How to Be Waiter/Waitress, Catering - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When it comes to the catering industry, having an experienced and well-trained waiter or waitress is essential for success. They are the first point of contact for customers, and their ability to accurately take orders, efficiently serve food and drinks, and provide excellent customer service can make or break an event. A good waiter or waitress will also be able to anticipate customers needs and provide timely and friendly service, ensuring that guests have an enjoyable experience. As a result, the success of a catering event often depends on the quality of the waiter or waitress, and having a qualified individual with excellent skills can create a lasting impression on guests and lead to repeat business.

Steps How to Become

Choose a Path to Become a Waiter or Waitress. Decide which path you will take to become a waiter or waitress. Consider whether you want to attend a hospitality school or if you'd prefer to gain experience in the field.
Get Education and Training. If you choose to attend a hospitality school, you'll learn all the skills necessary to become a successful waiter or waitress. You'll learn how to take orders, serve food and drinks, handle customer complaints, and more. You may also be required to participate in internships and other hands-on learning experiences.
Gain Experience. Even if you don't attend a hospitality school, it's still important to gain experience in the field. Look for job postings for waiters and waitresses at restaurants, catering companies, and other establishments.
Develop Your Skills. Working as a waiter or waitress will help you develop your skills and knowledge of the industry. Practice your customer service skills, learn about different types of food and drinks, and develop your communication and problem-solving abilities.
Network. Build relationships with other waiters and waitresses in the industry by attending networking events or joining professional organizations. This will help you stay up to date on industry trends and potentially find new job opportunities.
Consider Becoming a Catering Waiter or Waitress. Consider expanding your career by becoming a catering waiter or waitress. This type of job requires additional skills such as event planning, food presentation, and organization.
Pursue Certification. If you're interested in becoming a certified waiter or waitress, you can obtain a certification from a professional organization like the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). This certification is a great way to show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to succeed in this field.

Being a skilled and efficient Waiter or Waitress in Catering requires a combination of hard work, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service. It is important to have a solid understanding of the catering industry, so one needs to stay up to date on current trends and menu items. having good communication skills is essential for interacting with customers and responding to their requests.

being organized and efficient when taking orders and delivering food helps ensure accuracy and timeliness. Finally, having a positive attitude and friendly demeanor are important for creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing high-quality service. All of these skills combined create the foundation for a successful Waiter or Waitress in the Catering industry.

You may want to check Restaurant Catering Manager, Mobile Catering Manager, and Food Server, Catering for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and seat guests
Provide menu information and answer questions
Take beverage and food orders
Serve food and drinks
Clear tables and reset for next guests
Prepare checks and process payments
Refill drinks and ensure the dining area is kept clean
Pack take out orders
Set up tables and other event decorations
Assist in food preparation and service
Prepare buffets with food and beverages
Handle catering orders and coordinate deliveries
Monitor food inventory and restock supplies
Ensure all health and safety regulations are followed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service and communication skills
Knowledge of food and beverage items and proper serving techniques
Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Ability to maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times
Knowledge of proper cash handling procedures
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Ability to lift and carry heavy items
Basic math and computer skills
Knowledge of menu items and ingredients.

The ability to provide excellent customer service is one of the most important skills that a waiter or waitress should possess when working in catering. This involves being able to interact with customers in a polite, helpful and friendly manner. being able to anticipate customer needs and provide timely service is essential to successful catering.

Furthermore, it is important for waitstaff to have a thorough knowledge of the menu items and any dietary restrictions that may be necessary. Having a good understanding of the different types of food available will also help the waitstaff better serve the customers. Finally, having an eye for detail and presentation is key, as well as an ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

All of these skills will help ensure customers leave happy and satisfied with their catering experience.

Kitchen Catering Manager, Bartender, Catering, and Food and Beverage Coordinator, Catering are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a restaurant/catering environment?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
What is the most challenging part of working in the foodservice industry?
How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment?
What techniques do you use to maintain a positive attitude during peak business hours?
How do you prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks at once?
Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.
What measures do you take to ensure safety and sanitation standards are met in the kitchen/restaurant?
How do you handle a customer complaint or dissatisfaction with their order?
What strategies do you use to increase sales and customer satisfaction?

Common Tools in Industry

Tray. Used to transport food and beverages from the kitchen to the dining area. (eg: carrying plates of food to a table)
Serving Utensils. Used to serve food and beverages. (eg: scooping mashed potatoes onto a plate)
Tablecloths. Used to cover tables and provide a clean surface. (eg: laying out a white tablecloth)
Plates & Bowls. Used to serve food. (eg: setting out plates for dinner guests)
Glassware. Used to serve drinks. (eg: filling glasses with water)
Cutlery. Used to eat food. (eg: providing knives, forks, and spoons for guests)
Uniform. Used to identify staff and create a professional look. (eg: wearing an apron with the catering company logo)
Cleaning Supplies. Used to keep the work area clean and hygienic. (eg: wiping down tables between customers)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
American Culinary Federation
Society for Foodservice Management
International Caterers Association
National Association of Catering Executives
Special Events Magazine
American Culinary Federation Education Foundation
National Association for Catering and Events
National Association of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs

We also have Cleaner, Catering, Administrative Assistant, Catering, and Catering Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Barback. An employee who assists the bartender by stocking and maintaining the bar area.
Table Service. The process of delivering food and beverages to tables or guests.
Buffet Service. A type of dining where all the food is laid out in a buffet-style setting, allowing guests to serve themselves.
Banquet Service. A type of catering where food is served to guests in a formal setting.
Tray Service. The process of delivering multiple food items to guests on a single tray.
Plating. The practice of arranging food on a plate in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Food Runner. An employee who delivers food from the kitchen to the waiting staff.
Mise en Place. A French term meaning everything in its place, referring to prepping and organizing all the ingredients, tools, and utensils needed for service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties are expected of a waiter/waitress?

Typical duties of a waiter/waitress include taking orders, providing menu suggestions, serving food and beverages, collecting payments, and resetting tables for the next customers.

How much experience is required to become a catering professional?

Experience requirements for becoming a catering professional vary depending on the role. Generally, experience in the foodservice industry, customer service, and event planning are highly beneficial.

What qualifications are needed to work as a catering assistant?

Qualifications for working as a catering assistant include having a high school diploma or equivalent, food handling certification, and prior experience in the foodservice industry.

What are the key skills needed to be a successful waiter/waitress?

Key skills needed to be a successful waiter/waitress include strong communication skills, customer service proficiency, multitasking ability, and attention to detail.