How To Become a Restaurant Manager: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Restaurant Manager is a career goal for many people who start working in the restaurant and hospitality industry. It’s ideal for those who have a passion for food and a love for creating outstanding customer experiences.

However, getting your first Restaurant Manager job can be very difficult. But don’t worry — that’s exactly what we’ll talk about in this article. We discuss the steps you’ll need to take in order to have a chance of landing your first Restaurant Manager job without having any previous management experience. 

5 Steps To Take to Become a Restaurant Manager

There are a few certifications and skills that you need to possess in order to become (and be) a successful Restaurant Manager. 

You can get those certifications and skills by attending a hospitality management program in a college or university or by joining an internship program. Alternatively, you can simply work your way up by working in the industry.

Below are the five steps that will help you become a Restaurant Manager:

1. Get Formal Education in Hospitality Management

Although you don’t need a degree to become a Restaurant Manager, most restaurants require their employees to have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. 

Ideally, however, you should also consider getting a degree in hospitality management or business administration. Most employers in the restaurant industry looking for Restaurant Managers prefer their potential candidates to have a two-year associate degree or four-year diploma in hospitality management. 

A management degree or diploma lets employers know that you’ve gone through programs that helped develop the skills needed for the job. Some of the things you learn in a hospitality management program include:

• Problem-solving skills
• People management skills
• Accounting basics
• Hospitality regulations
• Business strategy development

Besides providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a Restaurant Manager, many programs provide internship opportunities. One such example is the one from the Culinary Institute of America, which offers internships where you can apply their teachings in practice.

2. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Restaurant Roles

If attending a college or university to get a hospitality management degree or diploma is out of the question for you — don’t lose hope. 

You can still become a Restaurant Manager by applying for an internship or start working your way up to the role by going through the ranks. Many employers want workers who have hands-on experience working in the industry. 

In fact, it’s common for Restaurant Managers to start working in an entry-level position in a restaurant like a Server or even doing prep work in the kitchen. Learning every aspect of how a restaurant operates will come in very handy when managing one.

To make yourself stand out, you can volunteer to train new staff, handle inventory and manage small/slow shifts. Show initiative and the willingness to do more than what your role requires you to.

3. Get Other Required Certifications

Many states across the U.S. require a few extra certifications to work in the restaurant industry. Depending on the local regulations of your state, you may require a Food Handling or Food Manager certificate. Additionally, you should consider a Certified Restaurant Manager credential from ServSuccess.

Photo Source: ServSuccess

You can try getting those certificates by yourself, but in most cases, employers are willing to help you get them as well. However, it’s best that you get them yourself before you apply for a job so you can stand out from other candidates.

4. Develop Your Interpersonal Skills

Managing a restaurant requires strong interpersonal skills. You’ll need to be proficient in conflict resolution, efficient and effective communication and fostering a positive work environment. You need to make yourself approachable, be an active listener and have mutual respect with everyone you’re managing. 

This requires a lot of self-awareness and intentional practice. Here are a few ways you can develop these interpersonal skills:

Practice Active Listening

Being an active listener means fully focusing on the speaker, understanding what they’re trying to say and responding thoughtfully. It’s not just about the words they’re saying but also about the intent behind their words. An active listener maintains eye contact, nods every now and then to show that they’re following and doesn’t interrupt. 

Improve Communication Skills

This one is pretty straightforward. To be a good communicator, you need to be clear, concise and mindful. A good communicator pays attention to body language on top of what’s being said. Eye contact, an open posture and gestures to reinforce what you’re saying can help make you a better communicator. 

You can practice these things during your everyday conversations with family and friends or even in front of the mirror.

Practice Empathy

The ability to understand someone and put yourself in their shoes is important for being a leader. Considering the other person’s perspective can help you make better managing decisions. Additionally, it will help you with conflict management and developing deeper connections. Ask open-ended questions and offer support when needed to practice and cultivate empathy.

5. Create a Killer Restaurant Manager CV

The last step to getting your first Restaurant Manager gig is to make yourself the best candidate amongst your competition. Your CV will usually be the first point of contact with your employer, so you have to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Your CV should reflect your passion for the role and highlight your restaurant experience and skills. Showcase your passion for the role in your introductory paragraph and what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.

Outline your previous work experience, and the responsibilities you fulfilled in previous positions and highlight the positive things you did while performing them. 

We have a great article talking about how to put together a CV that stands out.

See Also: Top 10 Restaurant Manager Interview Questions and Sample Answers