Many famous people started their careers working as waiters. Working in a restaurant can make you money quickly and well, if you know how to approach the customer and you can develop the right skills. If you are personable, reliable and able to do multiple tasks at the same time, then table service can be a good opportunity, in the short and long term.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Learning the Basic Skills
Step 1. Be polite and charming
People go to restaurants for more than just eating. Going out for dinner is an experience and the dedicated table staff is the most visible part of this experience. Can you chat to even the most introverted people at parties? Do you make friends easily? Are you inclined to joke and smile? If the answer is yes, then you have one of the main characteristics of a good waiter.
You don't have to be a comedian, but a good communicator. The quietest waiters are as skilled and capable as the most talkative; they simply have to maintain good communication with body language, do their jobs efficiently, and listen to their best
Step 2. Be quick
Are you able to handle multiple situations? Can you easily memorize a list of things? Do you adapt to changes? A good waiter must know how to take orders, communicate with colleagues in the kitchen and behave like "the face" of the restaurant. It is a difficult task and must be done quickly and without errors.
Step 3. Be strong
It is already quite difficult to carry trays full of shaky glasses and hot plates overflowing with delights of all kinds without spilling a drop, let alone at the end of the shift after serving noisy hordes of football fans. It can even take you to the end. If you are fit, the waiter job will be a little less tiring. You don't have to be a body builder, but it can help you feel comfortable talking in a crowded room while carrying heavy items confidently and quickly.
Step 4. Write clearly and use your computer correctly
If they can't read your orders in the kitchen, they'll easily mess up. Clear communication without misunderstanding is essential in a restaurant and this process starts with you.
In each restaurant you can learn the details and understand how the specific mechanism works, but in general, you should know the essential basics of catering
Part 2 of 4: Getting the Job as a Waiter
Step 1. Search restaurants willing to train you
The upscale downtown bistro probably doesn't want inexperienced waiters. If you've never done this job before, try joining some restaurant chain where there is a training plan for newcomers. This way you will understand how a restaurant works and you will gain experience.
Step 2. Bring a resume with you
If you don't have one ready, create it by focusing more on those qualities needed to be a good waiter. You have to be willing to work with the public and in groups, as well as being quick. Highlight any previous similar experiences.
If it's your first job, highlight your academic achievements in team activities like sports. Be positive and sell well. This is the trick
Step 3. Talk to the manager
When you have found a place that is hiring, ask to speak to whoever runs it. If you leave the resume with the bartender or another waiter, it could be lost, and in any case the bartender is not the person who decides the hires.
Bring the excitement beyond the resume. Make it clear that you are very excited about working for them and that you are ready to start immediately. Since a waiter must always make a good first impression with the customer, treat your job search as if it were a job
Step 4. Anticipate the interview questions
You have already prepared the answers to the questions that are most likely to be asked, so as not to make a silent scene with the director and make it clear that you understand the responsibilities of the role.
- Some managers may ask you, "What's your favorite dish on our menu?" or "If there is no fish in the kitchen, what would you suggest as an alternative?" So try to show up for the interview after reading the menu on their site.
- Be prepared to resolve dire situations. Some directors may ask you, "Someone gave you a fake ID to buy alcohol. What do you do?" or: "A customer is not satisfied with the food. What should you do?" Think about these possible circumstances and respond with conscience.
- Ask questions. Usually a good question is, "What does a person need to work here successfully?", You will make a great impression. Often you will be given the opportunity to ask questions, make sure you don't miss this opportunity.
Part 3 of 4: Taking care of the tables
Step 1. Approach the table with a smile and a greeting
Introduce yourself and clearly state your name. "Hello and welcome. I'm (name). Can I show you the menu and take your drink orders?" Welcome customers with a smile as they enter the venue.
Maintain eye contact, but don't stare at customers. Some people feel uncomfortable and may enter the restaurant with a different mood. Act accordingly. When you seat them, you can strike up a short conversation as you take drink orders. If they show no interest in talking to you, leave them alone
Step 2. Take drink orders clockwise from your left
If there are children present, ask for their orders first, then move on to the women and finally to the men.
- This is the time to propose the house specialties and any promotions.
- When you've served the drinks, ask customers if they have any questions about the menu. Don't rush them if they're not late… and even then do it kindly. If they are ready, take their orders clockwise starting with the person on your left. If they haven't decided yet, move on to the next table.
Step 3. When you have served the main course, always ask "Can I get you anything else?
"and give the customers a few moments to think. Check again after five minutes and ask" Is everything to your liking? "referring specifically to the main course. For example, ask" What was your steak like? " customers and, most importantly, interprets their body language: many people feel uncomfortable pointing out problems - and will "take revenge" on you when tipping.
Bring all the dishes to the table at the same time. Never bring a customer's plate without the others, unless you have been specifically asked to do so (for example if one of the people has to leave the restaurant first). Normally, it shouldn't happen that an order is ready much later than the others. If you understand that this could happen, for example due to a dish that requires a very long cooking time, briefly explain the situation and ask customers how they want to solve the problem
Step 4. Take away the plates of the freshly consumed course when customers clearly show that they want to remove them
Always take away all the dishes from the previous course, before bringing the dishes from the next one.
Before taking them away, though, politely ask if you can. Use a tone and attitude that is consistent with the atmosphere and with the customer. Generally "Can I take the dishes away?" it'll be fine. Never ask if you can take the dishes away if one of the customers at the table is still eating. Wait and come back later
Step 5. When the customers have finished the main course, ask "Would you like the dessert menu?
That way you allow them to order a little more without having to ask you a specific request. They will be much more likely to get the cake if you ask them.
So take out the bread basket and side dishes before bringing the sweets
Step 6. Collect your payment
Tell customers that you will prepare the bill, giving change if they pay in cash, or swiping their credit card. Never ask if they want change, and don't assume it is your tip. Simply take the bill and quickly return to the table with the change and the receipt.
When you return, thank the customers and say "It was a pleasure, see you soon" OR, if you notice that they are planning to sit at the table, just say "Thank you"
Part 4 of 4: Getting Good Tips
Step 1. Make sure you are presentable when you go to work
Arrive at least 15 minutes early, well-groomed and with clean clothes. Shoes must be shiny, nails clean and uniform. Limit yourself with makeup for a neat, yet natural look.
Step 2. Watch out for the signs
If they want something at a table, they will start looking around trying to catch your eye. Learn to stay alert as you walk, but don't stare at people. Many customers make eye contact as a sign that they need you. This way you feel like you are caring for them without obsessing them.
When the meal and conversation are over, customers start staring at the other tables or at the wall. This is the right time to take away the dishes, offer dessert or bring the bill
Step 3. Don't overwhelm your customers
Avoid turning into a hawk hunting its prey. Customers hate waiters who intrude too often and interrupt them, even if they need you from time to time. It's about managing a delicate balance.
Learn to grasp the atmosphere. If a couple seems tense as if they are arguing, you probably say something like, "Are you celebrating something tonight?" it will be inappropriate, like any other attempt to break the ice. If others, on the other hand, have a lot of fun and linger by occupying the table, ask if they would like a coffee or an amaro. If you feel like they want to have a chat, take a minute to do so. If not, leave them to their conversation
Step 4. Do not assume that a man will pay
If they are repeat customers and you have noticed who is paying the bill, leave it next to this person. Otherwise put the receipt in the center of the table. Always carry the bill face down. If it is inside a container, place it horizontally on the table.
Step 5. Stay calm
When a customer becomes rude or unpleasant, listen and try to establish communication. Remember this is work, nothing personal. If he is aggressive, disturbs other tables or is clearly drunk, call the manager and let him take care of it.
Advice
- If you get a visit from friends, talk to them briefly and treat them as customers. They won't be frowned upon if they don't order anything and stay for more than a few minutes.
- Never try to hide a mistake from your superiors, it will only make your situation worse. Admit it now and let your colleagues help you solve the problem.
- Never go near a table if you smell like smoke. If you are allowed a cigarette break, then wash your hands, rinse your mouth and, if possible, put lemon perfume on your clothes to remove the odor.
- If you wear perfume or cologne, NEVER wear too much. You may smell too pungent and drive customers away from the restaurant.
