First Waiter job....tips/advice please

Question

I have my first waiting job this weekend on a long ( 10 hour) shift. I have had no experience in this type of industry, infact it's my first job ever. any advice or tips on how to perform well in this position would be appreciated. also any advice on how to be more confident when working with customers? im kind of nervous.

Answer 1

Never ever show that you are frustrated or irritated. Keep on smiling. Practice on balancing trays with heavy things now.

Answer 2

Congratulations for getting the job mate! Waiters are highly privileged people; you guys get to talk to all the hotties in the place even if they play hard to get. lol Relax, remember to smile whenever you greet a customer or take their order, be courteous, polite, wear clean uniform, listen to them very carefully and above all, enjoy the process.

All the best!!

Answer 3

Be friendly, a smile goes a long way. Try to make small chit chat, but not so much that you are interrupting the people eating, and the biggest tip of all, never ever let the drinks go empty!

Good luck!

Answer 4

I actually have an anxiety disorder and am pretty socially stupid sometimes.  I've also been serving and bartending for over 4 years.  Even now I sometimes get butterflies in my stomach when I get my first customer(s) of the day.

While this is really cliche I'm going to say it: above all, be yourself.  Kill them with kindness, but don't let any customers turn you into their slave.  Keep a smile on your face no matter what you're feeling inside, but also be honest with your customers- they'll really appreciate it.  If someone asks you how the pulled pork sandwich is and you really hate them, tell them it's not that great, then suggest something that you think they may like and tell them it will rock their socks off.  Make them smile and make them laugh.  If they have children, cater to the children- parents love this.

If something goes wrong or if you get one of those customers that just can't be satisfied (and trust me, you will have them!) do not let them belittle you.  Keep your manager aware of how you're being treated; while your manager probably won't/can't do much about it, at least its out there, and he/she will likely go out and ask how things are going, making the customer feel like they're getting prime treatment.  If the customer sees you crying or cowering they will think you're not cut out for the job (even though its not their business they DO provide part of your paycheck...) and will tip accordingly.

Try to make every customer feel like they are your favorite, like you're letting them in on your secret.  Some customers love when they feel like you come to their table as opposed to others because you like them so so so much.

Most of all, have fun and work those tips!

Answer 5

confidence will come with time and experience.

But for a waiter, Keep your eyes on your customers, From afar, see if their drinks are getting low, if water is getting low

do they look like they are happy or not,  keep eye contact from afar and any indication they want to talk, go immediately.

if they are low on water, fill without being asked

low on drinks, ask if they would like another

when plates are empty or you think they are finished, take them away and ask if there is anything else you can bring them.

Bring the bill promptly when asked, and thank them for coming to this establishment.

Answer 6

First of all to get ready for waiting tables I would suggest you invite a few friends at your house and pretend that you have to wait on them, then as far as being nervous well it'll go away as soon as you start  

Answer 7

My first job was a server and it is not as intimidating as you think.  You will be trained properly and gradually eased into interacting with the customers.  Just be yourself and enjoy networking with so many different types of people.  You will be fine, don't worry.