Fast Food Service Assistant

Fast food service assistants work in restaurants and takeaway outlets. They are responsible for ensuring customers receive their food orders quickly and accurately.

An assistant may:

• greet customers
• take orders and enter them in a till
• take payment and provide change
• respond to any other specific customer requests
• pack and wrap food and prepare drinks
• provide salt, napkins and other additional items
• monitor the supply of food items
• clear trays, wipe tables and empty bins.

Providing good customer service, while meeting strict food hygiene standards, is an important part of the job.

Most assistants work on the service counter. Some also help to prepare food in the kitchen and work in the dining areas. Others may help to organise and run events on the premises, such as children's parties. Service assistants are often provided with a uniform.

Service assistants may work shifts. Flexible and part-time work are common. Assistants often have to stand for long periods. Fast food operations can be hot and noisy. At busy periods the work is demanding. Some customers can be challenging.

Earnings start from around £7,500 per year for new entrants and may rise to £20,000 or more for trainee or assistant managers.

A fast food service assistant needs:

• a friendly and helpful manner
• to be good working in a team
• the ability to work to set standards
• accuracy
• good mental arithmetic
• confidence
• tact
• honesty
• a smart appearance
• stamina
• to be aware of hygiene, health and safety standards.

Fast food outlets are found across the country in high streets, motorway service stations, shopping centres, leisure parks and other tourist attractions, airports and rail stations. They range from small independent shops to large international chains.

There are no set qualifications for entry. An enthusiasm for customer service, perhaps backed up with experience in a weekend or holiday job, may help. Number skills are also important. Some employers may expect GCSEs. The Diploma in hospitality may be relevant for this area of work.

Training is provided on the job. Some employers offer Apprenticeships.

Assistants may be able to work towards a variety of NVQs and other qualifications.

With experience, service assistants can gain promotion to supervisory and management roles. There are some opportunities to work abroad in multinational chains.

Further details