How to Be a Busboy

A busboy fills a necessary role in a well-functioning restaurant. Without busboys, tables would stay full of dirty dishes, slowing down service. As a busboy, you'll clear tables after a customer is finished with his meal. If you want a career in the restaurant field, becoming a busboy is a good start. It requires no experience. All you need is a good work ethic and a willingness to get a little dirty.

Instructions

1

Visit restaurants where you might want to work. Talk to a supervisor and ask her if she has any open positions as a busboy. Apply for the job with a positive attitude. Large bars and cafes also need busboys, so consider these during your job search as well.

2

Ask for training from your supervisor on your first day. All busboy positions require clearing plates and cutlery from tables, but each workplace has its own rules. One restaurant may require busboys to refill water glasses, another may want you to wash the dishes that you bus. Make sure you understand your required duties from Day One.

3

Keep an eye on the tables in your section. As you go into the seating area to clear a table, look around to see if other tables need clearing as well. Take note of customers who are finishing their meals or asking for a check. You'll be prepared once they leave so the restaurant can seat new customers at those tables as quickly as possible.

4

Help customers when they need something. Even if it's not in your job description, refill soft drinks or alert their server if requested. When you notice empty plates on a table that is still occupied, ask if the customer is finished and take the plates away if the answer is "yes."

5

When you're free, ask the wait staff if they need any help. There could be a lull when you don't have tables to bus, but the restaurant may still be busy. A server may need you to help carry a large order to a table or to take a fresh basket of bread to a customer.