Having a hard time finding a job? It might not be your experience level or education. It may be because ATS bots don’t like the words in your resume.
How to get a job as a mystery diner
Any restaurant worth its salt wants to know what it’s doing right and what it’s screwing up. And they’re willing to pay you for that info. But they can’t just judge servers and kitchen staff when they’re on their best behavior. They need someone undercover.
Enter mystery dining. Restaurants get genuine feedback and you get to eat out for free. I found out how to have your cake and eat review it.
How it works
Yes, you really get your food free of charge, including tips and travel expenses, usually in the form of a voucher or gift card.
It is a job, though. You’ll have to give a ton of feedback about your restaurant visit. How was the food? How was the service? What could’ve been better? You’ll need to have an eye for detail and a good memory. You’ll also need to take some photos as part of the trip.
Oh, and you won’t need to worry about an awkward confrontation at the table. You’ll submit all your intel afterward to the company you’re working for.
Most of them have online portals, too. Once in their system, log into your account, check available assignments, choose one to complete and upload your results.
Who are these “mystery” companies?
Mystery dining agencies act as a middleman between you and larger restaurants that pay them for intel. Here are a few of the most reputable:
- Second to None has been in the biz for 30 years and can get you gigs in high-end and fast-food dining. Pretty sure getting paid to critique an In-N-Out burger is Barry’s dream job. They also work in retail if shopping’s more your speed.
- Eye Spy CC focuses on dining and has excellent reviews from reviewers who, uh, review for them. Shoppers report getting large enough budgets to go to high-end restaurants and really enjoy themselves. Nice!
- Market Force is another heavy-hitter in dining and retail. Diners say vouchers usually start small, but once you’ve worked with a company for a while, you can get larger assignments and additional pay.
FYI: This is a “secret” from restaurants but not from the IRS. If you make over $600 with any org, you must file a 1099 like a regular independent contractor.
How to apply
Step off
Fellow walkers, runners and hikers, let’s upgrade your gear:
- Use a hydration backpack if you’ll be out for a long time. This one holds 3 liters of water. On a short walk, an insulated bottle gets the job done.
- Columbia’s sunshade hat protects your head, face and neck. I like a UPF-rated long-sleeved shirt, too. Guys, for you; ladies, this one is cute.
- High-rise hiking boots will help you conquer any trail. For easier terrain, I love a pair of Hokas.
- Oh, and pack a first-aid kit for long hikes. This one includes bandages, sterile wipes and a sting-relief pad.
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You’re here because you’re smart: If you want to add a smarty-pants to your team at work, start with LinkedIn.Use my link to post a job for free. Try it and I bet you’ll find your next superstar.
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