CrotchrocketSlm

I know this is an odd question, but does anyone have any advice on how best to get hired waiting tables at a nicer, classier restaurant? I just need a decent-paying job for the summer, and the waiters in my area of town make kickass tips in a night (most do that thing where everyone takes a fair share of the tips at the end of the night). I've had about 2 years of high school fastfood experience, and a year of post-college retail experience *insert moaning about economy here*, I know I can do the job, but I don't have the experience with actual restaurant service.

Also, I'm a guy with hair that is about to my shoulders, and I'd rather not cut it; you think if I just tied it up in back nice and tight, most places would be cool with that compromise?

Rodney

If you have no experience, the best way is to know somebody who'll vouch for you. If you don't have that, it's going to be tougher because a lot of other people have experience or "know somebody."

If you have to interview cold, convince them that you know at least something about fine dining. One of the things that a waiter must do -- because it makes the house a lot of cash -- is push wine. And you'd better push the right wine, or the customer will be unhappy. If you don't know a lot about wine, a quick readthrough of "Wine for Dummies" might help you impress a restaurant owner.

If you have friends who are waiters, ask them about their jobs so that you have the vocabulary and background knowledge to convince the owner that you can actually do the job. I'm especially talking about all the things waiters do that don't directly impact customers, like sidework. Helps to know the slang, too -- four-top, six-top, slammed, in the weeds, and so on.

For more background on the web, you might try tip20.com, bitterwaitress.com, and stainedapron.com -- last one isn't being maintained, but has a lot of funny stories. tip20.com has a fairly active waiter/waitress forum, so you could probably log in there and get some informed advice as well.

Randerolf

I had just goten off of work, stopped by an old place that I used to serve at on the way home, and now I'm here.

In a nutshell: Good luck. Experience is almost a prerequisite to serving. It happens though. I worked at a resturant in a hotel and they girl they hired was a ditz and never worked as a server before, but they needed people.

What kind of town do you live in? College town, Metropolis with a bustleing, hi-end market, or a seasonal area?

I have no idea how one would break into serving in high end dining without resturant experience.

Try putting out applications. If they are despirate, they will snatch you up. Usually, you will bus tables (clean and resent tables) or run food (deliver food to tables) at first.

Despending on where you work, you'll probrablly have to cut the hair. Professional looks for professional cash. You might be able to get away with it for religious reasons though(a guy at work has dreads).

If you have any other questions, let me know. I'm waiting my way through college at a high-end steakhouse near the waterfront and started as a busser in highschool at a low-end steakhouse near the mall.

tehblaed

Nice restaurant? Never show up without a suit. Go in for the damn interview with a suit on. Make yourself look nice, you'd be surprised at how far this can get you.

thespian86

I really want a job at a resturant in LA, I hear this is a good way to get noticed and meet the right people. BTW, I want to be in the film industry

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yournamehere

If you lack experience, you'll probably have to start by bussing tables - and working your way up. At least that's the way it used to be. I'm many years removed from the restaurant business now, though.

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lady

without any experience you would have to start at the bottom either as a busser or a host/hostess then work you way up thats the only way and that will never change

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soccerchamp76

Try starting at a not so fancy place that would be easier to get hired at, then gain some experience hading into an interview.

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clavus

As a veteran of many a food service job, let me tell you - cut your hair. It will increase your odds of getting hired.

Start out bussing or working at a lower end establishment.

Bust your ass when you DO get hired. Volunteer for extra shifts.

I've found that the hard workers who don't complain tend to move up faster than the others.

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maleficent

Make sure your fingernails are clean.
Cut the hair
Look Professional

Learn the menu, and learn what wine pairings would go with what's on the menu.

Don't be expected to start off as a waiter right away, you will be expected to work your way up, and you will work, you will go home dog tired.

Good attitude, willingness to work hard will get you noticed.

if you are just doing it for the money, the manager/owner can usually spot that and show you the door, it's not worth their time to train someone who' just going to leave. they want someone to be loyal

Think about bartending as well - (That paid for two years of college)

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troit

As the old adage goes "It not what you know but who you know". If you have a favorite spot try there first. Your almost always guaranteed a job if someone can vouch for you as a good worker.

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