What age do you need to be to get a job in the Food Service Industry?
Asked by Chelsea C
I am 14 years old and was wondering if I could get a job as a waitress. I need to start saving up for my car (I am getting a hardship when i am 15). My friend mentioned that even though I am under 15, you can still get a job as long as i am only cleaning and serving the food; not preparing it. Is this true??? I really need to know...

Best Answer:
If you are in the US in most states at 14 or older you can work in an: office, grocery store, retail store, restaurant, movie theater, baseball park, amusement park, or gasoline service station but................. a couple of states do ot allow any work in food service until 16 (such as Conneticut) Businesses such as Publix, Kroger's, Food Lion, Sonic, Chic-Fil-A, McDonald's, Winn-Dixie, Krystal's, Dairy Queen, and Burger King along with smaller local businesses that are in the same genre tend to hire those your age. Fast-food and grocery stores are willing and able to train new employees but........................ Minors tend to have many issues that affect their ability to work such as tardiness, absenteeism, and numerous schedule requests, poor work-ethic etcetera. I am NOT implying you will have those issues but the fact that many your age do makes it more difficult for you to get an opportunity to prove your worth. Because of this you must be able to show through words and actions that you are reliable, dependable, punctual, detail oriented, trainable, coachable, punctual, mature and team oriented. You will also need great references since you don't have work experience. Talk to teachers, counselors, clergy, coaches, club sponsors, and directors of places you have volunteered or people you have done casual labor for and ask them about giving you a reference. Get accurate, current contact information for them and ask them to be ready to get calls for references from potential employers. Remember: Most businesses are individually owned and operated so it is the owner’s policy and past experience with minors that will determine if they will hire you. Apply everywhere you can, the worse that can happen is they don't hire you. For information concerning work permits, hours you can work, jobs that you can do (there are many others) go to: http://www.youthrules.dol.gov US Department of Labor YouthRules!

Well it is true because my friend works at a restaurant and she only 13. She serves the food and she clears the tables. My point is you can get a job when you are 15 and under. Hope this helps!
Answered by Meg D

at 15 and some at 16
Answered by g.i.l

Get your Work Permit by taking your birth certificate to City Hall. You can work the same day. You can legally be a waiter but most restaurants won't let you until you are 16. It is because you are handling lots of money and credit cards as a waitress. They want you to be a little older. So you will be a hostess, busboy, dishwasher..
Answered by Ed Atun