5 Quick Tips On Surviving Your First Week At A New Restaurant Job
You walk up to the door of your new restaurant job, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. You studied the employee handbook from front to back. Your uniform is crisp. Your menu knowledge is pretty impressive for a newbie. You’re pumped and eager to learn all there is about your new work home. You take a deep breath, pull the door open, and put on your biggest smile as you strut in.
You begin to feel it as you walk through the dining room. The eyes of every employee in the room dart your way. They’re wondering who you are and what you will be like. A few whispers are exchanged as you walk to the back to clock in. You find a manager when suddenly you feel the nervousness brought on by your new team’s stares. You begin to panic. What if they hate me? Is everyone cliqued up? Will they invite me for a drink after work?
It’s ok; this is natural. One day, you might be a veteran employee in this place, staring down a newbie. Most likely, you have nothing to worry about. On the off chance that everyone does not immediately want to be your bestie; I know a few tips on surviving your first week in a new restaurant job.
Come to work on time and in full, proper uniform. I know it sounds basic, but trust me. The first thing a snobby coworker will comment on is tardiness and wrinkles. In particular, one who always has to do the right thing. Or one who is trying to become a manager. A kiss-ass is always ready to point out the silliest things. There’s always one. This is an easy way to become a target. And just as easy to avoid. Plus, you’re too cute to look sloppy!
Bring lots of pens. Lots. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with wearing the proper uniform. But elevated. You never know when a situation will occur, in which an extra pen could have saved the day. This is your chance.
You might need to help a server who is in a panic. They only brought two pens today. Of course, both pens are at tables that have paid with credit cards at the exact same time. Of course! Now, they need to take the order for a table that is waving them down. Your potentially new best friend is running around, frantically checking the server stations for a pen. Throwing everything out of their apron hoping they just didn’t feel an extra one in there rolling around. They have a few more seconds before this guy’s arm falls off. Then, you, the almighty newb, step into the light, like the serving angel you are, extending a friendly hand holding one of your many extra pens. You saved the moment. Maybe the day. Maybe the world.
Be a team player. It’s cool. Not corny. However, offering to help someone with their side work while they’re busy or running food displays your work ethics. Servers and bartenders love to see a person busting his or her ass. This impresses us. We work freaking HARD. If we see someone hanging toward the back or always in the bathroom, it's a red flag. You don’t want that server working the section next to you. You will inevitably have to pick up their slack. Plus, that server is surely getting shit talked about them while they take a smoke break or scroll through social media in a corner. Stay focused on work while at work and do the most to help those around you. And don’t be afraid to have fun while doing so. That’s right, work can be fun. This brings me to our next tip.
Be fun! People cannot help but be drawn to someone who is laughing or smiling. Crack a joke while you’re restocking the soda station. Sing your favorite song out loud while you run drinks. Add some flare to the way you greet your guests (I worked with a guy who did magic/card tricks for his tables. Not only was he the highest tipped server in the place, he was a freaking joy to work with. Shout out to Chris.)
Find fun ways to breathe life into the room at a dull moment. You never know when that moment may improve someone’s shift simply by making them laugh after a table was rude to them.
Finally, this might seem off-topic, but trust me that it helps. Bring coffee. I know this isn’t possible everywhere, but if you work with a small enough staff during your shift, bring something. Coffee is ideal because it provides a boost of energy, but donuts work as well. Essentially, anything with a lot of sugar. In Miami, we have something called a Colada. It’s a small to-go cup filled with extra-strong, sweet coffee. It comes with plastic shot cups for sharing. You only need one shot. Bringing one or two of these makes you the hit of the shift around here. Find what works in your area and bring it. Candy, homemade brownies, popsicles, I don’t know, get creative. Everyone will notice how thoughtful you are.
I know that starting a new job can be a little intimidating. Especially if you are on the shy side. There is no need to walk into your new restaurant job, anxious about what it will be like. You are fully prepared now that you have these five quick tips. They’re super easy to pull off, too.
As long as you utilize them throughout the week there is no chance that you won’t start getting to know some new coworkers. They will seamlessly gravitate your way. And why wouldn’t they? You’re the most prepared, fun, thoughtful newbie they have ever worked with! So enjoy that after-work drink because there is no doubt you’re joining the gang!
