How to Make the Best of Working in a Fast Food Restaurant

Co-authored by Seth Hall

Last Updated: February 21, 2023 References

Although you might view your fast food job as less than ideal, there are many ways to make the most of working in the service industry. Learn as much as possible in your position; customer service skills, stress management abilities, and knowledge of specialized tasks are all assets that may serve a future job hunt. Focus on the flexible hours, social interaction, fast pace, and other perks of your job to stay positive. In addition, use all resources at your disposal in this service position to build your resume and further your career.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Learning as Much as Possible

1
Build your customer service skills. Customer service is a very important part of the fast food industry, and a skill that will serve you well in all future jobs and endeavors. Knowing how to deal with difficult people in an appeasing matter, even when said people are in the wrong, is a strength that is applicable to both your personal life and professional life. To improve your customer service skills, try to:
- be friendly and polite^{[1]
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- apologize for any delays or errors
- smile
2
Learn to deal with stress. Working in a fast food environment can be stressful and chaotic, but learning how to deal with that kind of pressure is an invaluable lesson. Prioritizing tasks, recognizing what's worth stress and what isn't, and seeing stressors as a finite things are good ways to adapt.^{[2]
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Research source} Learning how to breathe, stay calm, and collect yourself is important to both your job performance and health.^{[3]
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3
Ask to learn new tasks. To learn as much as possible from your fast food job, ask your manager or supervisor if you can learn new tasks. This will show your initiative and enthusiasm, and it will also broaden your work experience and skills. New tasks may include:
- taking inventory^{[4]
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- preparing side dishes, like salads or soups^{[5]
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- operating cooking equipment^{[6]
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- replenishing supplies^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Focusing on the Positive

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Appreciate the flexible hours. Since fast food restaurants are open all week, typically for many hours a day, employee work schedules are usually flexible.^{[8]
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Research source} This industry is especially accommodating to employees who want extra hours, an opportunity that is not always available with a strict 9 to 5 schedule. Take advantage of the opportunity to work at different times of the day and request shifts outside of typical work day hours; this will allow you to avoid rush hour hassles, and possibly cut down the time of your commute.^{[9]
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2
Enjoy the social interaction. Working in the service industry provides you with an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. You're likely learning how to read people, which is a valuable skill; additionally, the camaraderie and fun you may develop with your fellow employees doesn't exist in all working environments. Social interaction is a crucial part of human life and is thought to be a factor in extending lifespan.^{[10]
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Research source} To bond with co-workers, try:
- organizing after-work outings and get-togethers.
- sitting with them during your breaks
- participating in team-building activities sponsored by the company (charity events, sports, etc.)^{[11]
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- starting discussions about workplace experiences (e.g. "I just served a really difficult customer. How do you deal with that kind of situation?")
3
Welcome the fast pace. Most jobs are stationary - in other words, many people have desk jobs where they are required to sit for long periods of time. Sitting for too many consecutive hours on a regular basis can result in neck and back pain, an increased risk of heart disease, poor posture, and difficulty concentrating.^{[12]
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Research source} To avoid getting overwhelmed by the fast pace of your fast food job, take advantage of your break time to regroup, relax, and focus on your breathing.^{[13]
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Research source} Having a job that requires physical activity not only makes the time pass quickly, but it keeps your body active.
- Make sure to take care of your feet; buy a pair of comfortable shoes and breathable socks to prevent injury and hygiene issues while you're on your feet for long periods of time.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Coping with the Disadvantages

1
Make the best of working on holidays. While working on holidays is an unfortunate reality of fast food employees, there are positive things to consider. Working on days that you would prefer not to shows dedication, loyalty, and professionalism - qualities that will earn you recognition from your supervisors. In addition, postponing your own celebrations will allow you to celebrate during off-peak times, which can be less hectic and expensive. ^{[15]
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Don’t let angry customers get you down. Working in the service industry means that you will inevitably encounter angry or rude customers from time to time. Remember that this is part of your job and not something that you should take to heart; customers don’t know you personally, they can only speak to their experience of the product or service you are providing. Do your best to handle each difficult situation in the best, most professional way you can and, if possible, take a few minutes to yourself if a situation really gets you down.^{[16]
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3
Do what you can with a lower salary. One of the biggest disadvantages of working at a fast food restaurant is the low wage you are likely to be earning. Do what you can to make the most of your money; work out a firm budget for your spending, open an account at a bank with low fees, and shop around for a high-interest savings account. These efforts to bolster your savings will make a difference over time.^{[17]
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- You may also take advantage of the non-monetary rewards of your fast food job, like free or discounted food and drinks.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Seeking Career Advancement

1
Consider your employer's management training program. Completing a training program has the potential to increase your income and benefits.^{[18]
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Research source} Ask your manager or supervisor about such opportunities, or do your own research on your employer's website. Keep in mind that some fast food restaurants promote their service staff to management positions; do your best to be a model employee and express interest in advancing your career with the company.^{[19]
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Build your resume. You'll acquire important skills by taking on more responsibility - experience as a supervisor is applicable anywhere. A strong work ethic, dependability, and motivation are all skills that are highly valued by prospective employers, and all of these qualities can be learned from your fast food job.^{[20]
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Research source} The more skills and experience you obtain, the more your resume is likely to impress future employers.
3
Think about your education. Keep in mind that some fast food franchises offer scholarships and grants to their employees.This initiative gives employees the opportunity to further their education and career while working at their fast food job, and helps fast food chains attract and retain workers. Visit your employer's corporate website to apply for any opportunities available to you.^{[21]
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Look into your employer's corporate career opportunities. Many fast food chains provide opportunities for restaurant managers to move into corporate positions. Benefits at the corporate level typically include medical, dental, profit sharing, incentive pay and recognition programs. ^{[22]
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Research source} Look into your options and go for any opportunities that are available to you; it is worth the risk to move towards the kind of career you want.^{[23]
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- Remember that many successful people started out in the service industry; think of your experience as preparation for bigger and better things!^{[24]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you describe fast food work on a resume?

Seth Hall
Life Coach
Seth T. Hall is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”.

Seth Hall

Life Coach

Expert Answer

Try to focus on the customer service aspect of the job and mention how you have a positive attitude and are great at connecting with people. You might also highlight your reliability and dependability.
Question

How many years of training does this require?

Community Answer

If you want to work as just a fast food worker, no experience is required - you will be trained on the job. If you're trying to go for the management position, probably around 2 years.
Question

What do I say when on the till serving somebody?

Community Answer

"Welcome to [name of store]. How may I help you today?" Your restaurant will probably have something specific they would like you to say but that's a common greeting. You can make a small joke or have a polite conversation, but you mostly just want to be welcoming and take the order.