how to
Learn how to reach career nirvana; Journal is your one stop shop for advice about all things workplace, productivity and job success.
How to Be an Amazing Server
This is a lot to take in at once, so I apologize in advance. Just try to take in what you need/want. First things first, they are guests in the restaurant, not just customers. Treat them like you would treat a guest. Give people a warm greeting as they enter the restaurant. Seat guests even if the rest of their party isn't there yet. If a person enters alone, don't make them feel bad for being alone. Simply ask if they have a reservation. If they don't have one, ask if they want to sit at the bar. Tables should be level before guests arrive. Try to fix this or any similar problems ahead of time. Try not to be biased towards tap water vs. bottled water. Both are fine. Don't just walk up to them and ask what they would like to order. First, start with something more simple, like asking them how they are doing that day. Be friendly, then ask what they would like to eat. Some places want you to announce your name, some places don't. I guess just ask your supervisor. Do not interrupt the guests' conversations. When the customer approaches, make sure to acknowledge them by greeting them nicely. Apologize for any wait, even if it was a short wait. Tell them about the specials that are on right now. Make it sound natural. Don't recite them like this is the 100th time you've said them today... even if it is the 100th time you've said them today. Don't mention your personal favourites when telling them the specials. I am personally guilty of this one and the guests will tell you they weren't looking for that information. Never say, "Good choice," because it implies that any other choices may be bad. Don't say, "no problem." Say, "you're welcome" instead. "My pleasure," seems to be a popular choice as well. Never mention what your favourite dessert is. They probably don't want to know. Do not compliment a customer on their hair, clothes, or anything else. You are insulting someone else. Do not gossip about co-workers or guests within earshot of any guests. Better yet, don't gossip at all. Ask the customer if they found everything all right. Handle glassware by stems and cutlery by their handles. Ask them "How is everything?" and fix the problem if there is any. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know the answer to a question... this phrase will save you: "I'll find out." Never use the same glass for a second drink. Bring the cutlery before you bring the food. Don't let a glass of water sit empty for too long. But don't make the same mistake I did and fill a glass of water every two minutes... It either makes them nervous or annoyed. Don't blame the chef, or the hostess, or anyone else if something goes wrong. Just make it right. If someone wants to know your life story, keep it short. Never deliver a hot plate without warning the guest. Try to let the guest know you are out of something before they look at the menu. Never acknowledge one customer more than any other. All guests are equal. So, no favourites. When bringing the food, don't ask whose food is whose. Know who to give it to before you approach the table. Do not go to work smelling like perfume or cigarette smoke. Never remove a plate full of food without asking them what was wrong. Obviously something went wrong. Do not eat or drink in view of guests. Do not turn on the charm when it's time to get your tip. Keep your amazing service consistent throughout the entire time. Ask the guest if they want coffee with their dessert. Or just a coffee after the meal. Never bring the check until someone asks for it. Then bring it to the person who asked for it. Do not stop giving excellent service after the check is paid. Here is something I have messed up on. Remember that the music is for the guests, not for the staff. If they want the music turned down, you can turn it down a little... or ask the supervisor to turn it down a little. Give them a bag with their take-out. This one takes time to figure out. Don't hover over a customer too long because it can make them anxious, especially when they are dealing with the bill or trying figure out how much 15 percent of the bill is. Don't wear too much jewelry. You know it is too much when people comment on it. Know the Menu! Ask what they want for their side choice (if the meal comes with a side). Sign your name with a heart on the receipt. I guess this really only works if you want to be flirtatious... which you're not suppose to be ... Don't say anything after a tip except "thank you" and "thank you very much." If they don't tip, don't say anything at all.
How to Write a Professional Business Resume
You just heard about a job opening at a company you would like to work for. The job summary includes great potential and advancement with potential benefits. To apply, candidates must include three references and a professional business resume. You’ve never written one and would like to land a new job you’re fond of. What do you do? Regardless of an education background (students, instructors, professors, or anyone of importance), everyone has skills, or material they are good at or proud of; strong enough to put on a resume.
Jason AnschutzPublished 6 years ago in JournalHow To Manifest What You Want by Pushing Through Resistance
For many of us, finding a job is a challenge. Many factors that may be working against us in our search for employment is geographical location, the opportunities available that are within our experience or training, and our past work history. The overall job market of today is booming with opportunities, but not for everyone. Those of us in awakened state, who have begun the ascension process, have a higher vibration than those who are still "sleeping." While awakening is a wonderful experience, the ascension has its challenges. Some of us are not able to successfully navigate the job matrix, as we are on a higher vibration and make others uncomfortable. In the workplace, this often results in the loss of a job or the inability to find one at all. The answer lies within the discovery of our purpose, the proper implantation of the law of attraction and manifesting experiences rather than outcomes.
Ten Successful Subject Line Formulas to Try on Your Next Marketing Email
Finding the right subject line for your amazing email series can be hard. I get it. You want to create a sense of urgency to encourage your email subscribers to open and take action, but you don't want to blether on or sound like a robot.
Sarah KatherinePublished 6 years ago in JournalHow to Write Fiction
When I write fiction, I make sure to thoroughly imagine the scene before me. This imaginative rendering happens in my head, first. Now, as a trance medium, I have applications that can allow me to use the faculty in order to produce good writing. I channel my work from my imagination to my fingers as my fingers write the prose. I used to do character outlines for my fan fiction. I am contemplating writing short stories again to get them published. Some have survived from my college days where I earned an A.A. in creative writing at Foothill College. Writing fiction is all about showing what is in your head and putting it on paper or computer files.
Iria Vasquez-PaezPublished 6 years ago in JournalAuditioning: The Real Victory
Local, professional, and high school theatre are gearing up for auditions in the upcoming weeks/months. Some for the spring term/semester, others for the summer. Nerves are at an all time high. Some actors can audition like it's nothing, while others struggle with nerves mightily. For me, auditioning is the goal. If you treat the audition like the destination, instead of the first step, you'll audition much better. I've never hosted auditions or made the decision on my own in regards to casting or choosing people to come back to call-backs.
Kevin RothlisbergerPublished 6 years ago in JournalCreative Investments for Young People
If you have read my previous articles at all then you will know that I advise to just “be creative” at least 20 times per article. There is a reason for this. I have found that the best and most lucrative investments come from being creative, and that makes sense when you think about it. You can’t expect to make as much money in a field that is already saturated with investors as you can in short term no one else has yet thought of. This is why people always talk about the millionaire innovators. It's easiest to make money if you are the first or only one in your field.
Logan BakerPublished 6 years ago in JournalHere To Make Money, Not Friends
It’s been my experience that toxic workplaces don’t get better. Often it is not just the boss or a few catty co-workers who are the problems, but a whole culture of disrespect in the company that has been festering for too long.
Hillari HunterPublished 6 years ago in Journal- Top Story - January 2018
How to Get Through Writer's Block
I think it's fair to say that every writer feels the panic of not being able to think up new and original ideas. Being a writer is hard. There are so many writers constantly having new and brilliant ideas, and so it's understandable that we freak out sometimes when we’re struggling with the age-old curse that is writer’s block.
Hannah PetchPublished 6 years ago in Journal How to Earn a Million
You are working that nine to five job somewhere mediocre, putting hours into making someone else rich. All you are rewarded with is just about enough money to keep the lights on and food on the table. Your boss, however, he is taking expensive holidays, dining out five days a week, showing off the latest phone, and driving around in his flashy car.
ConfessionsPublished 6 years ago in JournalHow to Write a Job Interview Thank You Email
I’d like to talk about how to write a job interview thank you email, but first I’d like to mention some excellent advice a friend of mine once gave me: “Go on every job interview you can,” he said. “It’s an experience you can’t pay for.” He was absolutely right. You can pay someone to drive your car to Seattle or toss you out of an airplane or bury you up to your neck in sand, but you can’t pay someone to interview you—you can, of course, and your friends probably need the money, but what good would it do? As all job seekers know, the interview, phone or, even better, face to face, is like knocking at the gates of Oz. It’s all about exhilaration and terror and trying to stay at the absolute top of your game for at least an hour.
David PorterPublished 6 years ago in JournalHow To Start Writing Your Book
A lot of people want to write a book or maybe even a short story, but they don't know where to start. These are a few tips to help you get on the right track to writing successfully.
Samantha JulesPublished 6 years ago in Journal