How to Become a Successful Catering Assistant

A catering assistant will help in all aspects of the business.

A catering assistant will help with several different aspects of the catering business. The hours of a caterer may be varied and include night hours and weekends. A catering assistant should have a flexible schedule and be able to work long hours occasionally. Starting as an assistant is a good way to learn about the business if you are interested in becoming a caterer. The work is also a good way to start out in the food industry.

Instructions

1. Complete any on-the-job training that your company offers. This may be a basic class that shows you how to set a table, serve plates to seated guests and carry food trays.

2. Apply for your food handler's permit. Many states require all food workers to complete a short class to receive their food handler's permit. The length of the class varies and there may be a written test at the end. Many businesses are willing to pay the cost for you to receive this permit, though the cost is minimal if it is not completely covered.

3. Learn how to prepare and plate the food according to the cook's instructions. Many catering assistants will help in many different aspects of the business as needed. This means you may spend time cooking and preparing food, as well as serving the food to guests. Understanding the different menus you prepare and serve will also help you answer clients' questions.

4. Commit to being reliable and available. Although the hours vary, a caterer relies on employees who will show up when scheduled and work hard the entire time they are on shift. If you want to succeed and stand out, you need to show a strong work ethic and be on time for your shifts every day.

5. Purchase the uniform that your caterer wants you to wear. The caterer may provide a shirt and apron to wear but may require you to purchase your own skirts or slacks to wear. The dress code allows the caterers to be easily recognized while blending into the background of the events you work at.

6. Understand the packages and services that your caterer sells. After working for a while, you may be able to answer initial questions regarding services and work as an administrative assistant to the business. This may include giving price quotes, contacting the customers about fees, giving directions to the locations and other parts of the business. A polite professional demeanor is essential in this role.

References

• Career Toolkits: What Is a Job As a Caterer Like
• Education Portal: Catering Chef: Employment Outlook and Educational Summary for Professional Caterers