Waiting Staff
Job Description:Waiting staff serve customers in restaurants and cafes by taking orders and payment, serving food and preparing tables.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- greeting customers as they arrive and showing them to their table
- giving out menus and taking orders for food and drink
- serving food and drinks
- dealing with bill payments
- making sure tables are clean and tidy
You’ll also be on hand to answer any questions and make sure that customers enjoy their experience.
In formal restaurants, your work may include silver service (plating the items of a meal at the table). You’ll usually work in a team under the supervision of a head waiter or waitress, known as the maître d’.
You could also specialise in work as a wine waiter or waitress, called a sommelier.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- a desire to help people
- active listening skills
- a good memory
Entry Requirements:
There are no set requirements, but you’ll need a good standard of maths and English and excellent communication skills. Previous customer service experience would be helpful.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Restaurants and kitchens can be hot, humid, noisy and busy.
You’ll need a smart appearance and you’ll usually be provided with a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you may be able to progress to head waiter or waitress, or restaurant supervisor.
You may also be able to go into related areas of work like restaurant and kitchen management or purchasing.