• Waiter Job Description

    A waiter is a person who is employed in a dinning establishment to bring food and drink to their customers. They perform tasks such as welcoming guests, describing menu items to them, taking their orders, serving drinks/foods to them as ordered, and clearing their tables when they are done.

    A waiter should be quick, friendly, helpful, polite and good at serving people. They should have good memory and the ability to communicate effectively. They should also have stamina to stand on their feet and attend to guests, and to carry trays of food or drinks from the kitchen to the dining areas.

  • What does a Waiter do?

    Waiters may do some or all of the following:

    • set and prepare tables for guests
    • welcome guests and make them feel comfortable
    • seat customers and provide them with the restaurant menu
    • answer questions about the menu and take orders
    • relay food and beverage orders to the kitchen staff
    • serve beverages and food to customers
    • process their customers bills promptly and accurately
    • handle guest complaints and inform supervisors
    • clear tables and clean the restaurant
    • thank customers for patronage before they leave
    • restock food and drinks
  • Where does a Waiter work?
  • Working Conditions

    Waiters may work shifts that include evenings, late nights and weekends. They work in the dining areas of restaurants, hotels, and other eating places. They may spend much of the day on their feet, and may work in noisy conditions.

  • What is Required to Become a Waiter ?

    No formal education or previous work experience is required to become a waiter/waitress, as training is done on the job.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Waiters need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • confidence
    • carefulness
    • honesty and dependability
    • physical stamina
    • good personal hygiene and appearance
    • good memory
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good sales and networking skills
    • organizational skills
    • multitasking skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to relate with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
    • the ability to smile, and be courteous and friendly
    • the ability to handle difficult guests/situations with tact and diplomacy
    • the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations
    • knowledge of table service and menu items
    • knowledge of health and safety policies and procedures

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Bartender
  • Chef
  • Hotel Room Attendant
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