by Willow Lissette

Created on: June 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 17, 2010

In order for a customer to have a good dinning experience, a lot of responsibility falls on the server. Your job as a waitress isn't just serving food, you must make sure food order's are correct when given to the cook as well as when the food comes to you. Also most restaurant's require the server to do clean ups and filling of condiments.

Before you even leave your house make sure your uniform is clean. If you make the extra effort to do your hair, makeup, and put on a little jewelry the customer's will respond to it. If you wear perfume do not spray to much on, some of your customers may be allergic to perfumes. Also try to leave any problems you may have at home.

Try to arrive fifteen minutes before your shift begins. If it is busy upon your arrival you may be asked to clock in early. Check your apron pockets and make sure you have a pen or two and your paper pad. I usually put some extra straw's in one of my pockets as well. It makes it easier to hand them out.

When you get a table, see how many people are sitting there and grab the amount of menu's you need. As you approach the table smile and say, "Hi my name is (enter name), how are you this (morning, afternoon, evening)?" This usually makes the customer feel like you are concentrating on them. Next ask if they would like a drink, say, "Could I start you off with a Pepsi, iced tea, or coffee?" (If its winter you can also subtract the iced tea and add hot chocolate).

When you are taking the drink order start with the person on your left in the seat closest to you this is seat one then move clockwise, the next person is seat two, so on an so forth. This makes it easier when you deliver the drinks and food. Once you get the drink order ask if they would like to start off with an appetizer to get them started, if they say yes make sure you let the cook know before you get the drinks.

When getting the drinks make sure not to touch the tops of the cups, you could have germs on your hands from touching the menus. If you are getting a drink that requires ice DO NOT scoop the ice with the glass, it could break in the ice bin and you would have to clean it out. Use the ice scooper.

After delivering the drinks ask if they are ready to order the meals, if so take the order, if not let them know you will be back in a minute. When you do get the order make sure to collect the menu's. When you enter the kitchen put the order in right away, check to see if the appetizers are done. If you need soup and salad before

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