I would like to get a job as a fine dinning waitstaff person. How do I start?

Question

I have not done this type of work for 14 years and I am a nurse.
I heard they make really good $$! Is this true?

Answer 1

At an upscale restaurant you can pull in $200 in tips easily in one night.

If you've never waited before, you might need to start at a smaller restaurant or start bussing or running at a restaurant before you can move up. It's hard work, a lot of being on your feet and schmoozing with people. Also you have to look the part. A lot of nice restaurants really will only hire good looking, well-dressed people. It's all part of the game.

Answer 2

I worked at a fine dining establishment, and it really varied how much they made by night. Where i worked, it wasn't hard to get a job at all. You basically only needed a slightly likable personality. I would just try applying around different places and see what comes up, letting them know that you'll work wherever they need you. As far as pay, in really fine dining restaurants, you might get the occasional table that tips huge. But i think it also depends a lot on having the right kind of personality (being a nurse, maybe you could put that bedside manner into practice). I think most of the time, the actual hourly salary isn't very good; servers make most of their money off gratuity. On slow nights, the busboys might actually often make quite a bit more than the server. It would greatly depend on how many people come through the place and how many people are on staff per night.

Answer 3

With the current demand for nurses, I would stay with that. Waitstaff can make good money, but not necessarily in comparison to that you can make as a nurse. I put myself thru college waiting tables from casual to fine dining. If I were to go back, I wouldn't choose fine dining, but rather a higher end casual restaurant with good table turn-over.

If you need a change in nursing...have you ever considered the try the nurse travel staffing? You can travel, meet new people, and have your expenses paid, along with making good pay.

Answer 4

I interviewed with a very upscale restaurant. I was quizzed during the interview about proper place setting, where glasses went, what certain plates were called, wine pairings, the five mother sauces, you name it.

I knew I screwed up a few things, but was hired on the spot. But I ended up turning it down because the owner was a PERVERT.

Answer 5

It's also not only LOOKING the part, but acting and SPEAKING it as well! Use proper English, know how to spell, because the first thing to get you OUT the door prior to even getting in one is if you don't know how to spell on an application, or you don't know even the basics of proper English! FYI, it is NOT "can" I help you, it is MAY I HELP YOU!!!

I know petty of me when I was the boss, but forget it! You can't even get that one very basic question needed to ask any patron, you're not working for me anywhere and at a very fine establishment, no where.

Also, instead of bussing to start as your only option, IF you can get the job, HOSTESS!!!

Good Luck and nursing NEVER EVER goes out!!!

Answer 6

GOOD waits do make Good money.
Find a good white table cloth restaurant that is willing to train you to be one of the best.
anecdote: I once saw a very good waiter get a $500 tip on a $80 dinner for two. The host had just signed a million dollar deal with the gentleman dining with him and that was his way of thanking the waiter for doing a perfect job and not upseting the applecart.