How to Become a Busboy

A busboy is the first rung on the ladder of food service positions. Working as a busboy is an easy way to earn a few bucks while learning basic restaurant skills. With busboy skills under your belt, you can move up the ladder to other more lucrative restaurant jobs. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go to restaurants in your neighborhood that you are familiar with and ask if they need a busboy. Turnover is fast and most places are willing to train.
2. Talk to friends and family to find out if anybody you know is in the business. A personal recommendation will help get you in the door.
3. Ask any friends who are busboys to introduce you to the owner or manager.
4. Leave your name and phone number if you are not needed on the spot. It's almost guaranteed that a crisis will soon come up and you'll be called.
5. Check the local want ads and fill out applications.
6. Ask what to wear when you are hired. Busboys have to conform to dress codes for many restaurants. Even if the restaurant that hires you doesn't enforce a dress code, asking about one will make a good impression.
7. Ensure that you are prompt on your first day. Ask the boss what he wants you to do first and get busy.
8. Follow the lead of other busboy's at first to learn the ropes. If you are the only one, just do as the boss asks.
9. Ask questions. The waitstaff and cooks will know you are new. Everyone is usually willing to show you the right way to do things.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep busy. You can always find something to do. The boss hates to see the waitstaff stand around.
• Your pay is usually an hourly wage plus tips from the waiters. If a waiter asks you to do something, try to accommodate him. He will be tipping you at the end of the night.
• Be pleasant to the customers. If a customer asks you for something, get it or find someone who can help.
• A busboy can earn decent money. If you find you enjoy the hustle of restaurant work, you'll have a great start in the business.