I got a job, and today is my first day. Im working at a nice restaurant busing tables. What should I do to impress them? Any tips on how to do my job?ALL ANSWER APPRECIATED!
While I'm not positive on what you can/cannot do as that varies from restaurant to restaurant, I can try and provide a few that I performed at my old job. Try to help the waiters out. Be it keeping them stocked or even helping them bring orders, they can certainly use the help. This of course comes with the bonus of helping you get accustomed to their job, incase you decide to try your hand at that. Are you allowed to handle tasks such as refills and restocking bread/crackers/chips/etc? If so, try and help out with that. Above all else, PAY ATTENTION. I know it's a cliche, but it's amazing just how much you learn simply from watching and listening. What you don't know, find out from someone who does. Being able to combine the talents of others with that of your own leaves you with tons of potential. I hope the little I remember will at least be of *some* help, be it even applicable.
I worked as a bus boy for King's restaurant about 12 years ago. My advice is to work hard and stay busy. When you see a table that need cleaning do it. Come to work on time and look neat and clean. If they asked you to stay longer or work extra hours do it. Do not listen to the negative talk from other employees, stay out of gossip. Come to work and stay busy, time will go much faster when you are busy. When I work at kings restaurant the place was usually packed with people, so I was very busy. Besides busing table, you may also be asked to wash dishes or put the dishes that are wash away. You may also be asked to clean the kitchen. Do not worry, just do what is asked of you with a positive attitude. Stay busy, and if things get slow ask the supervisor for something to do.
My second job ever was as a busboy while I was in high school. That was good money for me back then. If you work hard you will make good tips. If the tips arn't good while you are there, switch to another restaurant after a few months. No one wants to take someone with out experience so that is why I said to stay at least a few months. Dress cleanly and stay positive. Always have your table settings be clean. Get the tables cleaned ASAP! Do it right though. Don't have someone sit down and then see a spot that you didn't wipe up though. The more tables set up right, the more clients the servers get, the more tips you get. Help the servers out. If something needs to be stocked, do it. If they need help with a beverage, bring it. If a mess needs to be cleaned up, clean it. Be on time. Never not show up unless you've called in advance and it is for a very good reason. Your goal should be to get promoted to server or a bartender. A server makes more money than a busboy and a bartender will make more than a server. On the otherhand, noone wants to hire a server or bartender with no experience. You being a busboy will give you some experience that you need to make it to server or bartender. After you have been there a few weeks you might be able to be taught to help out the bartender too.
Stay positive. Smile. 'Please' and 'Thank You' go a long way - use them! Always speak to customers and co-workers in a professional fashion. Keep your work areas neat as clean as possible. Clear tables as quickly quietly as possible. Make sure they are wiped down set-up properly. Don't forget to make sure the seating and floor looks good and is wiped down or picked up as needed. If you see something on the ground, pick-it up. If a customer drops a knife, fork or spoon - bring them a clean one. Check with your waitress to find out how they want you to handle customer questions or requests, they may want you to take care of it if you can or to bring it to their attention. Ask co-workers such as waitresses and dishwashers how they want things done so work can move along as quickly as possible. At the end of the night, if the opportunity arises, ask your manager how you did if there is anything you can improve on. Make sure you show up in clean, neat clothing every day. Start out looking sharp and always make sure your work cloths are clean for the next day.
Bus boys can be very successful if they keep their eyes open and notice when folks are ready to have their plates removed. For tables where people have left, be quick removing tableware, wipe the table clean, check the seats and edges of the table. If a cloth or paper cloth is involved, place it neatly. It is the little things that annoy diners and therefore reflect badly on you. Sticky edges, chairs with crumbs or worse, floors with crumbs or worse can ruin an excellent dining experience. The wait staff can make your job pleasant or nasty. Be receptive to them, help them look good, and you'll succeed. Good luck.
