How to Work at a Fast-Food Restaurant

A job at a fast-food restaurant is the entrance into the working world for many teenagers. It's also a great job for homemakers, people who need to make extra income, retirees or students working their way through college. For many people, it's a chosen, life-long career.

Instructions

1. Work at a fast-food restaurant by taking pride in your work and knowing that you are providing a valuable service to your community. Fast food is a way of life in America. Restaurants must be staffed with people who work with character and integrity.

2. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and support your feet properly. Black shoes are usually required by most restaurants, mainly because black doesn't show dirt much and black looks professional. Since you must be on your feet constantly at this job, choose your shoes carefully.

3. Smile a lot and be friendly to your customers. Time doesn't allow for much chatting ("fast" is the key word here), but greet your customers warmly. It only takes a few seconds to ask how a person is doing today. Remember to always use those two magic words: "Please" and "Thank you." This is good to remember in regard to your co-workers as well. Be part of creating a good atmosphere at work.

4. Focus on what you are doing. Stay in the moment, listen well to your customer and double-check your orders when you put them into bags or on trays. Work quickly and energetically.

5. Go to work well groomed. Many companies provide uniforms, but you may receive only a couple. Wash them after every shift and be sure to remove food stains. It's important to look clean, neat and professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Many fast-food companies help pay tuition for college students who do a good job at work and keep a good grade-point average in school.