AdamD

If I need money while unemployed usually I'll just do some part time work for friends under the table... However I always like to have at least several months pay saved up in my bank account, so that I'm never desperate for money. But totally agree that you cannot show ANY signs of desperation in an interview, and that you need to negotiate from a position of power. The problem with looking for a job while having one is that you look disloyal - like a job-hopper. The new employer will think that if you already have a job yet are looking, that you might do that to him as well. He'll question your motives. I know if I had a cook looking for a job behind my back, I'd fire him on the spot. On the other hand if he told me or put in his notice in a professional manner, I'd support him. However if you tell them you left your previous job because you needed a change or whatever, and you'll thouroughly yet carefully looking for the right fit while taking a little time off, it makes you look better and more professional. Not to mention you'll be able to do a couple trial shifts and show them what you really can do, without worrying about scheduling around your current job. ← I think it really depends on the person who is doing the hiring, and their personal perspective. For me when I am hiring if someone says that they are unemployed that equals "Fired". And if they are saying they left to find something better I think "Liar". Both of which would make me not want to hire that person for any reason regardless of their resume. In my life, and experience I have never left a job before I had the next one lined up, assuming I will put in a two week notice and finish out my previous job on good terms, but I have almost never found the "right job" in two weeks so starting your search when you put in your notice, or even waiting until that notice is over and you are unemployed to start looking just smacks as irresponsible to me. But then I know what I am capable of and I know that whomever I work for is lucky to have me, not the other way around, so I guess it also depends on the state of mind of the one looking for a job as well. Maybe that makes me conceded but I just see it as confidence...

This is a technique that is taught to servers as a way to get bigger and better tips. By getting down on the customers level you are supposed to be connecting with them etc. Once someone feels connected they will have a harder time leaving a crappy tip hence they get better tips. Typically it works best where the table or booth arent overly high, so they are more or less at eye level with you.

IMO never look for a job when you dont already have one unless you are independently wealthy or have at least 6 months of operating expenses saved up. Not having a job makes you desperate unless you can land your dream job within the first week or two of looking, which doesnt always happen. Then at that point you start to get a little desperate and any job offer starts to sound good.... until you start working there and realize this place is worse then the last, and the only reason you took it was because rent was coming up or you had to put gas in the car. Always negotiate from a position of power, ie "why should I work for you, I already have a job...?" Instead of "Can I please have a job I need some money?"

Are you mistaking a restaurant with an honest to god training program for babying? Most places show you a couple of things and throw you to the wolves. Maybe this place has its crap together and actually trains people. Training can seem demeaning or beneath you if you have experience and know what you are doing, but its still smart to go through it with everyone because some people say they know what they are doing and then you later find out they are borderline retarded. If they are truely babying you and you want it to stop, just start making semi-snide remarks when they try to show you something, but be certain that they dont have anything they can teach you later because they most likely will stop "helping you" altogether. Something like "Oh my god... are you serious, I think I learned that 8 years ago", or "Did they teach you that while you were working at McDonalds? Who doesnt know that?"

If your liquid evaporates too quickly simply replace it with more water. As long as your seasoning was proportionate then if you thin the sauce it shouldnt end up "watery". If you use tomato juice, broth or something else your going to affect the over all flavor profile of the dish, and you may not want that.

How about a sherry wine, or red wine vinegar gastrique?