Aaahhrgh! Restaurant RIGHT next door playing coy with possible job Op!

[theivoryqueen]

I am a well deserving case: local artist needs employment - desperate for work. I am thinking about a picket line and LOTS of big signs!
ANYONE out there - is there a better way to make them hire me? (And make them I will.... my precious!) Seriously - I need the work, they are my actual next door neighbor. A bunch of stuffy north of towners have invaded my fabu neighb to start up a restaurant and if they HAVE to be my next-doors, I think it's only fair they hire my ass. And I have the experience to back the talk! Sorry to post such a self absorbed diatribe. If anyone has any really good strategies for sitches like this, bring 'em on!

Also on edit - I know the orig. rant was lame, but I am seriously peeved that this new group of righties has snuck into my neigb. and seems totally disconnected from the reality of here-ism. I guess if I don't get the damn job(s) so much the better - but as I have two very hungry doggles to feed, that sounds less powerful from this side of the screen.

[pagerbear]

1. Have you thought of submitting an application?

[theivoryqueen]

2. thanks for your super rapid reply - I did "apply"

they also wanted a local artist to paint their logo plus hula girl on the wall over their bar and I gave them a "neighbor" price on that as well - so far NADA! And they approached ME! I think they actually hired some out of district help - am seriously pissed as I priced an entire wall at less than $300.

[Susang]

3. Restaurants are always slow to hire

Especially new ones. Then when they finally decide, they expect you to be ready whenever they need you. Be prepared for that eventuality. I've been in the biz for about 20 years, and it always takes forever to actually get the job (or at least it seems like it)

The best advice I can give you is to keep checking in with them, without overdoing it. I know you really need the job, but you can't let them see that. Be aggressive, but don't be too pushy. Opening a restaurant usually means working about 18-20 hours a day, and they are probably exhausted and cranky. You want them to like you and to be their friend. Poke your head in every once in awhile to see how the renovation/construction is going. Make sure they know you live next door and would be available at the drop of a hat to fill in, etc....

Restaurants tend to want people who already have other jobs or are "types". What kind of restaurant is this going to be? Is it a casual place, ethnic, artsy, trendy/fashionable? This matters, as it can tell you what type of person they are looking to hire. Adapt your look to their image when you go in to interview or stop by to say hi. Unfortunately, restaurants hire far more on appearance and image than they do on experience and talent, so it can help you immensely to adapt yourself to what their looking for, if you're willing.

Good luck & keep us posted!

[Dookus]

4. I agree

new restaurants are always in chaos.

If you wanna get the job, check in occasionally, and even offer to do other work they may need.

[theivoryqueen]

6. thanks Dookus. Will do

am just peeved right now as I saw other people painting in there. I borrowed equipment based on an initial convo - to be able to turn the owners tattoo into a big-ass sign over the bar. Oh well.

[theivoryqueen]

5. thanks so much! good advice which I will try to heed

I seriously appreciate the attention to my insignificant problem, as well as your words of wisdom. I will heed those words the next few days, especially. Dang -I wish it was easier. It is seriously hard not to come off as desperate whe you actually are!

[Dookus]

7. my sister-in-law

has managed a number of the best restaurants in California, and I worked as a waiter and bartender for years. It's a very difficult business, often run by well-meaning people who are overwhelmed by the actual job.

If it's next door, make friends with them no matter what. At best, you'll get the job. At worst, you'll get some free food.

[Susang]

8. That's where your skills come in

You know how you managed to keep your cool on a Saturday night with a full station even though the kitchen went down in flames? You hid your desperation, right? This is just a little less immediate, that's all. Schmooze them like you'd schmooze one of your tables.

BTW, your problem isn't insignificant. I've been out of work a zillion times and looking for restaurant work is frighteningly similar to the auditioning process. Often you've been judged before you even open your mouth and you know it, but you still have to sit there and go through the interview and try to change their minds with your dazzling personality and marketable skills. Its tough but the money (and the hours) can really be worth it.

[theivoryqueen]

9. thanks again - you DO know!

So as not to slight your possible reply - I am seeing some light at the end of the... long hollow tube... and am leaving to go and get some ZZZZ's. Thanks to all (two) for the moral support. I hereby bequeath you two several of my giant scuptures. Thanks and good night.