconfidence could be misconstrued as indifference – suggesting you could take or leave a job offer.  Similarly, you should dress for interview success.  Failure to do so could convey that you don’t really care about the job opportunity enough to dress appropriately.

Ask only relevant questions. Show the interviewer that you’ve done your homework by preparing a few questions pertinent to the job or the company (use the research you’ve conducted to help you generate ideas).  If they’re answered during the course of the interview, don’t feel pressured to make up new ones on the spot.  Throw-away questions won’t impress an interviewer – they’ll only end the conversation on a down note.

Thank the interviewer. Expressing thanks is one of those “pivotal moments” an interviewer may hang his hat on.  So without fail, thank the interviewer for his time both at the beginning and the end of your conversation.  Tell him that you’re excited about the opportunity.  Positive emotion and good manners go a long way toward creating a lasting favorable impression.

Ask for the job. Good salespeople ask for the sale; good job seekers should ask for the job.  Beyond thanking the interviewer, say, “I would really love to work here.”  This sounds simple, but so many candidates fail to do it!

Land Your Dream Job with Penguin Staffing

At Penguin Staff, we match hospitality job seekers like you with rewarding front of the house, back of the house and culinary professional employment opportunities every day.  Contact us today, and find out how we can help you land your dream job.

Looking to start a career in the hospitality industry?

Need to refresh your skills or learn proper safety methods?

Want to teach your staff how to entertain your guests like a pro?

Whether you’re a hospitality worker looking to broaden your skills, or you’re a hospitality manager who needs to provide additional training for your staff, the Hospitality Training Institute delivers the specific, formalized training you require.  With locations in Alexandria, VA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D.C., HTI’s highly qualified trainers provide customizable training for a wide range of hospitality concepts, including:

• bartender training
• banquet training
• casino training
• ESL for hospitality workers
• safety certifications

Upcoming Training at HTI’s Old Town Alexandria Campus

(1432-A Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314)

Professional Bartending Course

Intended for those who want a career as a bartender or bar manager, this 40 hour course covers: basics of working behind the bar; learning about wines, beers, and spirits; skills training; classic and modern cocktails. Assistance in finding employment is included in the tuition.

• $399 for five sessions
• Classes run from November 14 – 18, 2011
• Limited availability – register today!

Banquet Training Workshop

This four-hour workshop is designed for both those who are entering the field and for those who have experience but want to upgrade their skills.  The workshop covers knowledge of service standards as well as skills training to get you noticed by the folks who do the hiring.  Among the topics covered are fundamentals of hospitality, buffets, receptions, and plated banquet service.

• $75 for one session
• Class is Saturday, November 12, 2011
• Class fills fast – register today!

Individuals enrolled in these, or other, HTI courses add value, polish, and experience to their service skills – making them more marketable and competitive professionals.  Institutions that enroll their staff will profit from improved guest services, lower employee turnover rates, and higher customer retention rates.

About Hospitality Training Institute

With classes aimed at improving skills for service professionals, HTI caters to all facets of the hospitality industry, from hospitality managers to housekeepers – and everyone in between.  Here, students can learn how to masterfully manage a roulette wheel, mix the perfect martini, or set a proper formal table setting.  HTI can launch a bartending career in under a week, or teach students the fundamentals of food and alcohol safety with ServSafe and TiPS certification courses.

Customizable on-site courses are available for groups of six or more for a flat fee.  Classes are also held weekly at the HTI training facility in Alexandria, Virginia, offering flexible classes to conform to busy schedules.  With affordable rates, working professionals and industry newcomers can start broadening their education and practicing their skills without sacrificing their livelihood or daily commitments.

For more information about Hospitality Training Institute courses, pricing, and scheduling, please visit their website at www.hospitalityinstitute.net/HTI or call 703-496-7292.

Starting a new hospitality job?  Congratulations!

As you know, entering any new work situation means dealing with a set of unknowns – about the work environment and pace, about the personalities of co-workers and supervisors, and about how well you will fit in.  To thrive , you must do more than merely perform your job duties well.  You need to learn how to navigate the sometimes tricky waters of a new culture.

Use this list of suggestions to fit in on the job from day one – and ensure your success:

• Observe. From the moment you walk in the door, pay attention to others – how they interact, dress, maintain their workspaces, etc.  By simply observing, you can learn a lot about how the company operates on a daily basis.  Find out who the most successful team members are and take your cues from them.
• Be flexible. Be open to changing the ways you approach tasks, communicate with others and structure your work day.  The company probably has well-established ways of getting things done and expects you to conform to their standards.
• Be courteous and respectful. One of the best ways to win over new co-workers and supervisors is by using good business etiquette.  Treat everyone with respect by being considerate of others’ workloads and meeting your commitments on time.  If you are working in close quarters or open spaces with others:  use a quiet tone when speaking; keep your cell phone off or on vibrate; keep socializing to a minimum.  Remember that everyone has work to do, including you.
• Dress for success. Your clothes influence the way your manager and co-workers perceive you.  While on the job, avoid fashions that are too trendy, revealing or casual.  Make a good impression by dressing appropriately for your position, or one notch above.
• Beware of office politics. Office politics are part of the interactive process of working together toward individual, team and company goals.  While on a short-term assignment, the best choice is to steer clear of these dynamics.  If you’re on a long-term assignment, or have accepted a direct position, however, you need to learn to cope with them.  Learn how to compliment and not criticize; disagree without being disrespectful; stay above gossip by not spreading rumors.  Establish a reputation as a hard working, positive employee who is not a part of the rumor mill, and you’ll be off to a good start.

Find a Great Fit with Penguin Staff

If you’re looking for a hospitality job or temporary assignment in the Atlanta, GA or Herndon, VA areas, we invite you meet in-person with one of Penguin’s staffing professionals.   Together, we can discuss what type of hospitality job works best for you, the environment you like, your strengths and your salary requirements.

As a leader in hospitality staffing, Penguin knows that a good fit means more than matching skills.  To find the right opportunity for you, we will carefully match your career goals, experience and strengths with the hospitality organization’s culture and the requirements of the job.

Contact Penguin today to find your next hospitality job!