How to Get a Waitress Job in Fine Dining
Make Bigger Tips by Working in the Best Restaurants
Upscale restaurant dinner shifts are the place to make the biggest server tips. High quality and expensive food, an interesting wine list, wealthy clients and savvy servers are the combination that results in the biggest tips. But before a waitress can earn these tips, she must first get hired.
Some restaurant workers start at the bottom, working in diners and other dives either as bussers and dishwashers or servers. They work for years trying to climb their way up the ladder to a highly coveted position as a waitress in a fine dining restaurant on the dinner shift. That is where more money is made.
Other people waltz right in to the best restaurant and are hired after the first interview, even with little to no restaurant experience. This is because they present themselves in a refined and intelligent way that will be acceptable to the restaurant's clientele.
How to Get an Interview for a Waitress Job
To be considered for a job in the best restaurants, do call ahead and ask when is a good time to drop by to fill out a job application or chat with the manager.
Never, never pop in and ask for an application if the restaurant is busy. They will assume anybody who does that does not know anything about restaurants. Even if the application is filled out, the restaurant will never follow up.
How to Prepare for an Interview: Personal Hygiene
An interviewee needs to present herself as she will appear at work.
- It may seem trite, but taking a shower and washing hair before any interview is vital.
- Do not wear perfume because waitresses in fine restaurants are often forbidden to wear scents. Personal fragrances interfere with smell of tantalizing food.
- Smokers must refrain from smoking before the interview; smelling like smoke will destroy any chance of being hired.
How to Prepare for an Interview: Clothing
Again, presentation is important. Dress to present yourself as a refined waitress.
- Clothing must be clean and neat.
- No tank tops, even in hot weather. And absolutely no bras or underwear showing.
- No shorts or short skirts. Long pants, capris that fall below the knee, and skirts that fall below the knee are appropriate.
How to Prepare for an Interview: Jewelry
Many places will simply not hire people with facial piercings, multiple earrings, or tattoos. It may not seem fair, but to increase chances of getting a job in fine dining:
- Remove the facial and ear jewelry
- Cover that tattoo(s) with clothing
- Remove anything in a tongue piercing.
These things will also need to be removed or covered while working, and can be put back in after the shift.
How to Interview: Personal Manner and Etiquette
During an interview, make a good first impression.
- Look the manager in the eye and smile
- Shake his or her hand
- Remember to use "please" and "thank you"
- Refrain from using any curse words.
How to Interview: Professional Manner and Etiquette
- Whether waiting tables is a temporary job or a life long profession, show the manager that you take the job seriously. Know that the happiness of restaurant guests is of utmost importance.
- Show and take an interest in food and wine pairings.
- Be willing and interested in learning.
The main difference for servers in high end restaurants and servers in casual restaurants is the amount of money they make. Many job seekers may have experience in restaurants, but those who land the best waitress jobs succeed because they know how to behave and how to present themselves.
Professional Waitress in Fine Dining
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Business & Finance
Latest Articles