Okay, so if you are a server or have serving experience, then you know about table sections. Your section can determine a lot when it comes to how much you make...even if you give amazing service! So the first day on the floor by yourself, you are given what is known as the "training" section. At my other job, it is two 4-top booths in the bar. At the hooters I work at it is five high-top tables. Now in a sports bar type vibe restaurant where the clientele is predominantly male (though we do get lots of families), this can actually be a pretty good section. Nice window view, convenient if its sunny, or if it is night time you get a few TVs to yourself. However, the downside is this: the area that the girls get drinks, plates and silverware is right in front of where you are sitting. Now if you like to see whats going on with the Pepsi that I am making you, along with plates and everything, then this is the section that you'd love to sit in. However, if you are not necessarily that interested in seeing lots of hooters girls clutter around in front of you, loud clanking sounds from the tin plates and girly gossip or arguments over who is getting cut first, then you'd rather sit somewhere else.
With all of that being said, my first day on the floor by myself is a lunch shift and I get the "training" section. The point of a section like this is that it is slower, and therefore, you won't get clusterfucked (my favorite word) by the demands of your guests! However, before I can start taking guests by myself, I have to go through what is called "Validation." Normally, this is when a manager comes in and dines in your section and you wait on them as if they are actual guest. They want to make sure you know what you are talking about, are asking the right questions, and how "Hooterific" you are with your guests. Fortunately for me, it wasn't a manager who did this, but instead another trainer. She was a pretty, blonde girl and seems very serious about her title. We went over what I thought were my strong points so far and what I thought I needed to work on. I told her my strong point was that I am a confident server, however, my weak point is that I needed to work on the "Hooters Girl" part of this job; being more comfortable with my tables, engaging conversation, and bring more of my personality to the table. I answered the questions honestly because I figured if I lied she'd tell me those were the things I needed to work on anyway.
When we were done with that, I got sat immediately after. It was one guy and I put on the biggest smile that I could, gave him some pretty good service, and tried to engage in conversation. This is when I realized that not all guest will want to have a conversation, some are just as "shy" as I am and that I needed to learn to feel each of them out. Sometimes I think what if the reason they aren't being conversational is because they don't really want to talk. They just want to eat some pretty low priced food and go. The guys (and couples and families) that actual want some type of engagement bring that loud and jokester personality with them. Starting the conversation is hard for me but engaging in what seems like an invite to joke and play around is a piece of cake. That's why I like getting guys that are around my age. They are a lot more fun, not as uptight, and are a lot easier to talk to. The shift went by pretty fast and i made some pretty decent money for a lunch shift.
So my advice for any hooters girl hopeful: shake off your jitters before going on the floor, put a big smile on your face and just keep telling yourself that you are the shit! Haha! And try not to take the job too serious but at the same time, stay on top of your guests needs! And if you are like me, don't worry, you'll get that awesome table one day that brings your personality out and you'll get an awesome $30 tip on $20 check!
Hoots & Kisses!!!!
So before I talk about day 3 I have to apologize for the delays on these posts. I've been so busy lately and just got to Florida and was scheduled for Hooters. I actually have some down time right now so I am going to try to get a couple posts up today. Thankfully, I wrote a few notes about my shifts so I have a pretty clear memory about what happened!
Day 3 was considered my opening shift, so I got there at 10:30 to help setup. I meet my trainer for the day, Trainer "H", and we go over everything from how to open (wiping the tables, putting everything in place, etc), then she tells me that i have to take my menu test at the end of the shift. "NOOOO!!! Haha! I'm not ready!" She reassures me that its going to be fine and that she'll "be there" with me to "help." She tells me that it is on the computer and that its multiple choice. WHAT A RELIEF!! Trainer "H" is actually a very girl! She says that the lunch shift is typically the time when the moms work. She says she has 2 kids and is married. She is very pretty, and looks really good for her age! She has such a nice personality and was nice to me about everything (and still is!).
The third day of training consisted of role reversal where the trainer follows me and I'm the server. Everything goes smoothly, and she's with me the whole time, answering questions if I get stuck, and helping me with drinks. We also took some time look at the menu and she gave me some pointers on how to remember whats on everything. Although I was given a study guide for the menu, I'm much better at looking at pictures and seeing color rather than regular print on paper. And with the menu you see a lot of the common things that different meals share so that made it a lot easier.
Out of nowhere, Manager R comes out and says, "How are you doing? Did you pass your test?"
Me: "Not yet. "H" told me I take it at the end of my shift."
Mgr R: "No, sweetie, you were supposed to take it before the shift because if you don't pass then you have to go home and study!"
Me: "What?! Nooo!! I'm not ready, I need a little more time!"
Trnr H: "Yeah, that's what it says in her binder! Look..."
Thankfully, I didn't have to take it that soon but I started getting anxiety and told "H" I was going to take my test at 2:30 no matter what! And of course, when I don't want it to, time flies by! Next thing I know, we are asking the manager to post the test for me...then, finally, it's TEST TIME! The time I have been dreading, haha! I start the test and it isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I could skip questions and come back to them, and although my trainer didn't give me the answers, she did stand there and gave me little hints! After the test was done, I find out my score (you have to score 90 or better). YAYYYY!!! I passed with a 93!! I was so glad it was over! I gave Manager R a high five and went about the rest of the shift completely happy and relieved!
And to top it all off, my trainer gave me a huge compliment when we were talking about a girl who was applying. She said that she told the manager that I reminded her of a Cowboys Cheerleader and I was crazy blushing! "Omg! Really?! Thats a huge compliment, especially since I am a huge Cowboys fan!" So that put in the best mood, haha!
FYI, managers ask the trainers what they think of you after they've interviewed you. So when you apply, try to be nice and welcoming...even if some of the girls aren't!
Training Day 2 went pretty much the same way. We went over the manual some more and the shift followed. This time I got to greet some tables and take a few orders. A lot of questions are asked when taking orders (sauce? boneless or traditional? cheese sauce with those fries? etc.) but they are repetitive so it easy not to forget what they are. Once again, it started out slow but then it began to pick up.
Suddenly I realized that I lost my trainer and her tables were needing a lot of things. Refills I could do but putting orders in I couldn't do without her because everything was rang in under her name. Then I see she's on the other side of the restaurant talking to some guests. I go over to her and heard why it was taking her so long. It was a couple and the guy was trying to figure out why it would cost $10 (it's really $9.95) for a PITCHER of beer. Really, dude?! You're complaining because you don't want to pay for a $10 PITCHER?! It's about 4 glasses per each pitcher just so you get the idea but if you ask me that seems like a pretty sweet deal. Let's see: if you get 4 glasses of draft beer costing around $3-$5 each, you're gonna pay around $15-$20! You would rather do that than to just get a pitcher which , more than likely, will be enough for the both of you? That, everyone, shows just how mathematically challenged illogical people can be. This, by the way, was told to the gentleman by my trainer and for some reason he just couldn't wrap his head around why he should pay that much. Finally, my awesome trainer said these magical words, "Sir, all I know is the bar across the street sells cheaper beer!" YESSSS!!!!! I love this girl! HAHA! I was so shocked and a little jealous at how sweet yet firm she sounded. Finally, the couple orders and we get back to her section. Everyone seems fine, a couple tables want their check but other than that, everything was going to smoothly.
It died down a bit and my trainer tells me I have to close that night because i have to have a closing shift and opening shift so that I know what to do. And also, I have to take my alcohol test. Noooo!!! I was dreading that moment! But she helped me through it and gave me tips on how to remember what we have. I passed the test, helped her close, and got to go home! What a busy day! My bed is all I am thinking about!
Hey Everyone!
So I have finally gotten the chance to get some new posts up and update everyone on what has been going on. I'll start with training!
Training at my store was three for three days. On the first day, I came in with my uniform underneath my clothes (this is the rule) and I met with my trainer, "J". She was a very sweet girl, a little shorter than me with a rack that appeared to be bigger than mine, HAHA! Manager R introduced us and we began going through the training manual. Ugh! More reading and signing papers! It basically just went over the history of Hooters, who the Hooters Girl is, your role in the company, and of course, your look. That's right! There's a whole section on how you should have your hair, makeup, nails, and how your uniform should look on your body. Hair should be glamorous, make up is worn at all times, nails are to be cleaned, and your uniform should be sized to fit. ATTENTION LADIES WHO DREAMS OF BECOMING A HOOTERS GIRL: If you do not like to do these things or feel as though your natural beauty is enough, I've got bad news for you, Hooters is probably not the place or you! Sorry, but these things are mandatory. There are no exceptions. If you do not like having to do your hair everyday before your shift (and during) or you do not like to wear make up, this place probably isn't the ideal job for you.
Anyways, after we were done with the manual, it is realized that it's Friday and I need a black uniform. The manager goes to get me one, comes back, and I'm told I have to switch uniforms. No big deal! Except it takes forever and a day to get the uniform on and off without ripping my ever so fantastic Nylons. Let me tell you, putting on that black uniform required some acrobatic tricks! The black uniform is MUCH tighter than the white one and what was so bothersome was the fact that both uniforms were the same size! Trying to get the black shirt over my 34D boobs that have been enhanced by a push-up bra was impossible! Eventually I get it on. Now, despite how tight it may be, the black uniform is every girl's favorite! It's slimming, you look thinner and *gasps* classier (haha!), and it isn't as obvious when you spill sauce all over yourself!
The shift starts at 4:30. Its slow at first but begins to pick up. I'm following my trainer around, shadowing her, and helping her as much as I can. She was headwait that night so she got to pick the busiest section. She constantly repeated how bad she felt that she wasn't giving me that much attention. I assured her I was okay and that she was helping me plenty. She showed me the computer system and let me put in all orders since the computer was the hardest thing to learn. I expect things to be alphabetical order, since that's how it is at my other serving job, but unfortunately, it isn't. I eventually got the hang of it. When it slowed down a bit, I got to get a meal, we went over everything and I got to go home.
One day down, two to go! I was so exhausted when I got home, all I wanted to do was take a bath with the hubby and go to sleep! I didn't get have to be there the next day until 3, so I slept in! Being a Hooters girl sure is exhausting!
Hey everyone! I've been so busy this past month that I haven't gotten the chance to update this blog! I'll get right on that though! Expect a few posts by this weekend! Happy Humpday!
Okay, so I have been gone for awhile! Sorry about that, I've been extremely busy working at Job #1. That place drives me crazy! Anywho, I finally got through my orientation at Hooters. Let me tell you, there was A LOT OF PAPERWORK!! And it was all very repetitive. So, I took my food test and passed it, I guess. And here's why, TO ALL YOU HOOTERS HOPEFULS WHO MAKE IT TO ORIENTATION: THE FOOD "TEST" YOU TAKE HAS THE ANSWERS IN IT AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO ACTUALLY READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION! Haha, I was so mad when I realized that. And on top of that, Manager R said that I get to keep it (as if it was a gift) and that they only needed to sign the back cover and keep it. Then in between all that, was a lot tax and paperwork signing. I'll be honest and say I read most of it before signing it (who knows? I could literally be signing my life away!).
Then, finally, after being there for about 4 1/2 hours, I got my uniform (and some free buffalo shrimp! whoop whoop!) I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty excited! (I only got the white and orange and haven't received the black one yet.) And of course I had to try it on but unfortunately Manager R didn't give me the infamous Nylons so to say that I was self-conscious about *cough cough* cellulite is an understatement. Don't get me wrong, I'm not fat but I'm also not in tip top shape. I do get a lot of compliments on my figure so I guess its just body image issues. (I am 5'4 and 122 lbs. My bra size is 34D and my measurements are about 34-28-36). Which puts me in the XS shirt and XS shorts, however, I am beginning to think that maybe I should have gotten the Small shirt. Oh well! Just motivation to hit the gym I guess! Speaking of which, I must say the uniforms aren't what I thought they'd be. I don't know, I guess I thought the shirts and shorts wouldn't be as thin of material as they are. Turns out, I HAVE to wear a NUDE bra in order to wear the white shirt because the shirt is so thin you can see the bra right through it!
Finally, the menu! Ugh! One thing I can say about applying for another server job is that I HATE the menu tests and having to study for them. I have the worst memory in the world! So studying is what I will be doing until I get my training schedule. I have to call Manager R tomorrow for it. I'll keep you posted!!!
By the way, for those of you wondering, I wore a pink Hollister shirt and some cut off shorts with full on makeup and hair to my orientation. I don't think you have to get all fancy for it haha! In fact, withall the paperwork signing you should go as comfortable as possible!
Okay, sort of, haha!
Well, its been a couple of days or so since my last blog, so I'll do a quick update. The first Hooters I applied to apparently couldn't tell me that they didn't want to hire me, WHICH I COMPLETELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND!! No, not because they didn't hire me, but because they couldn't call to say, "Hey, Tammy Mocha, after reviewing other applications, we have decided to go with another applicant!" Or some other bullshit story. In general, I don't understand why some places do this! I mean honestly, can't you at least dignify the people who apply for your place of business with at least a simple phone call?!? Geez!!
1st Interview
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, haha! So, anywho, I decided to apply at another Hooters location yesterday (its about 35 minutes from where I live) and unlike the location before, the manager interviewed me that day! I went in and asked the bartender if I could have an application. She seemed pretty nice and when I was done I went over to her to give it to her and another Hooters girl asked if I wanted to speak with the manager (so thank you future coworker). I said, "Sure, that'd be awesome!" I sat at a table and waited and he came over and introduced himself. This was my chance to show off my fake laugh and cheery persona that I have developed from my other serving job over the past couple of years. We went through the usual Hooters questions, blah, blah, blah. But the best part was that he was completely fine with my rather interesting schedule. Yayyy!!!! So, I aced that interview and then he scheduled my 2nd interview with the general manager, whom by the way is a woman, for the next day (today).
2nd Interview
So, the next day (or today rather), I met with the general manager. Now the manager from the day before gave me some advice and said that I should wear something that looked like a Friday night out with girlfriends...or like I was going on a hot date. WHEW! Well, my wardrobe was taken care of! I knew exactly what I was going to wear. Now I just had to get my nerves together and be as peppy as possible! I took my time curling my hair, making sure every strand was perfectly curled, and doing my makeup, making sure I looked as natural as possible but with a little pop of color! Finally, I threw on my black romper that had short lace sleeves, and looked completely business in the front, but the back was a bit out. The final touch was a pair of black wedge heels. I must say, I looked pretty amazing! So I get in my car, and about 35 minutes later, I'm there! I walk in, and asked to see the GM for my 2nd interview. A few minutes later, SHE comes out! I get up, put a smile on, and we introduce ourselves. I must say I got pretty lucky because it started out being an interview with repeat questions from the first interview. But then out of nowhere we were just chit chatting about traveling back and forth (apparently her and her husband do the same) and out of nowhere she says, "You know what? I'd love to bring you on board!" YAYY!!!! I was so excited and thanked her! She gave me a form that showed me how to do the online test, which is 4 HOURS and $20! It was a short trip and had I not gotten the job, I would've been kinda upset about going all the way there for nothing.
Anyway, my orientation is next Wednesday, if I am in Florida, and if not, then I can give her a call about when to set it up! I am so anxious to get started and to get my uniform!!!
I'll keep you updated!!
