New book offers ''GREAT TIP$'' for waiters and waitresses
SIDNEY, N.Y--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Mar 25, 2002--Hoping to earn $10, $15, even $20 an hour this summer? Forget the fast food counter. Skip the strip mall stores. Read this article then head straight to the busiest restaurant you can find. Yes, work will include whining customers and you will end each shift with the smell of grease in your hair. But waiting tables can provide you with more money in fewer hours than virtually any other summer employment opportunity. And did we mention waiter/waitress experience is considered an outstanding resume credential?
We asked David Cyrelson, veteran server and author of �GREAT TIP$: The Ultimate How-to Manual By Servers, For Servers,� for the inside scoop on what restaurateurs are looking for. Here�s what he had to say:
The first hiring reality is that no restaurant manager will give you a job simply because you want a paycheck. The second restaurant reality is that waitresses are not hired by mail. The owner or manager will want to talk with you, so have a resume, but invest more in preparing yourself.
You want to be neat and clean for any interview, but this is especially important in a restaurant. After all, you will be serving food and dealing with customers. Be sure your hands are clean and you are dressed to impress. That does not necessarily mean suit and tie or your best dress. The right outfit will suggest you fit in with the place. Applying for work in a diner? A short-sleeved shirt and slacks or a simple summer dress will be appropriate.
The third and most important hiring fact is that even with no prior restaurant experience, if you answer the �The Three Real Interview Questions� correctly you can get the job.
The Three Real Interview Questions #1 Do you understand the restaurant business? #2 Will you do what it takes to make it happen? #3 Do you fit in with our team and our image?
Understanding the business means understanding the simple construct at the heart of excellent restaurant service: Every restaurant�s goal is to make a profit. For that to happen, customers must enjoy their dining experience and tell their friends. Getting a job in a restaurant is no different than working there. Simply dropping off a resume or filling out an application will not get you the job. You must demonstrate that you will do what it takes to succeed. Start by finding the manager and talking to him. And be prepared. Bring two pens and the names and phone numbers of three people who can give you good recommendations.
The person doing the hiring does not want to spend day after day interviewing people. Since you are his next applicant, he hopes you are �the one.� With that in mind, when you approach the boss for your interview, smile big.
As you walk through the restaurant smiling, remember � most employers make the decision not to hire someone within the first five minutes of the interview. The next three actions will greatly improve your chance for interview success. First, take a deep breath. Next, walk tall. Finally, pause as you approach the person conducting the interview, look right into his eyes, and clearly introduce yourself with something like: �Congratulations on opening your new restaurant. My name is Millie and I�d like to help make your new place a great success.� Or, �Good afternoon. My name is Bill. I�ve heard great things about this place. I�ve come to join the team.�
When the interviewer speaks, listen carefully. Here are some standard restaurant interview questions. A little examination will show you they are �The Three Real Interview Questions� in disguise.
�Tell me about yourself.� �Why do you want to be a waiter/waitress?� �What are your strengths and weaknesses?�
Possible Answer: �I�m the type of person who enjoys the highs and lows of dealing with people. I like the comfort of an established routine mixed with new challenges. Working here would give me all of that and I would give my all to your customers.�
�What kind of experience do you have?� �We get crowded. Can you handle a mob?� �You have no experience. Why should I hire you?�
Possible Answer: �I understand every restaurant�s goal is to make a profit. For that to happen I�ve got to insure every customer enjoys eating here and says good things about your place. I�m ready to do everything I can to make that happen.�
�Describe your ideal job.� �Why do you want to work here?� �How much money do you need to make?�
Possible Answer: �I�m looking for the type of job where creating happy customers is rewarded. Each table is a chance for everyone to win. The customers have a great time. The restaurant makes money. And I get the tips and satisfaction of a job well done. I want to do that as often as possible.�
Read the sample questions again. Think about how they relate to �The Three Real Interview Questions� and the goal of every restaurant. Adjust the answers given to fit your situation and personality. Answer the questions honestly and take time to choose your words. Think about what you could say, but don�t over-rehearse. Your words should sound natural, not like lines from a script.
After you have answered two or three questions, look the interviewer in the eyes and say, �I would really like to work here. How am I doing?� Listen carefully to the answer. A good manager will be honest and tell you his impression of your strengths and weaknesses. If he decides not to hire you, don�t lose hope. Interviewing skills take practice and time to develop. Learn from this experience and you will be better next time. If he tells you something like, �So far so good,� be sure to smile and say, �Thank you.� Use the interview as an opportunity to gather information and give the Decision Maker some positive ego strokes. Here are two great questions: �How did you get started in this business?� �What is your favorite thing about the restaurant business?
Once hired, you�ll need to quickly learn what to do, and how and when to do it. �GREAT TIP$: The Ultimate How-to Manual By Servers, For Servers� is your complete guide for restaurant success. Recommended by Restaurant Business magazine and by servers across America, �GREAT TIP$� is guaranteed to improve your earning power. �GREAT TIP$� is available for $14.95 on-line at www.BookMasters.com/GreatTips or by calling 800-247-6553.�
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