Working as a restaurant waitress, both male and female, can be a challenge, regardless of experience or not. It will take some time to read this article and reflect, so make sure you are not in a busy situation. Diner smiles, employer satisfaction, and jars of tips will all add up if you improve your service.
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Method 1 of 4: Work Effectively and Efficiently
Step 1. Always look decent
If you wear a uniform, make sure it is in good condition – smooth, spotless and clean. If there is no uniform, wear formal clothes. This makes a good first impression in the eyes of consumers and will make your boss happy. Check your appearance regularly to see if you spilled something on your clothes without realizing it.
- Trim your nails and keep them clean.
- Wear good shoes, not tennis shoes, then make sure to keep them clean. Never wear sandals.
- Avoid using perfume because some guests may have allergies to perfume scents. Do not smoke before work or during breaks because it will leave a strong smell.
- Dress up naturally and use modest jewelry.
Step 2. Know the order list carefully
Knowing each item on the order list will save you a lot of time and avoid the problem of mis-ordering. Study the order list when you can to avoid mistakes and slow order times.
- Learn about the options available for each order. If guests order sandwiches, then you need to know which buns are available, what side dishes come in a package with the sandwiches, and how to ask guests this clearly.
- Know which foods contain meat, dairy, and other allergens, such as peanuts. Be prepared to suggest similar options for your guests who cannot eat these ingredients.
- Know the list of special meals of the day before business hours.
Step 3. Suggest additional purchases
Ask your guest politely if he would like a drink, condiments, or an addition to the size of the order. The restaurant management will love you and your tip will increase as your guest orders increase.
- Know which liquor is expensive and high quality. Suggest the use of these drinks when guests request multiple drink options.
- Always ask if guests want appetizers.
- Don't push your guests too much. Politely offer guests choices and don't offer extra meal sizes as if they were available for free.
Step 4. Do several jobs at the same time
You'll have an easier time at work if you can complete three jobs in one go to the kitchen. Always pick up dirty dishes from the table when you walk into the kitchen. Fill trays when several tables want condiments, drinks, or something similar.
Write down the guest order right away and add a note if you need to remind yourself to do something in the next five to ten minutes. You don't need to do this if you are an experienced waitress and are confident that you remember all your duties
Step 5. Manage your time well
Keep track of how long you interact with a table and start knowing how long a meal takes to cook. Plan to visit each table after guests have finished their meals. Move quietly, without running and try to keep your tempo to keep things going smoothly.
Inform your guests of the time required to wait. If someone orders a cooked steak, inform them that this order will take longer. If the bowl of soup runs out and your chef needs to make a new one, let your guest know how long he or she will have to wait and suggest an alternative meal or drink
Step 6. Check orders before they are delivered to guests
Especially when there is a special request, you should make sure the order is correct and appropriate before serving.
If there is an error in the order, inform the kitchen and guests. Sorry for the extra time it took. If the restaurant allows it, try giving a discount on the food
Step 7. Provide common requests that guests usually ask
Most guests want sambal for their meatball orders. Children often drop spoons or forks. When you know which requests are common for food served or for guests, bring it to them first. This saves time that is actually needed and makes guests feel served.
Additional cutlery or condiments and napkins can be stored inside your apron
Step 8. Don't let tips ruin your hours
Don't complain about small tips to guests, regardless of how good the service you provide. Not only could you get fired, but your coworkers could label you as the Complainer and ruin your relationship with them.
Some guests never tip properly, regardless of what kind of service is provided. There are also the types of guests who cannot afford to tip or who are visiting from a country where tipping is not common
Step 9. Never sit around doing nothing
If no guests are served, start clearing the table! Lots of work to do in the restaurant. Show your boss that you can take initiative and are a hard worker.
If your current table doesn't need attention, take a look at the other guests as well. Some of them may call a maid for small requests that you can fulfill without hijacking your co-workers' work
Method 2 of 4: Coping With Certain Situations
Step 1. Pay attention to parents when their child is ordering food
A child may order unhealthy foods, caffeinated drinks, or other menu items that the parents may not approve of. Give the parents a chance to have a little disapproving conversation with their child before you repeat the order list.
- If parents are not paying attention, repeat the order loud and clear so everyone at the table can hear it. This gives them another chance to be aware of their order.
- In front of young children, after one parent disagrees, you can avoid an argument by saying, “Sorry, we're out of soda. Do you want to order something else?"
- If you don't agree with someone's choice personally, don't say anything. It is really up to the parents to decide. Unless the order is clearly against the law, such as serving alcohol to children.
Step 2. Do not place dangerous objects near children
If you're serving hot food, putting down metal cutlery, or providing guests with other dangerous items, place them near your parents saying “Here's the dinner knife, sir/ma'am” if you need their attention.
Step 3. Serve the table with the baby as fast as you can
Babies and toddlers usually require more attention, and if food orders take too long to serve, both parents and the entire restaurant can suffer. Check the table more often than others and do several jobs simultaneously to speed up the process.
- Ask if you can pick up drinks and food in one go.
- Suggest a faster menu if guests order food that takes a long time to prepare.
- It's very rare that you have to carry an order bill when you go to the table to deliver the last order. You still have to ask if the guest is done or not.
- Don't make guests feel as though you're trying to kick them out. Many busy and tired parents will appreciate your service. However, if they feel bothered, back off immediately, and let them finish their meal comfortably.
Step 4. Be neutral in the who pays argument
If several guests at a table ask to pay, place the food bill in the center of the table rather than near one of them. Smile and say you'll be back for the bill if they try to include you in the argument.
Step 5. Understand how to serve tea and coffee
People can be very serious about tea and coffee. So it is very good if you know how to serve it properly so that guests are happy. Ignore the serving method if you notice that your guests have a particular favorite (you should pay attention).
- Tea drinkers are usually fussy about the preparation of their tea. Always make sure you know the variety of tea they order and serve plenty of milk, lemon wedges and sugar so they can mix the drink.
- Do not refill tea or coffee without asking the guest. You may change the taste of a drink that has been carefully formulated by them.
- Do not place spoons in tea or coffee before delivering them to guests. This will lower the temperature of the drink, which some guests don't like.
Step 6. Ask guests who come for dinner if they want mineral water, caffeine, or alcohol
This is more suitable for guests sitting at the dining table than for those sitting at the bar. Many guests prefer drinking mineral water to combat dehydration or mood swings for various reasons.
You may not be able to follow this rule outside of the United States, where serving mineral water is unusual or somewhat expensive
Step 7. Never place a dropped object on the floor on a table
Even if it's just printed advertising paper or a salt shaker, you'll need to replace it with a new one from the kitchen. Your guests don't want “floor germs” on their table.
Step 8. Practice specific tasks in your free time, such as opening wine bottles
Many of the waitressing tasks can be difficult, but can be practiced on your own as you serve yourself dinner. So it won't take much time to learn.
Most waiters who are supposed to open bottles of wine are expected to do so in front of the guests who order them. Practice this task so that it looks fluid and natural
Step 9. Choose suitable and varied music
If you have control over your choice of music, go low volume and choose music that matches your mood. Don't play a full album; make a compilation so guests who don't like the artist have a chance to hear something he likes.
- Guests who are in the cafe or eating in the morning or evening usually enjoy the quiet, relaxing music. Classical music is a great option.
- Guests dining in the evening may enjoy more upbeat music, but this varies depending on the surroundings. Most guests still want the volume to be low so they can still have a conversation with their friends. Under any circumstances, waiters usually very rarely set music options at peak hours or at all times.
Method 3 of 4: Interacting with Guests for Better Tipping Money
Step 1. Introduce yourself
Make eye contact with guests once they are seated and introduce yourself immediately. This will start a good conversation, will lead to a higher-than-average tip, and will show your guests a polite manner if they need your attention later.
Introduce yourself while providing the food list and make sure that your guests have the napkins and utensils they need
Step 2. Be polite, friendly, and a good helper, even to angry guests
When speaking to guests, always use respectful terms such as Sir, Ma'am, Ma'am, or Mas. Be friendly and positive, and make sure that your guests are as comfortable as possible.
- Ask your guest if he or she has eaten at your restaurant before – If it's their first visit, greet them politely and offer to help them look at the food list.
- Show up in a friendly manner, but don't get too involved in guest conversation unless you ask. Do your job and leave guests to eat or talk in their privacy.
- Always remember to smile. No matter how annoying your guests or colleagues are, smile and swallow your frustration – it will save you from drama!
- Don't talk or gossip about your guest even when you don't think he can hear you. Be polite and respectful when discussing them, just in case you might hear.
Step 3. Respect your guest's personal space
Never sit at the table to take orders. Don't shake hands or hug unless you are really good friends with the guest or you shake their hand due to restaurant regulations. Other physical interactions depend on the atmosphere in which you work and whether you are male or female.
Studies in US restaurants show that female waitresses who touch guests with a glance on the shoulder, hand, or arm receive better tips than the guest. This should only be done when the guest looks relaxed and comfortable. Never do this when guests are on a date. Be friendly, not flirty
Step 4. Provide booking recommendations to guests
If guests ask for recommendations, be prepared to answer any questions or recommend favorite foods in each category. If guests order food that gets frequent complaints, recommend other options.
Guests love it when you give them “kitchen secrets,” but you shouldn't talk bad about food unless you're working in a very comfortable setting. It's a good idea to steer them away from bad food by recommending similar foods, in the form of options such as ''chef's recommendation'' or ''my favourite''
Step 5. Fulfill incoming requests from your guests
Most people have serious reasons to avoid certain foods, including fatal allergies. If you don't know every food on the food list (when you should), find out how it was prepared.
- Never lie to guests and get rid of groceries that guests ask to move. If you can't fulfill their request, say so and suggest alternative options that your guests can consume.
- Don't ask the guests too much. Note that each guest has their own reasons for changing orders, such as religious, vegetarian or dietary reasons due to cultural restrictions. If the request can be met, don't ask your guests why!
Step 6. Repeat your guest order again
Studies in the United States show that waiters who repeat orders to guests earn more tips. Regardless of how big or small the impact on the tip is, repeating your guest's order will give you the opportunity to correct the order or if the guest changes their mind.
Step 7. Check your guests' needs and provide them with information
If you've just landed a job as a waitress, you might need some time to figure out how often you should check on your guests' needs. At the very least, check when they are about to finish their meal or they seem bored and distracted while waiting for the food to arrive.
- Inform the estimated waiting time when guests ask how long the food will take.
- Refill guest glasses when they run out or ask if guests want to buy other non-refillable drinks.
Step 8. Clean the dirty dishes after asking the guest
Always ask if guests have finished their meal before you move their plate. If there is a lot of food left, ask if there is a problem with the food being served.
Many restaurants allow their waiters to provide more service to guests who have had a bad experience. This will save your tip
Step 9. Make friends with subscribed guests
Be polite and friendly with people you've never spoken to. When someone sits in your area more than once, take the time to get to know them. You don't need to rush to become friends, but you might like some of them.
- Remember their names and favorite drinks, places of work, and so on. Make them feel like visiting a friend when they visit a restaurant, which is you!
- Try noting the appearance and favorite food of someone who has visited more than once. The guest will be amazed if you learn how he likes his favorite steak on his third visit.
Step 10. Don't assume that the guest will finish their meal immediately and will ask for the bill, but don't keep them waiting either
Ask if there's anything else you can help with and this will open up an opportunity for you to ask if the guest would like dessert, order take-away, or ask for a bill.
- If they say they don't need anything else, ask if they're ready to ask for a receipt.
- If they call you for a bill, it means they're in a hurry, or you've been waiting a long time since you last visited their table.
- Never ask your guest if he needs change or not. Say "I'll be back with your change". Then come back and leave the entire amount of change on the table.
Method 4 of 4: Studying at a New Job
Step 1. Study the list of foods first
When you are in the interview, be proactive and ask for a list of foods you will bring. Study it yourself so you can get used to the food at hand. Large, well-known restaurants usually have training programs that will direct you through food lists and kitchens; Smaller bars and restaurants usually let you study on your own.
Step 2. Arrive at work early
Punctuality is important in any job, especially one you've just started. Restaurants usually have a fast pace of work during peak times, but you have to make a good impression by arriving at work earlier than you should.
Step 3. Listen carefully to the advice of experienced employees
Even if you have worked as a waitress in a female restaurant before, you should pay attention to every detail of your new job. Every restaurant treats one thing a little differently than another. By paying close attention, you can streamline your work later. Be respectful with your boss and co-workers, rather than being pretentious by saying "Of course, I already know this well."
Step 4. Become familiar with the tempo of the work
If you've never worked in a busy restaurant before, you may be surprised at how tiring and fast-paced the work is at a top restaurant. Do your best to keep up with the tempo of the job by looking at other waiters. As you grow and get used to your job, you will feel more comfortable. Initially, you have to push yourself.
Step 5. Perform annoying tasks without complaining
You have to start at the bottom, but you won't move up complaining. Clear the table and do those annoying tasks when prompted. Remember that you will have more options when your position is more secure.
Step 6. Overcome criticism optimistically
Waiting for a table can be a bit of a pain, if some of the other waiters accuse you of causing a guest to have a bad experience (resulting in a low tip). Know that you will receive less criticism the more you learn to deal with it. Keep smiling and don't let the criticism bother you.
This is simply not true in every restaurant. Don't be afraid to apply to be a waiter before you know the work environment for a higher position
Step 7. Work overtime voluntarily
Especially early in the job, you want your management and coworkers to believe you can be counted on. When you know how to work overtime, volunteer to cover a vacant position on a schedule so you can stand out more in the eyes of your boss.
Step 8. Ask when you don't know how to do something
Show an interest in learning a specific skill or restaurant activity. Always ask how to do something if you are afraid of making a mistake. People know you're the new kid and you should be able to find someone who appreciates you when you ask.
This does not mean that you question your work. "When do I come home?" or “Do I have to do this?” is a common question that can make your coworkers and bosses uncomfortable
Tips
- Offer appetizers first. Then drinks and snacks. Your entrees should be hot and come out a few minutes after you serve the drinks.
- Always show respect to all guests.
- Leave the drama, bad mood, and personal issues that you were going through when you started work.
- Relax, the guests are at the restaurant to enjoy their time. You, too.
- Always consider important the guests you serve. Always think positive and greet annoying guests with fake smiles.
Warning
- Never step over a guest to serve another guest. If the situation is informal and you have no other choice, at least say "excuse me."
- Never count your tips in front of guests.
- Never brag about your tips to other waiters.
