With HSC exams underway in NSW this week there will soon a large number fo ‘schoolies’ looking to enjoy their long summer break, and also looking to fund it! Working in the hospitality trade can be very rewarding. However it does take a bit of getting used to and you can often find yourself having to handle a lot of tasks very quickly. Therefore it helps to be prepared for the work involved and to have the right approach.

Sydney is somewhere that is famous for its hospitality and Australian bar workers are often especially highly sought after. Therefore there is a lot of competition so it helps to know a bit more about what to expect before you apply for a job.

The first big tip is- be open to everything. The chances are you will have to do everything from cleaning toilets to serving food. This means you have to be quick and flexible, able to switch jobs at a moment’s notice. While there are quiet periods in this kind of work when it gets busy the pace can be relentless and it is vital to be prepared.

It is also worth remembering that there are a lot of opportunities to advance in the hospitality trade. If you are keen and apply yourself people will recognise that. It is also vital to not be discouraged if you find your hard work doesn’t immediately result in promotions. If you remain positive and keep up the good work the rewards will come your way!

A big problem people often find when applying for work is the cycle of “need jobs to get experience and experience to get jobs.” This is where having a specific qualification can be very handy as it shows you have the specific skills that a company is looking for. They want people who are responsible and are aware of the responsibilities involved with serving alcohol and so forth.

Furthermore think about it from the company’s point of view- if you already have the skills they need then they will spend less time training you than someone who doesn’t have those skills at all!

For more information on courses to help you get ahead in the hospitality trade in Sydney click here.