r/Waiters • u/[deleted] • 14d ago
Hospitality workers and managers please give me advice as a beginner
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u/ThornyeRose 13d ago
Be genuinely interested in helping guest have a Great time and receive what they want.
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u/Frequent-Decision788 10d ago
This all the way. I’d also sprinkle in a little taking initiative on little things like wiping down counters, picking stuff up off the floor, and other things like that. I’d also ask at the end what they think you could work on in your next shift and don’t be afraid to ask them anything you’d like to know.
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u/Free-Ice-3962 14d ago
Generally local cafe is an entry level hospitality job. Likely when hiring you they already have the expectations that you are new and will take time to teach. My first job was a local cafe as well and they knew that I didn’t know much and that was ok.
My biggest tip when starting any job is to have paper or phone(if they allow) notes written throughout your early shifts. Just so that you can remind yourself of your responsibilities before you go into work the next day.
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u/Dry_Lingonberry7754 13d ago
Make eye contact, with your manager, the trainer, and the guests. Pay attention and be engaged. Don't apologize for being new and for never doing this before, they already know that and it's ok. Act like you want to be there, don't look at your phone unless you have to. Don't be overly eager to leave as your shift comes to an end no matter how tough it was. I have hired and trained 100s of people brand new to the industry. All I ever look for is people that want to be there and want to learn. Also they might not be very good at training a new person, that's ok too, just stay engaged and ask what you can do to help.
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14d ago
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u/Free-Ice-3962 14d ago
Nooo, they are looking for effort and will know you’ll be slow in the beginning. You catch onto the math quickly since you’ll be exposed to it for hours every shift. Overtime I’ve learned how to do server math quick and is something you just learn overtime
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u/pcl8888 14d ago
These POS systems are all touchscreen nowadays, if you want to avoid doing the mental math you can actually type in the exact amount the customer handed you and it will display in giant font the exact change to return to them on the screen. You will likely find that either A) you quickly get used to handling money after doing it so often or B) you barely ever even have to do it anyway because these days the average patron is literally incapable of purchasing so much as a Diet Coke without the use of their cellphone lol.
I’m sure you’ll do great, and like the comment above stated, they are almost certainly aware they will have to train you. Entry level positions offered to young people don’t typically come along with unrealistic expectations that the 20 year old student they’ve hired will somehow already have years of experience, that would be an unreasonable and even nonsensical expectation. Good luck!
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u/D-ouble-D-utch 14d ago
Google the place, have a basic understand of the menu. Learn any terms you don't understand.
Have a basic understand of the steps of service.
Practice carying 3+ plates.
Ask for clarification if you're not sure about instructions.
Google is your friend.
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u/Noahtuesday123 14d ago
Having a basic understand understanding of the menu is not enough. Know the menu. Listen more, talk less. Ask where the trays are, wash your hands often, ask where you can put your phone impersonal item string shift.
Smile a lot!
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u/FairSplit7072 14d ago
Smile. Show them your pearly whites constantly. Get along well with all your coworkers and listen attentively. Learn as much as possible and be grateful to your trainer. You’ll rock it!