Today i start a new job!!?

Question

ok well today i am starting a new job as a waitress.im kinda nervous i have never been a waitress.if u have can u give me any pointers on what i should say?also since this is in the dining out section how do u like your waitreses to treat u?are u morelikely to leave a tip?

Answer 1

have you followed or gone through training yet?  If you have not, then that is probably what you will start off with today.  You'll learn what to say and basically how to do your job.  If they are just throwing you out on the floor, then be nice.  Here's how I always greeted my tables for the most part, "Hi!  How are ya'll doing today? (wait for a response)  Welcome to _____(name of establishment).  My name is ______ and I'll be taking care of you.  This is my first day on the floor, so please bear with me (they then won't be expecting everything to be going perfect and will be more likely to forgive you if you mess up something).  May I get you started with something to drink?"  Come up with variations on this.  Know your menu and what to suggest if needed.  If you don't have an opinion on something that they ask about, tell the table you'll be happy to find out for them or tell them that you personally haven't had that dish, but that other people have given good feedback and that you would love to have feedback on it as well so you know what to tell people about it.  At the end thank them for coming and invite them back.  I always turned the receipt over and wrote "Thanks! :-) _____(your name)"  This way they know your name for when they come back and you can start to establish regulars.  Be friendly to every table and make them feel at home.  Try and establish some sort of connection to every table.  Move fast, accurately, and try not to forget.  Write everything down (come up with abbreviations).  And remember, the first spill is the break in and will happen.  Every server has had it happen and I was told that that is what makes you "official".  Oh, and for little kids...keep them happy.  I usually had stickers and  made sure I was down at their level.  Don't ignore the kids.  Keeping kids happy, keeps parents happy, and that makes a happy table.  You don't want to lose a table or tip b/c the kids got cranky (I had that happen with my very first table ever).  You'll be fine.  Go in, take a deep breath, and be yourself.   :-)

Answer 2

Be pleasant and attentive. That usually works for me. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Make sure their drinks are always refilled on time.  That is the most annoying things a wiatress could do.  Treat them with respect and they hopefully will treat you with respect too.  Smiles go a long way too.  No matter how you are feeling inside, always be happy outside--bad feelings are contagious as well as good ones.  

My friend who was a waitress for a long time says to look pretty, and you'll get lots of tips from the guys, or at least she did. :)

Congrats on your new job!

Answer 4

Oh girl I got tips all the time.When you walk up say good evening My name is ? and I will be your waitress for this evening.May I start you off with something to drink.

Answer 5

It really depends on the type of establishment that you are working in.  (Congratulations, by the way!)  :O)

Finer restaurants...you would need to be more proper..."Good Evening...my name is Jane and I will be your server this evening" versus more Casual places..."Hey...how ya' doin' tonight?  My name is Jane and I will be taking care of you/your waitress!"  (Believe me...there IS a huge difference between a server and a waitress!)

Also, whether there are bussers or not have variance on successful waitressing.  ALWAYS make sure your table has water before you introduce yourself...either you bring it initially, or ascertain that your busser has.  

Do more than just suggestive selling...specials...describe them accurately and KNOW the soups, specials, etc of the day!

If someone asks your opinion on a dish, give it HONESTLY.  I cannot tell you how many times servers simply answer with, "It's really good!"  Come on...I would not think it was BAD...but tell me more...entice me!  :O)  I rather hear a, "I really don't care for it, but it is heavy on onions" or "I like Hooters wings too much to be a fan of ours" than some vague "Its great!"  

Definitely keep an eye on the table without going TO the table to a point where it is interruptive.  But...I rather a server come too often, than not enough!  Watch for more than just drink refills!  Does a dipping sauce look low?  Bread all gone?  Someones napkin looking nappy? LOL  Ashtray full or someone about to light up?  Offer a light!

And when refilling beverages, the PREFERRED and CLASSY method is to bring a FRESH beverage, not refill the glass at the table or take the used glass to the fountain...FRESH!  

Lastly, when the meal is done completely, ASK THEM if they are ready for their check or if they would like some time to just relax?  This speaks so much...it tells you that you are not being rushed out for the next person...or that you are in a rush to collect your tip because your shift ends soon.

I do want to say that I disagree with pointing out that you are new!  First of all, most places will have you work alongside someone else for a little while...so this gives it away anyway. If not, it is saying, "Please pardon my mistakes...my employer stuck me out here before I am ready!"  A GOOD EMPLOYER should have you fully trained before placing you on the floor, including knowing the menu and possibly even sampling a lot of the food items.  Some even have you work in the kitchen, first...but again, these are determined by quality of the restaurant.  I am guessing if you have never served before, that you are starting someplace not too fancy and I am sure you will be a pro in no time!  :O)

As far as tips...I ONLY tip based purely on SERVICE.  If I did not care for a dish, that is not the servers fault.  If the chef screwed up, again, not her fault.  But if she took care of ME, then she is getting a minimal 20%!

Answer 6

Don't hover !  Don't be overfriendly !  You will do great, just be yourself