Food
6 Things You Need to Know Before Working in a Restaurant
Did you know that 59% of restaurateurs say hiring, training, and retaining staff is the single biggest challenge they face?
That’s because working in the service industry is fast-paced and requires certain skills and training that not everyone can handle. In some states, you’ll be required to obtain a food handler permit by completing a training course and passing a test, in order to learn best practices for food safety that will ensure you keep yourself and customers safe from foodborne illnesses.
If you’re about to start working in a restaurant, you should know that you’re the face of the business. You need to prepare yourself for long days on your feet in a busy environment.
Keep reading for six things you should know before starting your restaurant job.
- Memorize the Table Arrangements
If you’re wondering the first step of how to being good at waiting tab, it’s getting to know the table arrangements and numbers like the back of your hand. In fact, this is vital for all types of restaurant jobs.
If you’re a host, you need to be able to take guests from the door to the correct table number that their reservation is under.
For waiters and bussers, you need to know where to go and how to get there quickly. Nothing is worse than looking for a table with steaming plates piled with food precariously balancing in your hands.
- Make Friends with the Chef
One of the most important restaurant tips is to be on good terms with the chef. Chefs are the masters of restaurants, they run the show and have the power to make your job either wonderful or terrible.
You need to be able to communicate with your chef, especially in times of particular orders or wrong orders.
Most importantly, the friendship comes with a lot of perks and a lot of free food.
- Keep Smiling
No, not figuratively – literally! Being in the service industry means putting your best foot, and face, forward at all times. A smile makes you confident and approachable and is an integral part of your uniform.
Your colleagues will feel comfortable around you. But more importantly, customer experience is improved when diners are assisted by a positive, smiling employee.
- Get Ready to Run
A job in a restaurant means being on your feet a lot and running… a lot. Peak dinner or lunch service can be a madhouse and employees will be in mass hysteria and everything will seem chaotic. It’s a fast-paced, quick-moving environment and you need to be able to keep up.
You need to be comfortable working under pressure and juggling many things at once – figuratively and literally. You won’t have time to eat or check your phone or have a chat in the busy hours.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
You may be given a uniform or you may have the freedom to choose what to wear to work. Whatever power you have over your work clothes, always choose comfort over fashion. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes.
You’ll be on your feet most of your shift and clocking a lot of steps. The last thing you need is painful feet and blistered toes.
- Keep Track of Your Wages
Getting paid by the hour can get confusing, especially when you’re covering shifts or working overtime. Always remember to keep a check stub for documented wages.
You’re Ready to Start Working in a Restaurant
Armed with these restaurant tips you’re ready for your new job working in a restaurant. It’s fast-paced, high-energy work that will earn you new skills and friends along the way.
If you enjoyed this article, exploring our site for more career tips!
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