Get the job. Never give up that easily.

Have you ever really wanted a job so bad you felt that sinking feeling when they told you; we decided to give it to someone else?

I'm sure we all have. Well this happened to me yesterday. I aced the interview, was even told I was the top candidate for the job then they would call me as they had a few more interviews to do then I waited.

They said they would get back to me by Thursday and come Tuesday (the interview was Monday) I decided I was going to call and check on my application. I ended up just going in for lunch as the position was for a server position at Mel's Diner. This position supposedly pays 600 a week in tips and 8.00 an hour (which works out to a potential 2400 a month waiting tables which is dam good pay for that easy job.).

I went in for lunch with my roommate and the boss Brian, saw me and gave the head nod to come on in (I guess he didn't see my roommate with me and thought I was there to check on my application, which I was but hey I was being nonchalant *smiles) I seated us in a booth and he walked by a minute later and said, oh your here to have lunch..

Yes, I responded. He gave us a few menus and we ordered (from the waitress not him).. He told me to come see him when we finished eating so I sat there wondering if that was a good or bad thing.. I got a gut instinct that I'd not like what he was going to say.. Maybe it was my skills in body language maybe intuition.

All I know is that when he told me the graveyard servers (actually server as one person ran the show and got all the tips) made 600 a week I realized I'd be making more than my friend who was a teacher for the school district in Chicago! So I wanted this gig.

When I went over to talk to him he made it fast, he said he decided to wait for his other manager (that runs graveyard, although he is the hiring manager) to get back from vacation before making his decision. In the interview he stated that he'd know by Thursday and whoever was picked would start Thursday or Friday, and now he was changing his mind? This to me (and the body language) told me this was probably the cop out.. The we hired the other guy/girl (the stripper he said was my only other competition).

I need a job now, I thought, I have rent to pay.. He continued the other manager gets back from vacation on the 15th, two weeks from now. Making sure not to show any signs of weakness or disappointment (that was flooding my emotions as I really wanted this job) I said, ok, shook his hand and left (he said he'd call me).

When I got back to my table with my roommate I was furious actually. I stated, "you see this is why people don't quit their shit jobs.. The job market is always so dam hard, your qualified for so much but without "proof" in a resume it doesn't count for a dam thing."

Yes I was being pessimistic but you have to admit this is the truth. People don't quit jobs they hate because they feel trapped; so much as they know getting another job is a daunting experience. My job at Wal-Mart, the worst job in the world took 30 days of hoops just to get through the hiring process, the interview and drug and background checks. It's ridiculous what you have to do to get an 8.00 an hour job!

When I got home I decided to sulk, bad idea I know but I was pretty upset. You know how it is when you feel you nailed it, confident in the outcome only to be stepped on in the end. Sure their was hope in them calling me by the 15th with good news but I felt it was dismal at best. I'm not a pessimist, but I know when something is surrounded with an air of BS.

The next day I decided that I wasn't taking this lying down. In the interview I think I neglected to really sell myself. It had been a while since I had an interview and I walked in confident but I think I choked in the interview. Let me tell you why. I'm very good at reading people. I can assess most people in 5 minutes down to their character. Their are a lot of clues if you know what to look for.

Everything from what they wear to how they move, talk, and even how they move their eyes when posed with questions can tell you if their imagining up a response or accessing real information. You can even tell if the information their accessing is visual, audio, or kinesthetic and can assess how much the topic means to them. It's uncanny.

Well with all this experience I've become accustomed to acing interviews of any kind. Put me in front of a panel of 12 judges and I won't even sweat.. But put me in front of a guy who's both confident and has control over his body language and I don't know how to act!

This guy Brian was very hard to read.. I think I lost my train of thought because he gave me very little in the way of how to respond to him. You see when you can read people its easier to talk to them because you can "see" where their coming from and relate. Passing an interview is easier when you can read your interviewer because you know how to respond to his questions and so forth.

The thing is I knew the answers to his questions but when he asked it I think I was too preoccupied with his lack of "signals". It was like trying to load word perfect on a Mac!

I wasn't prepared for this, so when he asked me to describe my experience, something I did with full fidelity in the car to my roommate, without pause even, I had a huge brain fart. I think I even stuttered, and although my body language wasn't too bad I couldn't figure out what to say or how to phrase it!

I think this was detrimental to my success here. I did however get some valid and valuable points out (eventually) and he said I was at the top of the heap as he put it just before telling me my only competition was that stripper girl and he rolled his eyes as if he knew that she'd never pass up a 300.00 gig for a 100.00 a night gig at Mel's if it came down to it, I figured it was in the bag.

O.k. now I was back to the drawing board making my resume. I like to Taylor my resume to specific jobs so when I go out looking for a job I bring a resume for different establishment. I.e. often I'll make one for restaurant type jobs another for office and another for Computer (tech support etc..) related jobs.

In the case of Mel's I made one but didn't bring it. But I also didn't really build it for them specifically either. I think this would have been a good thing to bring as even if I choked the resume would have shown my experience in food service (Which I have 6 years or so as a server).

Preparing to make my resume for another company I revisited my ambition for this place. The tips are pretty good and the restaurant is really manageable. It's only about 25 tables and the average tip is 5.00 from what I hear from Brian and the waitress grapevine.

I decided to fight for that top spot of getting the one available graveyard position that I thought psst was a piece of cake, I mean who wants to work graveyard? At first I wanted it because I figured it was a cake walk, I'll get in prove myself and be on day shift in a month.. but now I realize its the one shift that has ONE server meaning the same money the girls on day shift are raking in separately I can rake in all by myself (hence the 600 a week in tips the last server was earning).

I beefed up my resume and decided what could it hurt.. I already figured the job was given to the stripper so nothing I could do would hurt.

So here I am writing up my resume, and I think, well experience is nice but what if that other persons experience trumps mine? Then what?

Then it hits me. I'll just do what I should have done at the interview. With me I can much more efficiently and impressively explain the thoughts in my head on paper than in a conversation.

Well with someone I know very little about or have little experience with. So it hits me I'll just write my Resume and attach two extra pages. One page will be experience. The next will be the infamous 10 steps of service (what servers are supposed to know and are always preached to follow).

The third page will be well third and fourth will be, my dissertation of what I think they want to hear (and completely an honest assessment of how I work.). I take pride in my job no matter what it is. It's why I must enjoy what I do lest I won't even apply there.

I never stay at a job I can't "Make work". Wal-Mart was the one job that I hated but somehow found ways every day to love what I did. It was an uphill battle but somehow I think it was the challenge of turning evil into optimism that kept me there.

You should always sell yourself. In this case I am going to throw my "sales" out there hard and fast. Tell them like it is and how I see it. How I work and "how I roll". The way I see this is if they don't hire me i a heartbeat after reading all this, then they aren't worth MY time anyway. I'm a valuable employee to any establishment. I'm not being arrogant I'm being real.. I've worked hard to learn how to network, get along with people, build moral amongst my peers, and something as simple as food serving, I've got it down like a comedian to his jokes.

I know the industry inside and out and although I consider this job a bit below my pay grade, If the earnings are even half what he said this could be a lot of fun and worth my time. I want to make money sure but enjoying what I do is more important. After all you can always make money but you can never get your days and hours back. Why waste your time making a lot of money and being stressed every minute of your day but the few days vacation they give you?

I love waiting tables. I love the interaction with people and the opportunity to meet just about everyone in town. Mel's is a pretty popular place out here in Rocklin so it's a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the big dawgs. This town is middle to upper middle class and a lot of rich. Business people live out here. Their is no ghetto within a square 30 miles of my house. I've impressed business people with my knowledge in the past and so I can see finding opportunities and possibly a better job in this place.

SO with that I'm not giving up so easily and accepting defeat.. I may have messed up the initial interview but when I deliver this what 6 page "resume" of my skills, past jobs and knowledge of their industry (the food service/server industry) they will have a few choices. They can read it and say eh, we still want the stripper (then I'll realize I didn't want to work there anyway, because their a bunch of morons) or they will call me up and say.. Jerrico.. When can you start?

I'm going to print this out and stable the respective parts together and present it to the manager tomorrow around 3pm (actually this would be today if your reading this after midnight march 5th).

I'll let you know how it turns out.

I wrote this to inspire anyone who has run into this type of disappointment.. it's better to try and give it all you got, and realize if they don't hire you anyway, its their loss than to feel the sting of someone else working your position and feeling bad about it. I refuse to go out like that.

Below is the "Package" I'll be delivering" in case your curious as to what I said. Comments are appreciated; I'll probably read them before 3. Be nice though, no sarcasm or BS please. I do have feelings you know :*)

Brian,

My objective with Mel's Diner is to come in at an entry level server position (graveyard) and learn the structure and menu of this establishment. (which I've already taken home and started studying).

I would like to wait tables for no less than a year and begin to look into management positions. I am interested in Mel's because of its company mission, environment and earning potential (tips & Location). Being close to my permanent residence is convenient for both me and the company. I do not plan to move anytime soon, and am considered by my peers to be responsible and self sufficient but also a great team player.

I never miss work or call in sick unless I am actually sick, and rarely get sick. I'm dedicated to my career and enjoy the personal interaction with customers. I like the challenge of the multitasking environment and seek to better my skill sets at every opportunity. I enjoy working with people, both customers and my co-workers and am a highly optimistic person. I bring a certain "Fun" and "charisma" to the work environment.

As a server before, I was able to take on more than most servers and rarely get stressed for any reason (text book definition of stress, I enjoy multitasking and actually work better under stress).

I was often involved actively in boosting moral of other servers and customers, and would take proactively, apparently difficult customers for the challenge of turning them around and showing them this is a place they can come and enjoy themselves and release the stresses of their day while enjoying a good meal.

This is also a great way to get word of mouth advertising for our restaurant and this means both more revenue for the business and more tip income opportunity for me (and my fellow servers). I have skills in reading body language, psychology; marketing, sales, and interpersonal relationships that help me do better at my job (and help teach these things to my co-workers by example). In my last position I managed and trained a team of associates in customer service and achieving a high moral.

I understand the importance of up selling, Suggestive Selling, Knowing the Menu, Company Policies, and the importance of appearance, cleanliness, and customer perception of our establishment (both physically and service-wise).

I believe in taking personal responsibility for my actions and those perceived by our guest for any reason (regardless of it being my fault or not). I have no problem taking responsibility as a group if we fail our guests in any way as we are a team and must synergize efforts to assure every customer comes back to enjoy our service again (and again and again: All for one - one for all). It is never blame we should focus on for mistakes but the resolution and training to fix them productively (to assure they don't happen again).

I am self sufficient and don't have to be hounded to complete a task. Often I only need to be told once to do something and exceed expectations on that task as a matter of personal pride in a job well done. I often take the initiative to network others to make the job easier for all. I learn fast and am always finding ways to work more efficiently. I don't believe complaining solves anything but causes more problems. I do what needs to be done even if it's perceived by others as "someone else's job" truth is its all of our jobs. Were a team. There is no "I" in team. I believe that if there is an opportunity to help the cooks, management, other servers, bussers, or the customer that I should take it so long as it doesn't interfere with my job and efficiency in accomplishing my needed tasks.

I have training in networking and team work, and have always gotten along with my co-workers very well. I never complain about side work or doing extra work to facilitate the business needs, including inspection status side work regimens, staying busy during slow times.

I always find something to do or clean) or anything else my manager feels is necessary to facilitate the business needs and needs of our guests.

My experience and training in the past have made me a better people person, an efficient waiter/server, and has taught me a great deal of tolerance, patience and the value of perseverance.

My work ethic is pretty high and I take pride in doing an above average job in anything I do. All I ask for is an opportunity to show you my value to your company I promise you, you won't be disappointed in my performance.

I have a lot to offer Mel's Diner (including taking a lot of headaches away by being reliable and stable as an employee, and allowing you to spend more time worrying about profits and less time worrying about your graveyard shift server showing up).

I understand the pay scale depends on me, and my ability to "wow" the guests (tips) and I also understand that while I'm on the clock I must work, not stand around and indulge in what's on the television.

I can walk to work if need be in 10 minutes so transportation will never be an issue.

I am applying for Grave Yard (and have no reservations against this shift whatsoever, in fact I think it would be interesting and lucrative) but I will take any shift you wish me to take, I'm highly flexible and open. My life is not structured in such a way that would interfere with the job, or your needs. I will work overtime, or come in to cover any shift (an opportunity to make more money I feel).

In my past server positions I've only needed 1 day of training, 2 at most and learn pretty quickly. Looking around Mel's It seems pretty close to the same type of work and facilities (juice machines, dessert creations, computer etc..) as my past positions (although this place seems to be a more fun place to work.. ).

If you can't tell already I really want this job for various reasons. I really want to get back into the fun of serving, I had a lot of fun with it in the past, and spent 5 years in a stuffy computer oriented job where I rarely got to interact with people other than when I went out. I enjoy serving and take pride in my work. I see it as an opportunity to be exposed to the many people who live in town (I just arrived in Rocklin from Sacramento) and to introduce myself while exposing them to the great service at Mel's Diner. I've always wanted to work in a 50's type restaurant and I love how close to home this place is.

Thank you for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jerrico Usher

This one should push them to hire me alone.. as most people can't when asked out of the blue name these (I don't know why) and after being asked and me myself at first not being able to I memorized them. I added a few fundamentals to this to show them the "Up sell" portion of our show :) The managers are more worried about us selling food than anything else, were the front line of the earning potential for the restaurant!

TEN STEPS

• 1. Greet the guest. Smile, both with body language and vocal tone, and eyes (and lips of course)
• 2. Seat The guest (even If you're not the host) offer menus, and take drink order. Suggest several drinks and types of drink (i.e. juice, milk, milkshakes)
• 3. Bring drink within one minute, and ask guest if they have any questions so far. Suggest something on the menu that would be good. Ask if they need more time.
• 4. Return within 2 minutes to take order. If guest is indecisive ask them what type of food (i.e. sandwich, burger, dinner) they want and help them by suggesting something good. Always talk to kids not about them make them feel important (bring crayons and coloring books if available). Take order in position their seated (position 1 is first person to left, two is next to them and so on. And deliver in same order (helps memory).
• 5. Return after 2 minutes and ask if everything tastes great (don't say does it taste ok; say does it taste good (with enthusiasm). Bring napkins, extra silverware, or refill drinks (in this step if your guests have coffee you should have brought the coffee pot.
• 6. Judge tables from here and attend to empty plates, ramekins, silverware etc... maintaining a smile and enthusiasm and personal attention to each table, do this by talking with the guests but don't ramble or give them too much opportunity to ramble.. State questions that use yes or no or short answers when busy but show personal concern for their comfort none the less. Ask if everything was good, and how their experience was (feedback)
• 7. Offer dessert, by describing specific desserts to tempt guests' taste buds. Also offer juice or milk, coffee etc.. To go with desert. Up sell based on dessert ordered (i.e. pie = coffee or milk Milkshake = coffee etc..)
• 8. Return within 2 minutes (or one depending on guest) to make sure dessert is to their satisfaction; refill drinks (potentially offer drinks again after they start to eat dessert).
• 9. Thank Guest for coming, ask them to come again (I look forward to seeing you next time (presupposes they will be back) and enjoyed serving you! (smile always!).
• 10. Ring them up, or send them to hostess to pay, bring ticket and again ask how things went, did you get everything ok? Etc... if children present personally say bye to them.. Parents like when you don't ignore their children.
• 11. Start ten steps over again with each new guest.

These are guidelines not rigid, each situation requires personal attention and attention to the customers needs and interactions.

This part is taylored per place. I don't tell a resturaunt about my earthlink and computer experience (in detail) because it doesnt pertain to the job or needed skills. I did mention my certifications to show them I can learn their point of sale computer but mentioning earthlink for example is of no use. The only exception is if I needed to fill a gap, but alot of the time I worked both, resturaunt by day tech support by night so this wasnt a problem.

The first one I put my own company but didnt mention I owned it, unless they specifically ask. Even though I worked harder on my own business than any job ever, people tend to judge "self employment" as not real experience, when in reality its the ultimate experience. Shows self sufficiency. at any rate I needed to list it due to the time gap. The job I held in my company was described in it. :) although I did everything I had 5 independant contractors working for me and I trained them from newbie to sales team, webmasters and so on.. That was the job I never left the house.. spent too much time building pages and making new CD's to market. We also sold ebooks.

Resume

Experience

2003-2008 TranQuil-Wiser Sacramento, California

Operations Manager / Customer Service Manager

• Managed a team of associates (3) in production and sales of products (Books and CD's primarily).
• Assisted and trained associates in Customer Service.
• Suggested new products that increased earnings by 50%.
• Developed products, Web Design, and implementation to internet marketing
• Continued my employment at Denny's How ave. (graveyard) while training and working at TranQuil-Wiser during the day. Eventually quit Denny's to focus on career with TranQuil-Wiser

1998-2004 Denny's Restaurant Biloxi; 2 Sacramento Loc., CA

Food Server / Cashier / Host / Up seller

• Greeted guests, Seated guests, Took food orders, Brought food, Prepared food/drinks/desserts, Up sold orders/Suggested entree's, appetizers, desserts, Cashed guest out (register), Performed various and consistent/daily side work duties to include clean up, rotation of product, abiding by health policies, maintenance in booths, light cleaning of carpets, and surrounding fixtures etc..
• Learned and Developed team work standards/ethics. Constantly applied what I learned at work and off the clock in networking/team working and tried to improve daily. Created mission to better myself and learn from everything I go through and to share that knowledge with my team of servers. Made Moral coach by general manager in Sacramento store.
• Implemented training for moral, up selling excellence, team work, and positive mental attitude from beginning of shift to end. Designed to improve tips, customer experience and moral of servers and over all staff thorough team work. Also designed to bring more revenue to business by impressing upon customers a great dining experience
• Once rapport with staff was sufficiently sound I began to duplicate my training techniques in moral, higher tips, teamwork etc.. Through interaction daily with staff at various points in the shift. Continued to teach others through NLP techniques of my own successes.
• Started with Denny's in Biloxi Ms. Transferred to Sacramento store (Manzanita), Transferred after year to Howe ave. Location

Education

July 2004 Attended Computer Certification courses Sacramento, CA

• Studied and Passed A+ Certification Course: A+ Certified Professional Certificate Issued
• Studied and Passed MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) MCP Certificate Issued
• Studied and Passed MCDST Certification Course: MCDST Professional Certificate Issued