Fast Food Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

Careers in the fast food restaurant industry include counter staff, food preparation specialists, maintenance personnel, and management. Your duties and responsibilities in fast food or take out restaurants depend on the type of position you have. A cook works to prepare the food according to restaurant recipes and guidelines. Counter staff interacts with customers and takes each customer’s order and payment. Managers oversee operations during a shift or for the entire store. Senior managers may direct restaurant operations for a city, state, or region.

The qualifications that you need to work in the fast food industry depend on your position. As a cashier or cook, you usually need a high school education. These fast food restaurant jobs are entry-level, but they typically require some on-the-job training. As a manager or assistant manager, you may need a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in management, business, food service, or hospitality. You can also reach management level with work experience and skills equivalent to a degree. Regional managers and executive-level employees may need a bachelor’s degree or MBA.