How to Become a Busser

A restaurant busser, also called a busperson or sometimes a busboy, is a person who clears dishes off the tables after diners have eaten. A busser resets tables with clean place settings and sometimes refills water glasses. To become a successful busser, a person must maintain good personal hygiene, be able to lift heavy trays and have good communication skills.

Instructions

1

Earn your high school diploma or take a GED exam. Not every busser position requires a high school diploma, but it is preferred. Bussers who wish to become waiters or work their way to other higher-level jobs within the establishment are highly encouraged to further their educations.

2

Maintain a high level of personal cleanliness, especially when you go to a restaurant to inquire about available positions. Restaurant managers have very strict regulations concerning health and food safety to uphold. They need to employ people who will do their part to follow these rules.

3

Put together a resume that emphasizes customer service experience you may have from your previous employment opportunities. Some bussers interact with the public by refilling water glasses and bringing bread baskets to the tables, so good people skills are recommended.

4

Be sure you are able to fulfill the physical requirements of a busser job. Bussers must carry heavy trays for long shifts. Invest in some high-quality wrist guards to help prevent strain from repetitive motions.

5

Become quick and efficient at setting tables by practicing at home. Bussers are expected to be able to reset tables quickly at restaurants that have high turnover rates.

6

Show flexibility in terms of your work schedule. Bussers are at the low end of the totem pole at many cafes and restaurants. Expect to work night and weekend shifts, as well as many holidays.

7

Remember that you are part of a team in your work environment. Help out your fellow employees when you can and be a team player. The most successful of businesses stay at the top of their field by having all of the employees work together as one unit.