Level-Headedness
Working at a restaurant can sometimes be tough and nerve-wracking. There are days when there are just too many customers to serve, and all of them want special attention. On other occasions, there'd be someone who'd rent the place and ask all sorts of demands. However, even though the job is stressful, an excellent service crew remains level-headed at all times.
This trait is particularly beneficial when making decisions. If you're level-headed and calm amid the worst situations, you can come up with the best course of action and do your job properly even when you're under a lot of pressure. It's not easy to hone this skill, but it's possible.
Getting plenty of rest when you're not working definitely helps, along with asking for tips from your most senior colleagues.
Basic Math Skills When the restaurant is understaffed, some service crew members may be asked to man the cashier. During this situation, your
basic computation skills will be put to the test. Many restaurants use high-tech POS systems today, so you're not actually required to add and subtract menu prices manually. Your math skills are more needed when counting money, especially if the customer decides to pay in cash.
Agility Service crew members have to be quick at all times to serve as many customers as possible. This ability is also helpful in preventing accidents. If you're agile enough, you can move freely even when you're holding a tray in one hand and evading other people when they are about to bump into you. There's no training on how to be nimble; you just have to master the skill by gaining experience on the job.
Courteousness People who land a service crew job in Singapore are expected to be constantly polite to everyone, specifically to customers, restaurant managers, and senior colleagues. A few
gestures that show courtesy include:
- Greeting Everyone With a Smile – When someone enters the restaurant and makes eye contact with you, try to greet them. A simple "Welcome!" or "Good morning!" can brighten up their day and make it more special if you sound sincere enough. If you can't offer a greeting, a simple nod, bow, or smile usually works just fine.
- Dressing Appropriately – Restaurants typically have a uniform for their staff, so you don't have to worry about the dress code. However, it's still important to always look nice and presentable. Iron your clothes and shine your shoes before wearing them at work. If you have a tie on your neck, adjust it properly so that it's not too loose or tight.
- Using Respectful Language – Always be respectful when speaking to someone, even those who are obviously younger than you. Address them using honorifics, and treat them like how you want to be treated if you're the one dining at the restaurant.
- Opening the Door for People – If there are very few customers to serve, it won't hurt to do extra service and open the door for people coming into the restaurant. Be enthusiastic when doing it, and don't forget to smile. While you're at it, you can also offer them a warm welcome and usher them into an empty seat.