Find restaurants near you that are looking for help and apply in person. You'll probably be bussing tables or cleaning at first, but you'll get a look into what working in this industry is like. 

Apply for a restaurant job.

Look for a simple recipe that you can make on your own or with friends. Make a shopping list of ingredients and make sure you read the recipe a few times so you know what to expect before you start!

Try a new recipe!

Learn about food safety, sanitation, and more through a food handler certification course. Make sure to verify the certification requirements for your specific state!

Find out what it takes to get a food handler certification.

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Third Interest High-Point

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

First Interest High-Point

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Second Interest High-Point

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

Food and Beverage Serving Workers

Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.

Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.

Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.

Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.

Load trays with accessories, such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.

Take food orders and relay orders to kitchens or serving counters so they can be filled.

Monitor food preparation or serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed.

Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.

Carry food, silverware, or linen on trays or use carts to carry trays.

Record amounts and types of special food items served to customers.

Stock service stations with items, such as ice, napkins, or straws.

Prepare food items, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, or beverages.

Determine where patients or patrons would like to eat their meals and help them get situated.

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Overview

Career

What Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Do

Other Job Titles Food Servers, Nonrestaurant May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Overview

Career

What Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Do

Other Job Titles Food Servers, Nonrestaurant May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Related Careers

Related Leaders