Relay resources
How to get a restaurant job in NYC with limited experience
By Relay Team. Published
Start with roles that often train on the job, such as dishwasher, prep cook, barback, busser, runner or host. Show that you are reliable, available and willing to learn. For many entry roles, those matter more than a long resume.
Free for workers. Takes about 60 seconds.
Roles that often hire newer workers
- Dishwasher and porter: a common first kitchen job, and a way to learn how a kitchen runs.
- Prep cook: knife work and recipes, often on daytime hours.
- Barback: physical work behind the bar, and a path toward bartending.
- Host: front-door work where calm communication matters.
- Busser and runner: supporting servers, and a path toward serving.
What to highlight instead of restaurant experience
- Reliability: showing up on time, every time.
- Availability: nights and weekends are often where the hours are.
- Other jobs where you stood on your feet, worked fast, or dealt with customers.
- Languages you speak.
Small steps that help
- Get a pair of non-slip shoes before your first trial.
- Consider a food safety course. The NYC Food Protection course is a recognized option for kitchen work.
- Be honest about what you do not know yet. Kitchens can work with that.
Tell Relay you are new to the role
When you sign up with Relay, you can say you are new to the role. We will not pretend otherwise to an employer. Relay is free, and it does not guarantee a job, but it means you do not have to keep searching on your own.
Roles
Boroughs
More guides
Tell Relay what job you want
Relay connects you to relevant openings. It does not guarantee employment.
Free for workers. Takes about 60 seconds.