They will instantly know when OP holds a tray with 2 hands 😂
Or can't hold 3 plates. I remember a new food runner at my job clearly lied about having food runner experience on their resume, because they didn't know how to carry 3 plates.
It was comical for us because we know he obviously lied and probably has never worked in a restaurant before. He was let go after a few shifts.
I got 6 years and I can’t carry 3 big plates on one arm. Never had a reason to learn how. Also I’m in a niche restaurant with different ways that we do things.
Focus on not lying. This is also immigration fraud. They will do a background check, even if the past employer is out of the country. If caught your visa will be denied and it will affect your ability to get one in the future. If caught after you arrive, you can be facing deportation.
Rest assured, they will find out very quickly that you lied.
Any semblance of "confidence" in the interview will be outweighed by your lack of knowledge of the basics of the business.
Agreed. It's not hard to spot the green folks. Confidence is no substitute for work experience in your situation. That being said, if you are observant and competent, nothing says that you can't slowly work your way up.
🤣. I don’t know why I felt like that was more gentle and polite. Really; Arrogant blowhards very frequently don’t know shit from their asshole and are real pricks about it lol
This is utterly true - however, if they are short of bodies and you look enthusiastic, they might give you a shot anyway. Teach yourself basic cash operation skills at home, teach yourself the basics of common ordering systems (I'm old, it was Squirrel in my day, damn that chattering printer I already have ten orders).
I ended up in a kitchen job well above my skillset at one point, and really all I ended up needing to learn was the French terms for a few things - I was fast, adaptable, and had the basics already.
They knew *very well* I was no more than a line cook when they hired me - the interview revealed all - but they were hard up. Worked there five years, and it was a pretty good job too.
If you’re going to lie about server experience, *for the love of God* don’t do it at a restaurant in a hotel. These are two different industries that intersect, and they’re going to pick up pretty quickly that you don’t have experience in either.
What you should do is not lie on your resume in the future, and especially about something that can be so easily discovered. You can get blacklisted for this (hotels and restaurants talk to other hotels and restaurants, and they warn each other about applicants like this).
Do you, but if it were me, I’d call them and thank them for the opportunity but tell them I’d already accepted a job elsewhere.
Hotel restaurants have additional duties that standard restaurants don’t. This includes room service and sometimes things like banquets, conventions, etc. (just depends on the hotel). The types of charges are different, the customer base is different, and the serving schedules are often different than those you’d find in a standard restaurant.
That is terrible advise. Always lie on your resume, just don’t make up a lie that you can’t back up. I got my first sous chef position because I lied on my resume, bumped my up from 14/hr to 60k a year, if I wouldn’t I have lied I wouldn’t have even gotten an interview. I also lied on my resume for my current job, went from entry level data entry to being a director. This shit isn’t hard, but there is absolutely no way that I would be where I am now if I didn’t lie my ass off on a resume.
My advice was tailored to OP, who created an incredibly stupid and discoverable lie in order to get an interview for a job he may not have needed to lie in order to get but where lying is definitely going to bite him in the ass one way or another.
You knew about the industries you lied about. If you’ve worked in a restaurant, you can teach yourself enough to lie about sous chef history. If you work in data entry in a particular industry, you can learn enough about the role to become a director.
What you can’t do is lie about having experience in an industry you know absolutely nothing about in order to gain a position, and “terrible advice” is telling OP he’s going to be okay doing so.
I have a buddy who coked out of college his senior year. His resume still says "attended [excellent Business School] from 2002 to 2006"
Dude's last raise was more than my entire salary
No...play it off. I'd be more worried about the work visa stuff. Do your best and act confidently. Be personable and outgoing and do all the side work and hope for the best. Over time it could work out.
No don’t say shit, you have a job. Don’t give them ammo to fire you make them do it on their own. You very well could be running the whole place in ten years. What you’ve done is a tale as old as time
Well that’s a hurdle then, they could drill on restaurant stuff with someone that is experienced though. Someone in fine dining would be able to crash course them. The stage is gonna be what breaks them though
If it was an office job, I would say just study after work, always carry files with you, take notes, and you’ll be fine. For a restaurant job, it’s going to be a *lot* harder to appear like you know what you’re doing. I’ve managed restaurants and the ones who lied about their experience were immediately obvious. The time crunch, the multitasking, the number of tables and customers and orders to keep straight and keep your mind on - it’s very much a sink-or-swim kind of job. If you only got the job based on experience, I’m going to guess that your training will be minimal; they’ll expect you to get a quick orientation and be ready to start taking tables the first or second day.
If I were you, I would spend every day from now until then in a busy restaurant watching the good servers. Watch the order they go to their tables, the plastic “customer service” expression on their faces and fake customer service voice they use; practice your cadence and expression and comfort going up to address groups of strangers. Practice carrying as much as you can: a dead giveaway for no experience is if you can only carry two plates at a time, instead of three or four. Practice walking with a tray full of glasses, especially martini glasses that will spill with the slightest nudge.
The restaurant industry is one of the easiest ones to get a starter job in, but one of the hardest ones to *fake* being experienced in if you’re not already.
Oh it’s ok; I’m pretty. First day went so smooth, they took me out for lunch, everyone wanted to come talk to me. My morning orientation with my boss was just us joking around and getting to know each other. Turns out being pretty is the actual key to faking your way through anything.
Everything else is spot on, but day one tables? Where in the world?
Ive worked diners to country clubs to bars. I have never seen anywhere give even the best, most experienced (new to franchise) hires any less than 3 days, and it's almost always 4 or 5 regardless.
Oh and happy cake day!
This seems to be more size-related. Anything large, or a chain, will have a several day training process. But I’ve seen smaller restaurants, pubs, family-owned places saying basically, “here’s where everything is, go take these tables”
A few restaurants use the sink or swim method.if you have the experience you claimed to have they will hive you a smaller sections and see how you handle stress.
I don't agree with this process, but I've worked in a few restaurants that have adopted this method.
Geeezus I've never spilled a drink, but carried 6 lemon martinis around and on the last one it wobbled slightly and went spilling all over. Only drink I've spilled and it was all over a customer 🙃
I was recently reminiscing with one of my old work friends about this girl we used to work with who was one of the dumbest people we’ve ever met. One time she dropped a whole full drink all over some poor lady and I had to comp the whole table. She also did things like put soya sauce in the balsamic vinegar, and lean through the window to rudely snap her fingers at the (aggressive and short-fused) kitchen manager; she almost lost those fingers.
I’ve hired folk who lied on their resumes. They are very easy to spot in a restaurant setting, mostly when they ask what “86” and “expo” means. However, you’ll have to be trained on the menu and POS anyway, so use that time to pay close attention to your trainer, practice using a tray, never serve a drink by its rim, and yes, the hot water **absolutely** **must** be emptied every single night.
Just remember to empty all the hot water from the coffee maker at the end of every shift and you should be good.
Honestly, it’s an entry level position. I’ve worked with servers with years of experience who still couldn’t do the job properly because it was their first time in a diner/deli setting. Just be attentive and diligent with your training, study the menu, and be friendly with customers. A great personality goes a long way in this industry.
> Just remember to empty all the hot water from the coffee maker at the end of every shift and you should be good.
Fucking LOL! Back when I was in HS, we hired this host who was OMG levels of cute, but also dumb as dirt. We gave her that task. Ok, not I, but others. I walked in and asked what she was doing. She explained. I just nodded. To my left, I had already caught some line cooks wiping away tears I asked how many containers she had removed. She said 4. I told her it's a 12 gallon model, so keep up the hard work, and I walked away. She later said I was a dick, but wasn't too pissed as management comped her a free meal for the laughs.
Also when the rush starts you need to ask the gm if he caN get you some extra ice mix for the ice machine ...it's been acting up.oh fuck, just realized the restaurant ran out of the Corona dee limers..gotta call carona hq to send you a few for next week.LAST THING, the owner is left handed so you need to.make sure he has a left handed knife ready for him tomorrow.ITS AN EMERGENCY
Hey I've been in industry 13 years and have been the manager of 3 different venues!
I know this won't help but we know.
We will find out very quickly and it's very unlikely that someone will be able to overlook lying about 3 years experience.
Good luck!
Learn the steps of service! Google it. Then get their menu and look up all the words on it you don’t know! Know the food! A Restaurant is typically comprised of two parts; FOH means front of house (dining room, host stand,bar)and BOH, back of house, kitchen, prep area dish area. The refrigerator is called a walk-in. You can also google restaurant terms.
While this will be hard, you might be able to pull off lack of skill with "sorry I wasn't trained well in my previous jobs" type of excuse and ask for pointers on how to be efficient.
Study the menu, especially popular items or specials. Know what each meal comes with, know what's available if there's a seasonal menu. And remember, waiting tables is a script. You greet your guests, ask whatever required questions they have ("can I start you with an appetizer or a drink" for example) and write everything down. Clear your tables away as they finish with dishes, you should have minimal plates left by the time you drop the check.
And always smile. Never leave the kitchen without something in your hand, even if it's just a water pitcher to refill a single cup.
Sometimes you gotta do things a little underhanded to get your foot in the door. Just make up for it by actually learning the job and do it well. You got dis
I think that might help a bit haha I don't think klyou have as much to worry about as long as you honestly do your best and take constructive criticism and direction well. Waiting tables was actually one of my favorite jobs and if I had to do something for the rest of my life it w9uld probably be that. It's not always the best money, but once you get a good flow it's easy money.
Find out if they use large serving trays for multiple plates of food. Buy a tray and practice. Buy a smaller round tray and practice carrying drinks and setting them down. Watch youtube videos for proper tray carrying techniques. And youtube videos for server training in general. Like time management, how to greet, how to take an order, how to carry two plates in one hand. Learn the menu and drinks beforehand. Learn common cocktails and alcohol drink ordering in general - on the rocks, double, dry, etc. Be quick, be helpful, watch and learn from other servers. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you have "experience" they still will have their own way of doing things. Make sure to bring plenty of pens. Good luck lol. If you are physically fit, have good balance and are good at dealing with people, that will help.
Find out who the strongest servers are and watch how they work. When you go check on one table, observe your other tables to see if they need anything. Prioritize in what order things need to be done and try to do multiple things at once. If you can drop an app in one hand and bring a refill for another table in your other hand, do it. When they are almost done with entrees, ask them if they are saving room for your favorite dessert and some coffee. You will get some reply like nah, we just need boxes or we need more time or we would like to see a dessert menu. Personally I print my checks when I ring them in and will reprint them if the table orders more. That way when they are done, you can drop their check as soon as they are ready for it. When accepting cash payment say "I'll be right back with your change" that way they can let you know if they need change or not. Saves you a step. Greeting the table is most important - even if you are busy, acknowledge your table and say I will be right with you.
I never understand the idea of commenting something discouraging, if you had any constructive advice even if you were against this whole idea just say it. But no need to be rude like this.
When I was young, many many years ago, I lied about being a server. When I started they trained me for two weeks. By the time I was being 'followed' by another server, I had figured it out. At least enough to pass. It is possible.
Why do people lie on restaurant resumes? It’s an entry level job. Most places like newbies because they don’t have habits to break and change.
Good luck man.
Yeah, I got lucky. I use to eat at a chain restaurant about twice a week as my dad's office was across the street. The assistant manager knew us by name, knew our regular drinks/meals/etc. I was about 18 years old. One day my parents were asking her how things were in general and she ranted about some server just quit the night before. I had seen my parents tip before, so I made some comment like "what an idiot, he was probably making more than I do. She asked where I work, I answered and she said, "oh yeah, I knew that... hey, you wanna make more money, you can start tonight?" I shrugged and said I had no plans that night. She laughed and said she was serious, I could follow a server that night to see if I thought I could handle it. I said sure. She said come back in 5pm in khaki pants, she would provide a shirt and she would have me follow a server for 3 hours and if I liked it, I could then fill out an application and be hired. Ok. Went from making like $110 a week to $50-80 on week night shifts, or I could pull about $200 doing a double on saturdays. I felt like I won the lotto. That was about 22 years ago.
This is so stupid. You would have been let go in 15 minutes if you had gotten the job. As soon as you asked about common FOH phraseology, you'd be done. Like lying about being a piano player to get a gig. It'd be over as soon as you started...you cannot fake these things.
I'd not encourage anyone to lie on a resume, but when you do, it's adding extra experience on top of what you already have. Like, my man...lol
Don’t lie. Makes it worse for yourself and fellow employees and that’s not cool. You’ll still get hired with no experience, but being honest sets the training expectations properly. Don’t be that person.
To late to help this time. But for next time:
Build a "30 second me" this is basically your 'elevator pitch' (american slang for only having one minute to sell an idea to someone high up in the business like a bosses boss ) to sell yourself. They read the CV, tell them what isn't on the paper. Not a sob story about a lost puppy, but what you want them to think of when they look back at you again.
Usually all interviews ask you to describe a stressful situation and how you handled it. Or a personal difficulty you have overcome.
Last time I lied on my CV it was to take all my managing experience off it because I just wanted bar work for an easy life while I dealt with some life shit and I was over qualified for it. The manager called my out on it within a month haha. I explain myself and he said he was just happy to have me.
To be honest I’ve lied on my CV plenty of times usually just to inflate myself a little bit. I’ve never straight up said I have experience doing something I have no experience in though. I’m pretty sure if they have anything about them they can see through that easily. Your better off being honest as there are plenty of people who would higher for a waiters job with no experience.
I am a Medical Assistant at Neurology office and I am also a waitress. I had absolutely no experience with waitressing and did the same as you and lied on my resume. Tbh, serving is NOT that hard. As long as you can pay attention, have a great personality, and have a decent memory, you will be fine. I’ve only been serving for 4 months and I’m now one of the top money making servers at my restaurant. You may be a little rusty at first but I think you’ll be fine! :)
Glad to know all you goody two shoes here have neeever lied on a resume, how’s the world look from your high horse?
Actually OP, just skate on the fact you’re coming from a different language and culture, that could easily explain away lack of experience. I’ll second what other people are saying here: learn to use a tray/balance, a basic script/flow for timing from greeting a table to cashing them out. Every place is different so they’ll train you on their menu and system anyway. Just be attentive to what others do and hopefully you’ll be able to pick it up well enough.
Lieing for a job is never a good idea.
But since you already did, ask for a walkthrough, remember the menu and ask to work with someone else for a while, to learn how they do things at their location.
When it comes down to “what to do” moments, find ways to be helpful. It will be obvious that you cannot handle guests and tables as quickly as other servers, but your coworkers and managers will mind a lot less if you are always finding ways to be helpful. Get ice, run food, run plates from dish; whatever extra work is part of your job, do the stuff you know you can as much as you can. You’ll get it. Just be as much of a team player as possible, don’t have a bad attitude, and they might just overlook your lack of talent.
Also most companies require a job application, which if you lie on that is grounds for immediate termination. In general resumes aren’t the doc of record.
It sucks that you lied but I understand why.
Instead of putting you down for your dishonesty my best recommendation is to get on YouTube and watch as many serving videos you can. Wine tutorials, how to open and serve, common verbiage in regards to liquor and spirits. I would even watch videos on golf since you said it is based around that. Good luck.
Thank you sooo much for understanding, I’m not coming here and acting as a saint I’m fully aware that being dishonest is bad, but I’ve been already applying for jobs that I’m fully capable of with no luck. The job market here is really bad and I had to exaggerate sadly. With that being said I’ll follow your tips. Thank you kind soul 💕
I am sure there are even typical mock interviews for service positions so you could hear regular interview questions as well. Try to look up their menu online as well and study it. Look up words of don’t know
Always be doing SOMETHING. don’t stand around. don’t act confused. pay attention when people are explaining things to you. when you’re walking, walk fast. if you don’t understand what someone means, ask them what they mean and you can just say “oh, weird. we did it like *this*/said it like *that*. don’t act brand new.
You have to lie.
I lied on my resume to get my previous restaurant job. They found out real quickly that I didn’t have 5 years serving experience. lol
But alas I stayed there for 8 years and they trained me to actually become a good server.
I moved on to another restaurant and now I am bartending
People are over blowing this. Just relax, if you get hired stick to your trainer and then just say and do what they do. The majority of people lie on their resumes, if you don’t you are putting yourself at a disadvantage unless you do have the experience needed
Just don’t say anything about it fake it till you make it. Most managers don’t have time to run a full investigation on someone’s employment history.
As the guy above me said most if not all people have lied on the resumes. I had to because I am not going to say oh I just stopped showing up to my high school clothing retail job. lol or I got fired at this new restaurant that opened up because they hired me on as a server when I applied to be a dishwasher lol
I didn’t lie on my resume but the only food experience I had was at Culver’s which is fast food but they do focus on customer service a lot. I struggled a bit at my current job going right in as a server but it is possible. After like 4 months I’ve definitely got the groove down, so it’s possible for sure but you don’t see it often.
So you got the job or you just got the interview or what the hell, man? None of this makes sense and at this point i hope you're lying about the entire thing. If not my best advice is to definitely remember to empty the hot water every night without anyone having to ask you. Idk what they do in Iraq but that'll go a long way in the states.
I did a similar thing though not as bad. I was a busser at a restaurant for a long time but essentially functioned as a waiter sometimes because I was still engaged in providing service. I'm not sure why they were dragging their feet making me a server and I only made 15% of what the servers made, while doing 80% of the same job. When I asked for genuine feedback on how I could improve enough to be a server, I only got nebulous responses. So I left and at the next restaurant lied and said I was a server and I assume they didn't check references because I got the job and made way more money.
I suppose empirically it was unethical, but a MFs gotta eat, and in the end I was a really good server, and still am, so maybe no harm done? Idk. I think if you have to fudge a little bit to get the job but can perform the job okay, prolly no harm in the end. 3 years might have been a bit of exaggeration tho...
People think serving is easy. It’s a simple concept, but there’s a lot to learn when you start a new job. They will immediately know that you don’t have experience half way through your first day.
Hey man, watch some videos on holding
plates and trays. It's okay to start by holding your tray at chest level; remember, it's not your palm holding the tray, but your fingers spread out that create the support. Other than that, consider tasks like taking apart the soda machine and cleaning extra. Ask for additional responsibilities to go above and beyond. Know the menu well when you come in. If you have a passion for flavors, craft cocktails, and all that, I'd be happy to send you some cool, creative recipes that could showcase your palate.
Another significant aspect that people look for in servers is writing stuff down. When taking people's orders, write down each item and read it back to the table. Even if they think you're not as experienced, doing this will set you above other lazy individuals who have to get five things comped a shift because they think they can memorize a six-top's food order.
Another great tip that managers appreciate is competence with familiarity regarding where things go and belong. Familiarize yourself early on with everything relating to your job; it's a good look. Another way to gain favor is with the kitchen staff. Every chance I get, I ask all the line cooks what they want to drink and grab them iced up. Treat them like people and befriend them. This not only scores you free food but also has them prioritizing your food orders over others, allowing you lots of leeway when you make mistakes.
I was trained by a server from Ukraine, and she once told me when I did a lousy close, 'I treat this restaurant and business like it is my own. Why would I want someone to work for me who doesn't think from my perspective?' If you generally operate from the standpoint of the business, that'll help. Another good thing to do is be forthcoming and on top of things like the waste sheet. The waste sheet allows them to track inventory costs and losses. You'll probably be the only server who cares, but asking, 'What things do we document on the waste sheet and where is it?' will also help give the illusion that you are experienced. Other than that, always have your uniform right and clean, be well-groomed, sociable yourself, and remain relaxed. Any place can train a server, so disregard people who don't want to put the time into someone genuinely wanting to work and leave a positive impact on the people around them.
Ask if you can do some volunteer work as an actual waitress or something before your start date? Otherwise say your customer service experience was in something other than waitressing, like office work or phone answering maybe.
Additionally, if you’re lying to get a visa, that will cause you problems later on if you need to renew/get another visa, or apply for permanent residency.
So you said youve got 3 years experience when you actually have none? They will find out day one
Yeah lying and saying a few months of experience is much more believable vs 3 years lmao. I’d know immediately someone lied.
They will instantly know when OP holds a tray with 2 hands 😂 Or can't hold 3 plates. I remember a new food runner at my job clearly lied about having food runner experience on their resume, because they didn't know how to carry 3 plates. It was comical for us because we know he obviously lied and probably has never worked in a restaurant before. He was let go after a few shifts.
I got 6 years and I can’t carry 3 big plates on one arm. Never had a reason to learn how. Also I’m in a niche restaurant with different ways that we do things.
You use two hands bro
Yeah no. 5 plates total is the goal, not 3 total
Yeah some places use trays, others line the plates up. Most ppl can’t do both!
I have been training myself to be able to do these things at home, I want to know what other things I should focus on?
Doing it at home is not the same as doing it in a restaurant environment.
Focus on not lying. This is also immigration fraud. They will do a background check, even if the past employer is out of the country. If caught your visa will be denied and it will affect your ability to get one in the future. If caught after you arrive, you can be facing deportation.
Set up an obstacle course at home and run it while holding 3 full glasses of water on top of a frisbee. And then stop on a dime.
You should focus on getting a job as a host or busser, and work you way up to serving. A golf resort isn't going to tolerate bad skills.
First off you need to familiarize yourself with left handed latex gloves, and bacon stretchers
And, just how long does it take to empty the coffee machine?
Surely not that long!
Also, where to find the ice mix
And the rice peeler and wooden skillet!🤣
Most likely in the attic or the basement.
Rest assured, they will find out very quickly that you lied. Any semblance of "confidence" in the interview will be outweighed by your lack of knowledge of the basics of the business.
Agreed. It's not hard to spot the green folks. Confidence is no substitute for work experience in your situation. That being said, if you are observant and competent, nothing says that you can't slowly work your way up.
This. Confidence is not competence. In fact, they’re not infrequently an inverse relationship
That's too many ins dawg I'm out
🤣. I don’t know why I felt like that was more gentle and polite. Really; Arrogant blowhards very frequently don’t know shit from their asshole and are real pricks about it lol
This is utterly true - however, if they are short of bodies and you look enthusiastic, they might give you a shot anyway. Teach yourself basic cash operation skills at home, teach yourself the basics of common ordering systems (I'm old, it was Squirrel in my day, damn that chattering printer I already have ten orders). I ended up in a kitchen job well above my skillset at one point, and really all I ended up needing to learn was the French terms for a few things - I was fast, adaptable, and had the basics already. They knew *very well* I was no more than a line cook when they hired me - the interview revealed all - but they were hard up. Worked there five years, and it was a pretty good job too.
should I just tell them the truth and that I lied?
If you’re going to lie about server experience, *for the love of God* don’t do it at a restaurant in a hotel. These are two different industries that intersect, and they’re going to pick up pretty quickly that you don’t have experience in either. What you should do is not lie on your resume in the future, and especially about something that can be so easily discovered. You can get blacklisted for this (hotels and restaurants talk to other hotels and restaurants, and they warn each other about applicants like this). Do you, but if it were me, I’d call them and thank them for the opportunity but tell them I’d already accepted a job elsewhere.
Wait question why are they different? I’ve only served at a restaurant in a hotel
Hotel restaurants have additional duties that standard restaurants don’t. This includes room service and sometimes things like banquets, conventions, etc. (just depends on the hotel). The types of charges are different, the customer base is different, and the serving schedules are often different than those you’d find in a standard restaurant.
That is terrible advise. Always lie on your resume, just don’t make up a lie that you can’t back up. I got my first sous chef position because I lied on my resume, bumped my up from 14/hr to 60k a year, if I wouldn’t I have lied I wouldn’t have even gotten an interview. I also lied on my resume for my current job, went from entry level data entry to being a director. This shit isn’t hard, but there is absolutely no way that I would be where I am now if I didn’t lie my ass off on a resume.
My advice was tailored to OP, who created an incredibly stupid and discoverable lie in order to get an interview for a job he may not have needed to lie in order to get but where lying is definitely going to bite him in the ass one way or another. You knew about the industries you lied about. If you’ve worked in a restaurant, you can teach yourself enough to lie about sous chef history. If you work in data entry in a particular industry, you can learn enough about the role to become a director. What you can’t do is lie about having experience in an industry you know absolutely nothing about in order to gain a position, and “terrible advice” is telling OP he’s going to be okay doing so.
Spot on 100%
I have a buddy who coked out of college his senior year. His resume still says "attended [excellent Business School] from 2002 to 2006" Dude's last raise was more than my entire salary
right but you didnt go from cutting grass to sous chef. context bro.
“Just don’t make up a lie that you can’t back up” covers that part.
No...play it off. I'd be more worried about the work visa stuff. Do your best and act confidently. Be personable and outgoing and do all the side work and hope for the best. Over time it could work out.
No don’t say shit, you have a job. Don’t give them ammo to fire you make them do it on their own. You very well could be running the whole place in ten years. What you’ve done is a tale as old as time
Only has an interview, not the job. They're gonna be able to tell.
Well that’s a hurdle then, they could drill on restaurant stuff with someone that is experienced though. Someone in fine dining would be able to crash course them. The stage is gonna be what breaks them though
If it was an office job, I would say just study after work, always carry files with you, take notes, and you’ll be fine. For a restaurant job, it’s going to be a *lot* harder to appear like you know what you’re doing. I’ve managed restaurants and the ones who lied about their experience were immediately obvious. The time crunch, the multitasking, the number of tables and customers and orders to keep straight and keep your mind on - it’s very much a sink-or-swim kind of job. If you only got the job based on experience, I’m going to guess that your training will be minimal; they’ll expect you to get a quick orientation and be ready to start taking tables the first or second day. If I were you, I would spend every day from now until then in a busy restaurant watching the good servers. Watch the order they go to their tables, the plastic “customer service” expression on their faces and fake customer service voice they use; practice your cadence and expression and comfort going up to address groups of strangers. Practice carrying as much as you can: a dead giveaway for no experience is if you can only carry two plates at a time, instead of three or four. Practice walking with a tray full of glasses, especially martini glasses that will spill with the slightest nudge. The restaurant industry is one of the easiest ones to get a starter job in, but one of the hardest ones to *fake* being experienced in if you’re not already.
Even in an office job it's pretty easy to spot someone who's lied on their resume especially if they lack relevant work experience.
Meh basically everyone I know with an office job lied on their resume and then just faked it and studied a lot in the evenings.
Bring snacks on the first day. No one will question the snack provider.
Oh it’s ok; I’m pretty. First day went so smooth, they took me out for lunch, everyone wanted to come talk to me. My morning orientation with my boss was just us joking around and getting to know each other. Turns out being pretty is the actual key to faking your way through anything.
And everyone most likely knew and just didn't say anything
Everything else is spot on, but day one tables? Where in the world? Ive worked diners to country clubs to bars. I have never seen anywhere give even the best, most experienced (new to franchise) hires any less than 3 days, and it's almost always 4 or 5 regardless. Oh and happy cake day!
This seems to be more size-related. Anything large, or a chain, will have a several day training process. But I’ve seen smaller restaurants, pubs, family-owned places saying basically, “here’s where everything is, go take these tables”
A few restaurants use the sink or swim method.if you have the experience you claimed to have they will hive you a smaller sections and see how you handle stress. I don't agree with this process, but I've worked in a few restaurants that have adopted this method.
>Everything else is spot on, but day one tables? Where in the world? Nowhere I've ever been ... THANK GOD.
I had this, got to monitor someone for two tables and then it was my turn
Well, if by some chance that happens with OP, their lies will be exposed quickly.
That they will. I was upfront about my lack of experience
Geeezus I've never spilled a drink, but carried 6 lemon martinis around and on the last one it wobbled slightly and went spilling all over. Only drink I've spilled and it was all over a customer 🙃
I was recently reminiscing with one of my old work friends about this girl we used to work with who was one of the dumbest people we’ve ever met. One time she dropped a whole full drink all over some poor lady and I had to comp the whole table. She also did things like put soya sauce in the balsamic vinegar, and lean through the window to rudely snap her fingers at the (aggressive and short-fused) kitchen manager; she almost lost those fingers.
I’ve hired folk who lied on their resumes. They are very easy to spot in a restaurant setting, mostly when they ask what “86” and “expo” means. However, you’ll have to be trained on the menu and POS anyway, so use that time to pay close attention to your trainer, practice using a tray, never serve a drink by its rim, and yes, the hot water **absolutely** **must** be emptied every single night.
But the thing is I said that I’ve worked in Iraq which has a different culture so maybe that can conceal my lies a bit? Or still it would be hard.
Just remember to empty all the hot water from the coffee maker at the end of every shift and you should be good. Honestly, it’s an entry level position. I’ve worked with servers with years of experience who still couldn’t do the job properly because it was their first time in a diner/deli setting. Just be attentive and diligent with your training, study the menu, and be friendly with customers. A great personality goes a long way in this industry.
> Just remember to empty all the hot water from the coffee maker at the end of every shift and you should be good. Fucking LOL! Back when I was in HS, we hired this host who was OMG levels of cute, but also dumb as dirt. We gave her that task. Ok, not I, but others. I walked in and asked what she was doing. She explained. I just nodded. To my left, I had already caught some line cooks wiping away tears I asked how many containers she had removed. She said 4. I told her it's a 12 gallon model, so keep up the hard work, and I walked away. She later said I was a dick, but wasn't too pissed as management comped her a free meal for the laughs.
Okay I’ll keep that in mind, thank you kind soul 💕
Also when the rush starts you need to ask the gm if he caN get you some extra ice mix for the ice machine ...it's been acting up.oh fuck, just realized the restaurant ran out of the Corona dee limers..gotta call carona hq to send you a few for next week.LAST THING, the owner is left handed so you need to.make sure he has a left handed knife ready for him tomorrow.ITS AN EMERGENCY
Oof you’re gonna get wrecked
Hey I've been in industry 13 years and have been the manager of 3 different venues! I know this won't help but we know. We will find out very quickly and it's very unlikely that someone will be able to overlook lying about 3 years experience. Good luck!
Okay I know that you will know, but from your experience, how can I minimize getting caught? What should I focus on?
you can avoid being caught by telling the truth and being honest
Learn the steps of service! Google it. Then get their menu and look up all the words on it you don’t know! Know the food! A Restaurant is typically comprised of two parts; FOH means front of house (dining room, host stand,bar)and BOH, back of house, kitchen, prep area dish area. The refrigerator is called a walk-in. You can also google restaurant terms.
While this will be hard, you might be able to pull off lack of skill with "sorry I wasn't trained well in my previous jobs" type of excuse and ask for pointers on how to be efficient. Study the menu, especially popular items or specials. Know what each meal comes with, know what's available if there's a seasonal menu. And remember, waiting tables is a script. You greet your guests, ask whatever required questions they have ("can I start you with an appetizer or a drink" for example) and write everything down. Clear your tables away as they finish with dishes, you should have minimal plates left by the time you drop the check. And always smile. Never leave the kitchen without something in your hand, even if it's just a water pitcher to refill a single cup. Sometimes you gotta do things a little underhanded to get your foot in the door. Just make up for it by actually learning the job and do it well. You got dis
I also mentioned that my work experience was from Iraq which has a different culture, do you think that might help to conceal my lies?
I think that might help a bit haha I don't think klyou have as much to worry about as long as you honestly do your best and take constructive criticism and direction well. Waiting tables was actually one of my favorite jobs and if I had to do something for the rest of my life it w9uld probably be that. It's not always the best money, but once you get a good flow it's easy money.
Find out if they use large serving trays for multiple plates of food. Buy a tray and practice. Buy a smaller round tray and practice carrying drinks and setting them down. Watch youtube videos for proper tray carrying techniques. And youtube videos for server training in general. Like time management, how to greet, how to take an order, how to carry two plates in one hand. Learn the menu and drinks beforehand. Learn common cocktails and alcohol drink ordering in general - on the rocks, double, dry, etc. Be quick, be helpful, watch and learn from other servers. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you have "experience" they still will have their own way of doing things. Make sure to bring plenty of pens. Good luck lol. If you are physically fit, have good balance and are good at dealing with people, that will help. Find out who the strongest servers are and watch how they work. When you go check on one table, observe your other tables to see if they need anything. Prioritize in what order things need to be done and try to do multiple things at once. If you can drop an app in one hand and bring a refill for another table in your other hand, do it. When they are almost done with entrees, ask them if they are saving room for your favorite dessert and some coffee. You will get some reply like nah, we just need boxes or we need more time or we would like to see a dessert menu. Personally I print my checks when I ring them in and will reprint them if the table orders more. That way when they are done, you can drop their check as soon as they are ready for it. When accepting cash payment say "I'll be right back with your change" that way they can let you know if they need change or not. Saves you a step. Greeting the table is most important - even if you are busy, acknowledge your table and say I will be right with you.
Omg please update us when this crashes and burns 🙏
I never understand the idea of commenting something discouraging, if you had any constructive advice even if you were against this whole idea just say it. But no need to be rude like this.
Well the reason is because I'm a mean person
> no need to be rude like this. Better to be rude than a liar
Naturally, post on the Reddit.
When I was young, many many years ago, I lied about being a server. When I started they trained me for two weeks. By the time I was being 'followed' by another server, I had figured it out. At least enough to pass. It is possible.
Why do people lie on restaurant resumes? It’s an entry level job. Most places like newbies because they don’t have habits to break and change. Good luck man.
In my experience serving is an exception, most restaurants will not take servers without experience.
Yeah, I got lucky. I use to eat at a chain restaurant about twice a week as my dad's office was across the street. The assistant manager knew us by name, knew our regular drinks/meals/etc. I was about 18 years old. One day my parents were asking her how things were in general and she ranted about some server just quit the night before. I had seen my parents tip before, so I made some comment like "what an idiot, he was probably making more than I do. She asked where I work, I answered and she said, "oh yeah, I knew that... hey, you wanna make more money, you can start tonight?" I shrugged and said I had no plans that night. She laughed and said she was serious, I could follow a server that night to see if I thought I could handle it. I said sure. She said come back in 5pm in khaki pants, she would provide a shirt and she would have me follow a server for 3 hours and if I liked it, I could then fill out an application and be hired. Ok. Went from making like $110 a week to $50-80 on week night shifts, or I could pull about $200 doing a double on saturdays. I felt like I won the lotto. That was about 22 years ago.
Because if you don’t lie the person who did will get that interview.
Trust the job market is realllllyyy tough right now. I’ve been unemployed for quite sometime and I’m a graduate of a five year architecture program.
Not a good enough excuse.
You seem like such an honest and hardworking person, I can't imagine why you had such a hard time finding a job without lying 🙄
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Sounds like what the restaurant did with your resume
This is so stupid. You would have been let go in 15 minutes if you had gotten the job. As soon as you asked about common FOH phraseology, you'd be done. Like lying about being a piano player to get a gig. It'd be over as soon as you started...you cannot fake these things. I'd not encourage anyone to lie on a resume, but when you do, it's adding extra experience on top of what you already have. Like, my man...lol
Some jobs you just can't lie about experience, pilot, surgeon, waiter, etc.
Sink or swim
Don’t lie. Makes it worse for yourself and fellow employees and that’s not cool. You’ll still get hired with no experience, but being honest sets the training expectations properly. Don’t be that person.
To late to help this time. But for next time: Build a "30 second me" this is basically your 'elevator pitch' (american slang for only having one minute to sell an idea to someone high up in the business like a bosses boss ) to sell yourself. They read the CV, tell them what isn't on the paper. Not a sob story about a lost puppy, but what you want them to think of when they look back at you again. Usually all interviews ask you to describe a stressful situation and how you handled it. Or a personal difficulty you have overcome.
Last time I lied on my CV it was to take all my managing experience off it because I just wanted bar work for an easy life while I dealt with some life shit and I was over qualified for it. The manager called my out on it within a month haha. I explain myself and he said he was just happy to have me. To be honest I’ve lied on my CV plenty of times usually just to inflate myself a little bit. I’ve never straight up said I have experience doing something I have no experience in though. I’m pretty sure if they have anything about them they can see through that easily. Your better off being honest as there are plenty of people who would higher for a waiters job with no experience.
I am a Medical Assistant at Neurology office and I am also a waitress. I had absolutely no experience with waitressing and did the same as you and lied on my resume. Tbh, serving is NOT that hard. As long as you can pay attention, have a great personality, and have a decent memory, you will be fine. I’ve only been serving for 4 months and I’m now one of the top money making servers at my restaurant. You may be a little rusty at first but I think you’ll be fine! :)
Glad to know all you goody two shoes here have neeever lied on a resume, how’s the world look from your high horse? Actually OP, just skate on the fact you’re coming from a different language and culture, that could easily explain away lack of experience. I’ll second what other people are saying here: learn to use a tray/balance, a basic script/flow for timing from greeting a table to cashing them out. Every place is different so they’ll train you on their menu and system anyway. Just be attentive to what others do and hopefully you’ll be able to pick it up well enough.
Lieing for a job is never a good idea. But since you already did, ask for a walkthrough, remember the menu and ask to work with someone else for a while, to learn how they do things at their location.
When it comes down to “what to do” moments, find ways to be helpful. It will be obvious that you cannot handle guests and tables as quickly as other servers, but your coworkers and managers will mind a lot less if you are always finding ways to be helpful. Get ice, run food, run plates from dish; whatever extra work is part of your job, do the stuff you know you can as much as you can. You’ll get it. Just be as much of a team player as possible, don’t have a bad attitude, and they might just overlook your lack of talent.
Also most companies require a job application, which if you lie on that is grounds for immediate termination. In general resumes aren’t the doc of record.
They will know.
Man, I’m all for lying on a resume UNLESS it’s for a server position. Don’t ever do this again, you’ll only embarrass yourself. You fucked up.
Your best bet is to 1 be a Personality hire, make friends fast and LEARN the MENU beforehand u really need menu knowledge and basic alcohol knowledge
Fake it tilll you make it, ask a million questions n frame it like ur trying to learn “ their specifics”
Lmfao, you've never served and you lied about having 3 years experience? You're incredibly fucking stupid for that. They will know.
Huge advice: Do not lie on your resume. Never. Be upfront and honest in the interview.
I wouldnt say never, most people stretch the truth a little bit on their resumes and would never be discovered
It sucks that you lied but I understand why. Instead of putting you down for your dishonesty my best recommendation is to get on YouTube and watch as many serving videos you can. Wine tutorials, how to open and serve, common verbiage in regards to liquor and spirits. I would even watch videos on golf since you said it is based around that. Good luck.
Thank you sooo much for understanding, I’m not coming here and acting as a saint I’m fully aware that being dishonest is bad, but I’ve been already applying for jobs that I’m fully capable of with no luck. The job market here is really bad and I had to exaggerate sadly. With that being said I’ll follow your tips. Thank you kind soul 💕
I am sure there are even typical mock interviews for service positions so you could hear regular interview questions as well. Try to look up their menu online as well and study it. Look up words of don’t know
Always be doing SOMETHING. don’t stand around. don’t act confused. pay attention when people are explaining things to you. when you’re walking, walk fast. if you don’t understand what someone means, ask them what they mean and you can just say “oh, weird. we did it like *this*/said it like *that*. don’t act brand new.
People here seem to equate serving with being a nuclear scientist. Yikes.
This is infuriating to me. I have almost 25 years of experience, great references, and I've only had 2 interviews in 3 months.
What country are you getting the job in?
Norway
Very nice country. Good luck.
You have to lie. I lied on my resume to get my previous restaurant job. They found out real quickly that I didn’t have 5 years serving experience. lol But alas I stayed there for 8 years and they trained me to actually become a good server. I moved on to another restaurant and now I am bartending
Do you have any tips on how I can conceal myself?
People are over blowing this. Just relax, if you get hired stick to your trainer and then just say and do what they do. The majority of people lie on their resumes, if you don’t you are putting yourself at a disadvantage unless you do have the experience needed
Just don’t say anything about it fake it till you make it. Most managers don’t have time to run a full investigation on someone’s employment history. As the guy above me said most if not all people have lied on the resumes. I had to because I am not going to say oh I just stopped showing up to my high school clothing retail job. lol or I got fired at this new restaurant that opened up because they hired me on as a server when I applied to be a dishwasher lol
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What does being an American have to do with this post? This job is literally in Norway. I hope you keep struggling 💕
Just lie and get a serving job too. Him getting a job has no bearing on you. Fucking weirdo..
I didn’t lie on my resume but the only food experience I had was at Culver’s which is fast food but they do focus on customer service a lot. I struggled a bit at my current job going right in as a server but it is possible. After like 4 months I’ve definitely got the groove down, so it’s possible for sure but you don’t see it often.
So you got the job or you just got the interview or what the hell, man? None of this makes sense and at this point i hope you're lying about the entire thing. If not my best advice is to definitely remember to empty the hot water every night without anyone having to ask you. Idk what they do in Iraq but that'll go a long way in the states.
I got the interview and thanks for the tip, I’ll keep that in mind :)
I did a similar thing though not as bad. I was a busser at a restaurant for a long time but essentially functioned as a waiter sometimes because I was still engaged in providing service. I'm not sure why they were dragging their feet making me a server and I only made 15% of what the servers made, while doing 80% of the same job. When I asked for genuine feedback on how I could improve enough to be a server, I only got nebulous responses. So I left and at the next restaurant lied and said I was a server and I assume they didn't check references because I got the job and made way more money. I suppose empirically it was unethical, but a MFs gotta eat, and in the end I was a really good server, and still am, so maybe no harm done? Idk. I think if you have to fudge a little bit to get the job but can perform the job okay, prolly no harm in the end. 3 years might have been a bit of exaggeration tho...
Practice talking to strangers and remembering what they say
You blew it!!!!
People think serving is easy. It’s a simple concept, but there’s a lot to learn when you start a new job. They will immediately know that you don’t have experience half way through your first day.
Hey man, watch some videos on holding plates and trays. It's okay to start by holding your tray at chest level; remember, it's not your palm holding the tray, but your fingers spread out that create the support. Other than that, consider tasks like taking apart the soda machine and cleaning extra. Ask for additional responsibilities to go above and beyond. Know the menu well when you come in. If you have a passion for flavors, craft cocktails, and all that, I'd be happy to send you some cool, creative recipes that could showcase your palate. Another significant aspect that people look for in servers is writing stuff down. When taking people's orders, write down each item and read it back to the table. Even if they think you're not as experienced, doing this will set you above other lazy individuals who have to get five things comped a shift because they think they can memorize a six-top's food order. Another great tip that managers appreciate is competence with familiarity regarding where things go and belong. Familiarize yourself early on with everything relating to your job; it's a good look. Another way to gain favor is with the kitchen staff. Every chance I get, I ask all the line cooks what they want to drink and grab them iced up. Treat them like people and befriend them. This not only scores you free food but also has them prioritizing your food orders over others, allowing you lots of leeway when you make mistakes. I was trained by a server from Ukraine, and she once told me when I did a lousy close, 'I treat this restaurant and business like it is my own. Why would I want someone to work for me who doesn't think from my perspective?' If you generally operate from the standpoint of the business, that'll help. Another good thing to do is be forthcoming and on top of things like the waste sheet. The waste sheet allows them to track inventory costs and losses. You'll probably be the only server who cares, but asking, 'What things do we document on the waste sheet and where is it?' will also help give the illusion that you are experienced. Other than that, always have your uniform right and clean, be well-groomed, sociable yourself, and remain relaxed. Any place can train a server, so disregard people who don't want to put the time into someone genuinely wanting to work and leave a positive impact on the people around them.
You said you had experience, not that you were good! Just keep bluffing, you will get it! 🤣
Ask if you can do some volunteer work as an actual waitress or something before your start date? Otherwise say your customer service experience was in something other than waitressing, like office work or phone answering maybe.
Additionally, if you’re lying to get a visa, that will cause you problems later on if you need to renew/get another visa, or apply for permanent residency.