What Is a Food Service Representative and How to Become One
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What Is a Food Service Representative?
A food service representative provides customers with a variety of services at a grocery store, market, or food manufacturer. Your duties vary by location. For example, if you work at a grocery store, your job is to ensure your department is stocked and to provide information about the products you offer. If you work for a manufacturer, you may have more sales responsibilities, including marketing and client relations for the business. Qualifications for a career as a food service rep include strong attention to detail and communication skills as well as the ability to adhere to all food safety regulations. Having a few years of experience in food services or sales may also be an employer requirement.
How to Become a Food Service Representative
The primary qualifications for getting a job as a food service representative are a high school diploma and a food handler's permit. The requirements for obtaining the permit vary by area, but in most cases, you can get it by completing a class, passing a test, and paying a small fee. Food service representatives should not be confused with food sales representatives, who help manufacturers sell products to stores rather than to consumers. Other helpful qualities for starting a career as a food service representative include excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work varying shifts as needed.
