What are some entry-level jobs?
Olive Garden has a good set of entry-level jobs in both front- and back-of-house. They are:
- Server: Servers at Olive Garden have small sections, so you will not have to multitask too much. This is a good position if you have strong social skills. Servers say the hourly rate is good and you also get tips!
- Host/Hostess: The easiest position for people just getting started. Your job is keeping track of which tables are taken and empty, and sometimes set them up for patrons. You’ll also escort customers to their seats and communicate how much longer others need to wait. People often start here and get promoted to servers eventually.
- Line cook: If you’d rather not deal with customers, this is a good position. Cook pay is usually on the higher end and you’ll learn all kinds of awesome recipes. Bigger restaurants divide all the kitchen work, so if you aren’t ready to handle the dinner rush, you could end up at a salad or breadstick station until you are.
Tips to get hired here with a felony
Olive Garden’s job search page allows you to find jobs in your area and apply. Your best bet is always to pick a job that you’re confident at. While entry-level positions don’t ask for a lot, you will have competition for each role. Therefore, match your skills to the job description! Here’s how . . .
If you’re applying to be a server, include how your past job helped you multitask. If your last job required you to perform under pressure, mention that too.
Ideally, you’ll have recommendations from previous employers that will speak to your work ethic and character. A good second-best is having experience in the same role at another restaurant. Perhaps you’ve worked at McDonald’s and are comfortable working a till and filling food orders. That’s a great start!
If you don’t have a prior work history, that’s not a deal-breaker! Focus on your volunteering, community involvement or specific skills you’ve picked up outside of a traditional work environment. The application does not require you to submit a resume.
Having a good resume lets you sell yourself faster, so if you’re serious about finding work, you should have one.
If you’re called into the interview, make sure to be clean and presentable. Dressing business casual is always a good bet. It’s possible you will have to cover any visible tattoos if you have a front of house job, so cover them up for the interview until you have a chance to ask a manager about it.
Before the interview, make sure to study Olive Garden’s About Us page. Learning about the job beforehand tells the interviewer that you care and really want the job.
What does that mean, exactly? It means the interview will not just be about listing your past skills. Yes, it’s good to tell them if you have prior restaurant experience or a server or a cook. However, Olive Garden says on their website that they want employees to “connect” with customers. So it’s also good to talk about your personality. If you are good with people or friendly, make sure to talk about that as well. If you get along with your coworkers and are a team player, mention that during the interview to show you meet Olive Garden’s values.
Lastly, be ready to answer questions about your record. Be frank and ready to honestly explain both the good and bad of your experience. This is where having a resume can come in handy. It can let your interviewer see a bigger picture of your skills outside of what the application lets them see.
If you present a friendly personality, tie your work history into Olive Garden’s values and are ready to sell yourself, you’ll have a good chance of landing the job!
Skip to Navigation
