Most employers offer food and beverage discounts during an employee's shift. Some of the larger restaurants offer health benefit plans and paid vacations. They must have strong customer relations skills and be able to work coolly under pressure. They should be able to operate a cash register and be adept at making change. Basic accounting and bookkeeping skills are often required, also.
Most employers prefer to train their own personnel.
However, for those interested in a career in restaurant work, there are many schools offering general and specialized programs in various restaurant occupations. In restaurants where job duties are limited to greeting and seating customers, they may advance to a waiter or waitress position. In establishments where their job duties are more extensive, they may advance to dining room supervisor or restaurant manager. Competition for jobs should be intense at the most popular restaurants and those specializing in sophisticated and formal dining experiences. The best way to secure a host or hostess position is to apply directly to prospective employers.