By Marie Beachdale
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, Surfside Beach - Every waitress or waiter goes through a week of training when they are hired in a new restaurant, but there are important tips restaurant trainees aren’t taught in the beginning.

 
So you’ve landed your first job waitressing, and you’ve got your brand new non-slip shoes and the usual restaurant guide in hand. You go through the typical training, learn the ins and outs of the restaurant and probably follow another server around for a bit. At the end of the week you think you’ve learned every important piece of information, right?

Wrong.

Here are, in my opinion, some of the most important tips a waitress needs to know that training doesn’t go over.

First, make friends with the “alpha bitch” server. She will be easy to identify, as she’ll be running around acting like she’s working harder than everyone else, barking orders at the kitchen, and generally taking things way too seriously.

Befriending the alpha bitch is important not only because it will keep you from experiencing her wrath, but also because she will be beneficial if you are ever overwhelmed. Because this waitress is such an overachiever, she makes it a point to never be “in the weeds,” so should you fall a little behind, she will always be free to help.  

Yes, she’s annoying and yes, it will be hard to deal with her at times, but chances are she’s also best friends forever with at least one manager. You don’t want her bad-mouthing you when you’re not around.  

Second, when you're new at the job, pick up as many shifts you possibly can. If you hear someone complaining they don’t want to work, offer to cover for them. If you get called in on your day off, go in without complaint.

It might be annoying, but it’s worth it. Not only will you be happy about the extra cash you’ve made, but if you find yourself a little too hung-over after a big night out, you’ll be able to pull the “You owe me!” card.

This leads me to third tip: If you are invited to a work party that all of the wait staff will be attending, GO. You don’t want to be the only server at work the next day who isn’t hung-over. If you are fresh-faced while everyone else is dragging, you’ll be stuck closing and doing all of the work they don’t feel like doing.

Fourth, make a BFF (or several) in the kitchen. Never disrespect the cooks, because they control your ticket time and food quality, which in turn usually determines your tip. Having a friend in the kitchen is also a great way to score free food, and they all know how to whip up incredible concoctions with whatever the restaurant has available.  

Fifth, keep your personal life personal, because restaurants are notorious for gossip and drama. Unless you want all of your coworkers and half of the city to know your business, keep it to yourself. Sadly but truly, I’ve actually heard coworkers gossiping with their tables about other servers.

Sixth and finally, never, NEVER, under any circumstances - even if his nickname is "The Puma" and you are positive it will be worth it - sleep with your manager. Everyone else is fair game, but not management. Working in a high-stress environment with someone you’ve become cozy with (or even worse, dated) is terrible and awkward for everyone. Trust me on this one.

If you want a nervous breakdown or have a desire to absolutely hate your job, then don't take my advice.

I can pass this knowledge on to new servers, because hindsight is 20/20. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Working in a restaurant is unlike any other work environment I’ve experienced. You’ve got to be tough.

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