Find work

Waitressing is often portrayed as a role which can be learnt in a matter of weeks, if not days. However, when it comes to what Coople regards as an ā€œexpert levelā€ waiter and waitress, most require months of training to achieve this. Gaining rigour, precision, attention to detail, dynamism and coordination through continuous practice, there is a multitude of skills needed to work at some of the worldā€™s best restaurants and hotels. Itā€™s even regarded as an art form by some!

If you are looking to become an expert waiter, find work as a waiter or to build on your existing experience, here are 7Ā tips from CoopleĀ to build your profile further and to obtain more job requests:

Presentation is key

Accessible to all and easy to approach, your presentation within the room directly reflects the image of the company you are representing.

Keep smiling

An issue within a shift can always happen and can often result in an individual feeling off keel. Keeping oneā€™s composure and smile here is key.

A trading waiter/waitress

A good waiter/waitress must know how to sell. He or she must be able to make knowledgeable recommendations.

Get to know your restaurantā€™s menu

You must know the dishes, the origin of the ingredients and have a notion of the recipes as well as the best wine to accompany them.

Be fast but discreet

The balance between efficiency and subtlety isnā€™t an easy one. You have to be fast and present in a room, all whilst knowing when to ā€˜step off stageā€™.

Know how to present the bill and cash accordingly

Asking and paying for the bill as a customer can be a make or break experience when at a restaurant, which is why making the whole process as discreet and seamless as possible is key.

Keep your customers happy

Always have a nice or pleasant word when leaving your clients. This is the last contact with the establishment, so be sure to leave on a positive note as this is why they will remember you by.

Check out our waitress and waiter jobs in London.