There’s much more to waiting staff than preparing tables, taking orders, serving food and accepting payments. You need spot-on communication and customer service skills to meet and greet diners and ensure they enjoy their experience in your restaurant or cafe.
Being able to stay calm and get every order right, even when it’s busy and everyone is feeling under pressure, is a true talent.
But if you’re planning to go for one of the hospitalty roles on s1jobs, we have five nuggets of knowledge you can show off at your interview . . . and help you be a success in your new job.
- Stand up for yourself
Being overly familiar can be off-putting so don’t be tempted to crouch by the table or lean in when taking an order. Offer your name and a big smile but respect the customers’ personal space.
- Know your stuff
Not knowing the menu inside out is an epic fail. Study every dish and make a note of today’s specials and keep it with you. If a customer inquires about a particular dish, you should know how it’s made and which sides come with it. For customers with allergies, be able to identify dishes contain dairy, gluten and peanuts, and be ready to suggest tasty alternatives.
- Always add value
Without being pushy, politely suggesting side dishes to go with the main or alternative drinks options – such as a glass of the new house Pinotage – will not only enhance the customer’s experience, it will help boost profits. And managers just love staff who help boost profits!
- No touching
No-one likes to see their risotto arrive with someone’s thumb stuck in the bowl. Practice will make perfect but when carrying dishes always ensure your fingers do not mess with the merchandise. Similarly, avoid manhandling the wine and water glasses. There’s nothing more off-putting for a customer than sipping from a glass with a greasy fingerprint.
- Always be busy
The very best waiting staff know there’s no such thing as a quiet moment. Your table may be tucking in to their pudding, but you should always be on the look-out for customers who may be trying to attract your attention. Everyone’s happy right now? Get busy cleaning or double-checking the reservations book. This shows your manager you’re enthusiasm and work ethos.
Why wait? Let’s find the best roles in Hospitality, Catering and Tourism with s1jobs