How to Be an Experienced Waiter

Gaining experience leads to better shifts in more desireable restaurants.

Waiting tables in restaurants can be either a means to another end -- a great way to get real world experience and make money while you are in school or just starting out -- or can be a good career choice for those both interested in food and wine and fulfilled by interacting with different people all the time. With experience, as well, waiting tables can be lucrative. However, the best-paying jobs at the most desirable restaurants require experience, which you need to build up gradually and strategically.

Instructions

1. Look for your first job at a small chain restaurant in your area. Most small chains will hire servers without experience, and while you may not make much money, you will gain a valuable introduction to waiting tables and how restaurants function, and you'll get practical experience for your resume.

2. Apply for hosting positions at larger or better restaurants after you have worked at a small chain for six months, or if there are no small chain restaurants in your area. Hosting positions often require little experience, but are a great way to learn the business and get your foot in the door when a waiter position comes available.

3. Volunteer to pick up shifts. You may not, initially, get the busiest shifts, but it establishes that you are serious about your job.

4. Forge a good working relationship with the other waiters and the managers.

5. Show up on time, prepared for your shift.

6. Get to know the menu and wine list of wherever you work. Memorize the standard dishes, get to know the ingredients and understand potential wine pairings. If possible, taste all the dishes. Thoroughly understanding the food helps you sell the food to the customers -- a chief job of a waiter.

7. Spend time with the kitchen staff during non-peak hours. This allows you to see how the food is prepared, which increases your knowledge of the menu.

8. Remain patient. Over time, as you pick up shifts to gain experience, prove your reliability and increase your knowledge of food and wine, you will be given more and better shifts.

References

• Gradspot Guides; How to Become a Waiter or Waitress; Lauren Gerber
• "Time Magazine"; Confessions of an Angry Waiter; Jeremy Caplan; Aug. 11, 2008