In the food service industry, first appearances can be more important than your skills. My experiance hiring individuals for entry level positions, especially in food service, has taught me how important this is. Many times, establishments are willing to train workers that have desirable attributes. To appear trustworthy, responsible, and clean with a pleasant demeanor will often get you a chance with a company. Each experience within the food service industry can bring you new skills. From the most basic of responsibilities to complex management skills, take advantage of every on the job training possible.
To get your foot in the door within this growing industry, awareness of the place you would like to gain the job from is needed. Is it a formal dining establishment? Is it a catering company? Is it a cafeteria? Pay attention to the type of establishment and level of formality.
Now, look at yourself. Before entering the establishment, make sure you are wearing proper clothing. Make sure it is clean, not revealing or clinging, not ripped and appropriate for the facility you are approaching. For example, clean new jeans or khaki pants and a solid shirt is appropriate for fast food, but dressing that way for an upscale steak house may not have you taken seriously. Also, make sure you are groomed properly. This means make sure you are bathed, hair combed, teeth brushed and wearing deodorant. Make sure that you do not over do it on the perfume!
Approach the establishment during normal business hours, but not during a rush. Turn off your cell phone. The last thing you want is a phone ringing while speaking to a prospective employer! Ask the manager if there are any positions available that you can apply for. Come prepared with a pen to fill out an application. If there are no positions, offer your hand to shake and thank the manager. If there are, fill out the application and turn in right away.