The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 6.1 percent from July to September 2008. In September alone, unemployment declined by another 159,000 nonfarm jobs, as revealed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In spite of these reports, however, the restaurant industry has kept pace with health care, both proving to be the only two areas of business experiencing growth and adding positions rather than suffering from depletion. But a change may be in the air.

        According to the August 2008 Restaurant Performance Index produced by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant operators have reported negative same-store sales for the eighth month out of the past 10, with uncertainty plaguing forecasted growth. In a statement, the senior vice president of research and information services for the association, Hudson Riehle, said: “The uncertain economy and rising food costs continue to pose a challenging business environment for restaurant operators. A record 31 percent of restaurant operators said the economy is the No. 1 challenge facing their business, while 22 percent identified food costs as their top challenge.”

        Despite the positive reports and trends seen over the past 12 months in the restaurant industry, it is wise to heed the concerns of operators. There is no certainty in a market such as ours. Take it from ex-employees of Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale, which declared bankruptcy and shuttered stores this summer. While there is no need abandon hope, it is prudent to be prepared in the event sudden job loss should come your way. In fact, while you are employed is the best time to be ensuring a back-up plan. Here, we examine six action items you can employ today to help you prepare for the uncertainty of tomorrow.

        • Make the Most of Every Day
        I often tell job seekers with whom I work that once you are out of a job, the job search should be your full-time position. While being currently employed limits the amount of time you have to dedicate to the process, making the most out of every day and the time you have available is critical. The four tips listed below are all great examples of tactics that will allow you to do just that.

        • Be résumé-ready
        Work on your résumé. Make sure that you have the best copy of your résumé ready to send at a moment’s notice. If you are not sure how to start, employ a professional résumé writer. Get at least three different versions since there is no one-size-fits all résumé for every job out there.

        • Get and stay connected
        Many successful job matches are born of connections individuals have made with others throughout the course of their career. Just think of all the people you have met, whether it be through school, friends, family, or present and past work experience. By using online forums such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, etc., you have an ease-of-access connection portal to individuals who can assist you in identifying new opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to only online networks. Make sure you also network in person by attending job fairs, private gatherings, conferences and trade shows. You never know who you will meet or who those folks may end up knowing.

        • Collaborate with a recruiter
        Get in touch with a recruiter that specializes in the restaurant industry. It is always good to know a recruiter that is on top of the current situation within a lot of different businesses and companies, as well as someone who may have contacts in places you may not.

        • Educate yourself
        I am often surprised at the number of six-figure-salaried employees who have made it as far as they have without a bachelor’s degree. As one of my clients said, “A bachelor’s degree today is almost the equivalent of a high school degree 30 years ago: You simply cannot get ahead without one.”
        While a college education does not ensure success, a great number of studies have shown that salary compensation can be directly related to education level. So, while you are steady and stable, take this time to look into educational advancement options that will give you a competitive advantage when the time comes that you will need it in a highly aggressive job market.

        • Train With the Best
        If going back to school is not for you or you have already acquired an upper-level education, then consider additional training to enhance on-the-job skills. Training and development not only does it increase job knowledge, skills and intellect, but also optimizes potential.

Orrick Nepomuceno, CPC, is managing partner of executive recruitment firm KAON Consulting and author of “Hitchhiker in the Corner Office: Avoiding the Top-10 Potholes So Your Employees Don’t Hit the Road.” With nearly 20 years of experience in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries, Orrick consults executives and companies in recruiting, hiring and retaining human capital for their organizations. Visit the Restaurant and Foodservice Blog to read more of Orrick’s blog relating to the restaurant industry.

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