What Really Gets You Promoted in the Service Sector?

Getting promoted in the service industry takes more than just showing up and doing your job. It’s about building trust, demonstrating initiative, and aligning yourself with what employers are truly looking for. So what does it really take to get ahead?

The Foundation of Every Promotion: Trust, Performance, and Initiative

In most service jobs, promotions go to people who consistently show up, do good quality work, and make things easier for their managers. 

Employers typically look for:

• A strong track record of reliability and professionalism
• Good communication and teamwork
• Leadership potential or the ability to take initiative
• A willingness to learn and grow

When those behaviours are paired with knowledge, training, and a great attitude, promotion conversations often happen naturally. In many service environments, adding certifications to your resume can remove any doubts and show you're ready to take that next step. Think of it as a confidence booster, for both you and your employer.

How Certifications Can Strengthen Your Path to Promotion

Even if your employer values experience first, some roles require formal training or proof of compliance. A certification shows you’ve taken the initiative to learn, and that you're ready to step into more responsibility.

Certifications can be especially helpful when:

• Your workplace has safety or compliance requirements
• You’re being considered for a shift lead or supervisory position
• You're moving into a new area (e.g. alcohol service, food handling, customer safety)
• You want to stand out in a competitive work environment

In these cases, a certification may not just help you get promoted - it might be the final box you need to check.

Examples of Certifications that Can Help You Secure a Promotion

Depending on your role and industry, certain certifications are more likely to catch a manager’s attention. These include Food Handler Certification, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification, alcohol service training and leadership or compliance courses.

Food Handler Certification

If your role involves preparing or serving food, Food Handler Certification is often non-negotiable and it’s a key requirement for anyone looking to move into more senior roles in food service.

Certified Food Handlers demonstrate to employers that they understand contamination risks, temperature control, and safe food storage - all vital for meeting legal obligations and passing inspections.

WHMIS Certification

WHMIS Certification isn't just for people in factories. It's increasingly important in sectors like hospitality, retail, and cleaning services - essentially any job where chemicals or hazardous materials are used. 

Whether you're working with cleaning supplies in a hotel, stocking goods in a grocery store, or sanitizing equipment at a daycare, this certification helps ensure workplace safety.

Alcohol Service Training

If you work in - or are aiming to supervise - a licensed restaurant, bar, or event venue, alcohol service training is a legal requirement. It goes beyond just knowing when to stop serving. It shows that you understand provincial laws, can manage intoxication risks, and can step in confidently during peak times or compliance checks.

Leadership and Compliance Courses

Ready to move into a shift lead or site supervisor role? Leadership and compliance-focused courses help signal to employers that you're ready for more. These programs typically cover conflict resolution, team supervision, and managing compliance obligations - skills that are essential for any role with oversight responsibilities.

How to Decide If a Certification is Worth It

Ask yourself:

• Is the certification required for the job I want?
• Will it help me qualify faster or be more confident?
• Is it recognized by employers in my province?
• Will it give me skills I can use beyond this job?
• Is it something I can do quickly, affordably, and on my schedule?

If the answer to several of these questions is yes, a certification is probably a smart move.

It's also important to think long-term. A certification you earn today might not just help you get promoted at your current job - it could make you more competitive if you ever want to apply elsewhere.

Career Growth Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

What helps you grow in a retail store may be different from what matters in a hotel, care home, warehouse, or restaurant.

Some employers prioritize internal performance when considering promotions. Others need specific qualifications for legal or operational reasons. The key is to understand what matters in your workplace and industry, and build your skills around that.

Ask your manager what they look for in team leads or supervisors. Review recent internal job postings. Pay attention to what qualifications show up again and again. It’s often easier to meet expectations when you know what they are.

Get Support as You Grow

You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re unsure where to start, or what training makes sense for your goals, look for resources that break it down in simple, supportive terms.

Userve supports service workers across Canada with training, tools, and career-building resources designed for real life. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into a leadership position, we’re here to help you succeed.