Advice for new job?

[Baki of the sand]

I'm starting my first job in a cafe this weekend. I'm pretty nervous, I have no proper work experience yet (I'm nearly 16) and if anyone has any advice, in particular for working at a cafe as a waiter/cleaner it'd be greatly appreciated!

 

[BlazeRelease]

i can offer you advice in general for a new job.

1. don't fall in with the crowd, focus on your job and work to impress your boss, whoever it may be.

2. do things by the book no matter what.

3. learn to deal with fellow employees or bosses that you don't like, you have to tolerate them.

4. show eagerness to work.

5. avoid fellow employees who slack off or are lazy; just associating with them in front of your boss will make you less appealing in many different ways, discouraging promotions, raises, and other benefits.

6. make an effort to befriend your boss... well, at least i recommend it. you don't have to play them, but a good relationship with your boss will help you in many different ways, like tolerating your mistakes, flexible scheduling, and money benefits. plus less stress for you.

 

[Naruto 142]

try to give 100% then u will be able to reach above 80%

 

[GinkgoLeaf Girl]

I know a couple of people who worked at restaurants/cafes before, and from what I have heard, it could be challenging. But worry not! Every job has its challenges, and you just need to take a deep breath, remind yourself that you are there for a purpose, and that you got this (you were selected not by some random chance, but because someone recognized your interpersonal, communication and multitasking skills)! I understand that you may initially feel the need to fit in/impress everyone, but just remember to act with integrity, even if (especially if) things get tough/complicated. Forming good, healthy relationships with your co-workers is part of it, but I would highly suggest avoid talking behind anyone's back. Also, there may be times where the people you work with may act a certain way because of your status as a new hire. So although it is great to demonstrate your eagerness to learn from and work with everyone, there may be times where you have to be assertive and protect yourself. Anyway, try to learn as much as you can, meet new people, have fun and relax! Congrats on getting your first job, and best of luck!:hug:

 

[RasenUchihaChaos]

Do as many do as I've noticed be a jerk suck up to your boss be manipulative. Think only of yourself etc.

Oh and whatever you do don't piss of the chef/cooks

 

[Yubel]

I have a friend who has another friend that work in the same place, they started at the same time, worked the same hours, fast forward a year later his friend is earning double what he is and gets passes for slacking off etc, all because he kissed up to the boss all this time who even shortened the amount of hours. So make sure to impress your boss but at the same time be careful not to make him insecure, never outshine him or it could backfire.

 

[Adam Driver]

Avoid making close friends or getting into a relationship, go in with one mindset and that is clock in do your job clock out.
If your boss sees you putting your work first before socializing you will most likely be awarded for it, through a raise or promotion

 

[Jazzy Stardust]

Just pay attention and do your best. The hardest thing about food service jobs is the customers, so don't let them rustle you.

Be a good teammate and your coworkers will like you.

 

[NineSNS]

A smile and a sense of humor are just as important as your job duties, and when working with the public, sometimes even more important.

 

[Callypigia]

I'm starting my first job in a cafe this weekend. I'm pretty nervous, I have no proper work experience yet (I'm nearly 16) and if anyone has any advice, in particular for working at a cafe as a waiter/cleaner it'd be greatly appreciated!

These are the best tips I can give for any career; Keep in mind that I am a boss for a government agency:

1. Look people in the eyes when talking to them. Don't look off into space or at your feet (which can be easy if you're introverted or nervous).
2. Always smile. People who smile more are more popular. More popular makes your job easier.
3. Work hard. When your boss says jump, ask "how high." You aren't entitled to have a job. They are paying you to do what they need you to do. The harder you work at a crappy entry level job, the more management trusts you to move into cushier positions.
4. Never be rude to a customer. The customer is not always right; they are usually wrong, but it's your job to serve them. Just be gracious and apologetic. You can vent to your friends after work.
5. Don't vent to your coworkers about other coworkers. That kind of backstabbing will give you a bad reputation. Negativity comes back against you. If you have a problem with a coworker, talk to them directly and productively about what's bothering you. You may need to wait until you've calmed down.
6. Always be gracious you have a job. It will help your mood on stressful days, it will bring positive energy to your coworkers, and impress your bosses. A lot of people don't have jobs. We need to be grateful we have one.

Good luck entering the workforce!

 

[Ldude]

I'm probably going to start my first job too this summer, so thanks for this thread.

 

[YowYan]

I was also a little bit nervous the day before I started my new job in a fancy lounge last wednesday. But as soon as you start you'll be less tense and more focussed on presenting yourself properly and picking up as much as you can on your first day. Just relax; Your employer must be aware it's your first time working so a little mistake here and there will be expected. Mistakes are necessary to grow.

Just radiate sharpness and positivity.

I got fired 2 weeks ago for being flirted with by girls at work and as a supervisor it gave off a unprofessional vibe. But I don't even care, I liked the experience of being more involved with the management and I learned a lot. On to the next one.

 

[Awkward Linguist]

Don't **** your boss. That's probably the only one I can give you.

 

[Baki of the sand]

Thanks, a lot of these responses have been very helpful. I appreciate it

 

[GhostProject]

1. Avoid Drama

2. Work hard and be dependable. Training never ends, you'll make mistakes.

3. Have a positive relationship with your coworkers and boss, you'll spend a lot of time with them and at a cafe you WILL get to know everyone personally. This goes hand in hand with #1.

4. People skills are your most valuable skill. Your coworkers will want you to carry your weight on prep or tables, but your boss wants absolute top notch customer service and quality.

5. Don't nag and don't let others nag you. Your boss is your boss and will most likely be more understanding and personable than some of your bossy coworkers. Keep it PC and calm whenever coworkers try to bully you. Don't stay if your boss is a bully.

6. Don't take it too seriously. Be a top of the line employee in action, and a calm and carefree person in your words.

Take this from a kid who went from dishwasher to manager with his first job.

 

[Aim64C]

I'm starting my first job in a cafe this weekend. I'm pretty nervous, I have no proper work experience yet (I'm nearly 16) and if anyone has any advice, in particular for working at a cafe as a waiter/cleaner it'd be greatly appreciated!

Take every bit of advice with a grain of salt.

Each work environment is different.

A lot of service industries tend to have drama associated with them. You'll get to hear what waitresses really think about a customer, what they think about the intelligence and capabilities of the cooks, whether or not it was worth it for them to come into work that day, etc.

Again, this does depend upon where you work, but I've noticed a lot more drama when I've worked in service. You're not going to be able to avoid all of it - just try not to let it consume you.

This may sound contrary to what you're going to hear from a lot of people, but learn to sit back and enjoy the job. You're not going to work your way to riches in the service industry and it's not like you're going to get a medal that your next employer is going to jump up and down about.

If your job is to clean tables, take pride in being methodical in your cleaning of the table and in being proficient at it - but don't kill yourself for praise. Also, there tend to be a lot of times where you get 'shafted' with a duty that will last for some time while others leave or are doing other things. Try not to set too many schedule-oriented goals around work where you get upset because you're not going to get out of the place nearly as early as you thought you were.

Don't be afraid to socialize with people when it is appropriate. You're going to be spending a considerable amount of time with these people and working to become a part of their team. You don't have to become their bestest-best friend and hang out with them outside of work, but you can send the wrong message if you just "clock in, do your job, and clock out."

You aren't performing your job in a vacuum. There are many other people involved in the process who are invested in doing something that makes your job possible and/or meaningful. Get to know them.

And in the service industry, you'll have plenty of times where you're waiting on customers. Two or three hours of little to nothing and then a bus will pull up and everyone shits their pants. It's better to get to know them when they don't have shit in their pants.