How to Get a Job As a Waiter, Waitress or Server

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

There are a ton of restaurants out there, but not all of them are the same. You need to find out which restaurant will be the best for you and then secure a job at that specific location. It's much harder than blanketing resumes across town, but it is much more rewarding.

Steps

1
Build a creative and attractive resume. You want it to stand out enough that the managers will remember you, but be subtle enough that it still looks like a resume.
2
Pick the top 5 restaurants you would want to work at. Go in to each restaurant during the busiest times and look at the customers and the servers and get a feel for the demographic.

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3
Ask the staff members what it is like to work there and how the management is to work for.
4
Bring in your resume during the least busy hours (best time is between lunch and dinner shift at 3:00 - 4:00) and get it into the hands of a manager, not a host.
5
Get an interview on the spot, or
6
Continue to come in and make an appearance twice a week to get your face recognized.
7
Persistently follow up with the Managers in person, if you are not hired within a month, move on.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get a job as a waiter if I don't have experience?

Community Answer

Start as a host or a busser. Many companies prefer their "hire from within" method as it helps them ensure that people know what they're doing, which effectively allows them to spend less money on training.
Question

What should I wear for a waitress interview?

Community Answer

Dress nice and do not dress overly casual. Managers like employees or future employees who go above and beyond to prove who they are. First impressions are everything. Make it count.
Question

What questions does the interviewer ask for a server job?

Community Answer

Interview questions range from company to company. Some may give you scenarios and ask how you'd react, and other companies may just have the interview process be a simple conversation. Make sure you have a basic knowledge of the menu, and know the history of the company you're applying for.