What does a Waiter or Waitress do?

How to work as a Waiter

Where are the best Waiter jobs?

As a waiter you are skilled in serving food (food services) and drink to customers dining in the establishment you work in. A waiter serves food and drinks in a restaurant, café, hotel, club or any other venue where customers dine.

• Set tables formally or informally using linen, place mats, cutlery, crockery and glasses
• Take table reservations and bookings
• Greet & seat diners
• Explain & recommend dishes from the menu
• Recommend local or in season produce depending on the venue
• Recommend drinks to accompany menu items
• Accurately take diner’s orders and pass them to the kitchen and bar attendant for preparation
• Serve food and drinks to diners
• Sliver service
• Finish a dish at the table in front of diners by carving meat or adding final touches to a dish
• Generate and present the bill to diners at the end of their meal
• Accurately handle money & credit card payments
• Manage disgruntled or difficult diners
• Clear tables, return dishes and cutlery to kitchens

These are the skills needed to be a waiter. A waiter works while others are dining so waiters are usually expected to work evenings, weekends and public holidays. Most of the day as a waiter is spent on your feet walking between tables and the kitchen. Some venues require their waiters to wear a uniform. Waiters are expected to keep their uniform clean and presentable. The above includes the duties and responsibilities of a waiter in fine dining restaurant and how to serve as a waiter.

• Be friendly & enjoy working with people
• Personal hygiene to handle food
• Neat personal appearance
• Ability to communicate well with diners
• Ability to remember orders
• Patience and empathy
• Ability to work under pressure and keep a calm demeanour
• Carry multiple plates of food
• Ability to stay on your feet for an entire shift
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to use the venue computerised ordering system
• Able to handle money and credit cards

This is the person specification for a waiter.

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Waiters usually work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, motels, clubs and other entertainment venues.  There are also opportunities for waiters to work on cruise ships, large privately owned yachts and holiday resorts. A waiter can work in the city or country, depending on the location of their work venue.

Server and waiter difference is a waiter is a trained professional, usually with qualifications.

When you are an experienced waiter your skills are in constant demand by employers. You could work as a maître d’, venue manager or food and beverage manager. When you are a trainee waiter you usually start as a commis waiter. What does a wine waiter do? A wine waiter recommends and serves wine and other drinks.

There are a number of courses to get qualified as a waiter.  These are-

• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate IV in Hospitality
• Certificate I in Hospitality
• Diploma in Hospitality
• Certificate II in Hospitality
• Statement in Hospitality

How much waiters get paid –

• Average weekly wage – Around $800
• Demand for your skills – always in demand
• Average hours worked – 35.8
• Gender split – Male 24%, Female 76%
• Age – from 15-over 65 year old

Part time waiter salary is negotiable between the waiter and the venue. The above includes a restaurant waiter salary. This is the minimum wage for waiters. If you’ve wondered how much does a waiter on a cruise ship make, it can vary so you need to contact the cruise companies direct.

To write a Waiter Resume that will get noticed, go here

To write a 4 sentence Waiter cover letter that will get you an interview, go here

Find out what the 3 biggest things a hiring Manager wants to know about you

The interview is where your future employer will form their first impression about you so dress to impress. Dressing comfortably but slightly conservatively in business attire is best. Wearing clothes that are too casual will give the wrong impression. For example, avoid sleeveless tops. Wear a shirt or blouse.

Hair and makeup are obviously important because your future employer will take note of these. If you have long hair, tie it up in a french roll/ bun style with minimum hair accessories. Your make up should be neatly applied.

Conduct yourself in the interview in a professional confident manner. Maintain a good posture, smile hold eye contact with the interviewer and shake hands firmly when you meet them.

Are you looking for a job as a Waiter?

Companies are looking for your skills and experience

Help them find you here

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