They say do what you love and it will never feel like work, it’s cliché but it’s essentially true. Just recently I began my career in PR and though I absolutely love my new job, it triggered a huge lifestyle shift. I worked in the hospitality industry for the past eight years and I did every job you can imagine in a restaurant: I washed dishes, mopped floors, bussed tables, hosted, served, cooked, managed, cocktailed, and bartended.
Previously, I worked part-time at two local bars in Seattle while pursuing my studies in strategic communications. It’s when I started working in PR full-time that I realized many similarities exist between the skills I learned as a server and the necessary attributes of a PR pro or communications professional. Though I still have much to learn about the exciting world of PR, I am thankful for the 10 most practical skills I learned from waiting tables.
1.) Timing is everything. You must have priorities, follow them as precisely as you can, and be aware of your deadlines. Often other time-sensitive tasks will surface and you will have to deal with them right away. If you happened to you fall behind, do everything you can do to catch up – no matter what it takes.
2.) Use your words. You must be able to communicate effectively with everyone around you – your customers and, most importantly, your coworkers in all departments. This skill is especially important in a restaurant when you need to quickly convey a message to the chef, but also in PR when you need to pitch a compelling story to a journalist by the end of the day.
3.) Keep your workspace clean and organized. You must be well prepared for whatever comes your way and I can assure you (from experience) you’ll work faster if everything is in a designated place. It’s beneficial to find out before the chaos if you are out of necessary product so you don’t waste time looking for it when you are busy. Thanks to many years in a restaurant I now possess a mild case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – and I embrace it. Bottom line is, everything has a place.
4.) Even under pressure act like a pro. Don’t let your customers see that you are stressed, annoyed, or overwhelmed – you are the professional, so act like one. Stay focused, work hard, and prioritize your responsibilities. Let everyone around you see that you have everything under control – this is one of those instances where you fake it till you make it.
5.) We’re all human, and sometimes we make mistakes – nobody is perfect – so dust yourself off and move forward. Don’t beat yourself up over a bad review; you will only cause yourself unwanted anxiety. Learn from the experience. It will make you a better person in the end.
6.) Leave your drama at the door because your customers and coworkers can see through your sheer curtain. Take time to acknowledge what it is that you are feeling and give yourself a pep talk before you clock in – and it helps to do this out loud. Focus harder on your work and you will be rewarded.
7.) There is no “I” in “team.” Ask for help from your team because they should always have your back. If you have too much on your plate and are worried about meeting a deadline, talk to your team and your manager and see if he or she can help you lighten the load. Managers want to see quality in your work rather than quantity in your to-do list.
8.) Always be yourself and express yourself. No matter what side of the table they are on, people love others with personality and character. You have a voice so don’t be afraid to use it. Add your own style to the job – others will like your taste or be inspired to add their own flare.
9.) Transparency is crucial. No matter the situation, it’s more honorable to tell the truth, which may hurt your pride, than get caught in a lie and be seen as deceitful. If the business as a whole is under pressure and it’s affecting the timing of its services, it’s better to let your customers know the problem and the solution(s) you are taking to fix it.
10.) Make friends, not enemies. For most of us who work full-time jobs, you tend to see your co-workers more than you see your families at home. Create bonds and friendships with the people you work with. It’s better to be loved than feared.
Main Takeaway. The most important thing I learned from working in a restaurant that I can offer anyone who has a job is to try and make your work fun. Find the joy in whatever it is that you do. Even under pressure and with all the tendencies of any mad house out there, always make it fun because you will naturally find a much happier you! I am a strong believer in energy, and good energy is always felt, appreciated, and remembered with any type of customer – no matter what field you’re in.