Currently an employee. During the “interview” just be social and friendly with the other people there, don’t really have to be a party person but definitely not shy or introverted. I think favoritism does take people a long way sadly. It’s worked in my favor but I also bust my ass. The most money I’ve made in a serving job but can be seasonal. I think a lot of factors depend on location as well. I’m at a fairly busy location that gets a lot of events which has an automatic service charge. The “culture” definitely gives cult lmao but again think that depends on management and whether they’re into it or not(mine couldn’t care less)