Hire Food Handlers
Food handlers work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide clean, quality food. They may not be as visible to guests as other staff members, but they are crucial to the restaurant’s daily operations.
Hiring a food handler begins with writing a compelling job description that inspires job seekers to apply. Create a job description that is clear, concise, and detailed. Are you looking for candidates who live near the restaurant? What is the schedule? Is prior restaurant experience required? Outline the responsibilities and requirements clearly. Include details about your restaurant’s culture, history, and specialties. How long has the restaurant been around? Does it specialize in a particular cuisine? These details will help candidates visualize themselves working in your restaurant.
In addition to general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on industry-specific job boards, online groups, and communities forums. Getting referrals from the restaurant employees themselves is an effective way to source candidates. Your staff may already know great people so let them know about the job vacancy!
Food Handler Responsibilities
A food handler performs a variety of tasks in a restaurant. Responsibilities include: receiving and unpacking food delivery items, verifying the correct quantities, and labeling food items accordingly. A food handler inspects all food surfaces, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and other materials to ensure cleanliness.
To prevent food spoilage, the food handler follows proper food storage procedures and informs the supervisor right away about any suspicion of food contamination. Additionally, a food handler cleans and disinfects food preparation tools and equipment and discards any food items that are old or might be contaminated.
When feeling under the weather, a food handler must not handle any food and only report to work once all symptoms have subsided and cleared. Lastly, a food handler must maintain good personal hygiene, regularly wash hands, and follow safety precautions at all times.
Food Handler Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for a food handler must be someone who is knowledgeable about food health and safety regulations and works well with a team. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow proper food handling procedures are a must.
A candidate may be required to have a food handler’s license. Prior customer service experience in a restaurant setting is an advantage but is usually not required. Most restaurants are willing to train their staff for this role.
Food handlers should be able to meet the physical demands of the job, be able to stand for long periods of time and lift supplies and other materials. Lastly, they should be available to work in shifts, on weekends, and on holidays.
A food handler’s contribution to a restaurant’s success may not be as noticeable as that of other roles. However, when a food handler fails to act professionally, the whole restaurant and its customers are at great health risk. Thus, it is vital to hire a trustworthy and experienced food handler.
