Becoming a good waiter

Waiting can be a great job. You can make lots of money in tips. Your schedules can be flexible, allowing you time to do other things. You can talk to people all day long. However, to get the job, the flexible schedules, and the high tips, you must be good at it, and becoming a good waiter or waitress isn't easy. Here are some hints:

Keep Busy

Learn how to multi-task. As you walk down an aisle of tables, people will call out for more coffee, a clean spoon, the check, etc. You'll have to remember all these little things without getting stressed out. You may have to memorize the menu and prices too, as well as daily specials.

Unless you're on a break, you shouldn't stand in a corner doing nothing. If the restaurant is slow, you should do your routine jobs: refill the salt and pepper, wipe down empty tables, take out the rubbish, etc.

Learn how to deal with customers.

You mustn't get angry when a customer behaves like an idiot. If you feel that you cannot handle the situation yourself, then you should say, "I think the manager will be able to help you better than I can" and get the manager.

Pay special attention to your regular customers. Use their names and remember their likes and dislikes. If Mrs Johnson likes extra cream with her coffee, you should always bring it to her instead of making her ask for it.

Learn how to carry several objects.

Your most difficult task is carrying plates to and from the tables. At first, you shouldn't try to carry several plates at once. It doesn't matter if you have to make six trips from the kitchen to the table. Your customers may get annoyed with you, but they'll be a lot more annoyed if you spill hot soup over them.

Finally, remember that working in a restaurant is a social job. So talk to the customers and smile as you work!