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

Oct 8, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Waiting tables can be a difficult job, but it can also be very rewarding. The success of a waiter or waitress greatly depends on their ability to be attentive to the needs of their customers. When a waiter or waitress provides excellent customer service, they are often rewarded with tips and positive reviews, which can help them to earn more money and also build a good reputation.

On the other hand, if a waiter or waitress fails to meet the expectations of their customers, it can lead to poor reviews and fewer tips, resulting in a lower income. Therefore, it is important for waiters and waitresses to provide attentive service and make sure that customers have a positive experience.

Steps How to Become

Research the Job. Research what it means to be a waiter or waitress and understand the job duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Learn about the typical job requirements such as availability, customer service skills, and physical requirements.
Get the Necessary Education. Most waiter and waitress jobs require a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the restaurant, some may require additional education such as a hospitality degree or certification in food safety.
Train and Gain Experience. Many restaurants offer on-the-job training for new wait staff. Take this opportunity to learn and gain experience in customer service, food handling, and serving techniques.
Apply for Jobs. Put together a resume and cover letter to apply for waiter and waitress jobs. Emphasize any past experience and education that you have that is related to the job.
Interview for the Position. During the job interview, demonstrate your knowledge of the job duties and your enthusiasm for the position. Be prepared to answer questions about your customer service skills and availability.
Receive On-the-Job Training. After being hired, most restaurants will provide additional on-the-job training so that you can learn their specific policies and procedures. Take this opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as you can.
Follow Restaurant Policies and Procedures. Follow all of the restaurants policies and procedures to ensure that customers are receiving excellent service. Be friendly, courteous, and attentive to all customers.
Demonstrate Professionalism. Always maintain a professional attitude while working and interacting with customers. Respectfully answer customer questions and take orders accurately and efficiently.
Perform Additional Duties. In addition to serving food and beverages, a waiter or waitress may be responsible for other duties such as setting tables, stocking supplies, and cleaning up after customers.

Waiting tables requires a lot of skill and knowledge in order to be successful. Keeping updated and competent as a waiter/waitress requires having a thorough knowledge of the menu, including ingredients and preparation methods. It is also important to stay up to date with any changes to the menu, such as new dishes or seasonal specials.

Being familiar with all the available table settings and the proper way to serve food and drinks is essential. it is essential to have excellent customer service skills, such as being polite and friendly when taking orders and providing efficient service. Regularly attending training sessions or refresher courses can help ensure that waiters/waitresses are current on the latest regulations and industry standards.

Finally, being patient and organized is key, as it allows a waiter/waitress to maintain an efficient workflow and ensure that customers receive the best possible experience.

You may want to check Waitstaff, Catering Waitstaff, and Room Service Waiter for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and seat customers in a friendly manner
Take orders accurately and in a timely manner
Serve food and drinks to customers
Clean tables, trays and chairs
Update customer bills and process payments
Monitor customer service quality and respond to customer complaints
Make sure that all customers are satisfied with their dining experience
Restock supplies and assist with food preparation in the kitchen
Handle all tableware, glassware and utensils with care
Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation regulations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of food and beverage products
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to remember orders accurately
Ability to multitask
Ability to take initiative
Ability to take direction from management
Ability to follow health and safety regulations
Good communication skills
Cash handling experience
Strong problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Patience and flexibility
Knowledge of wine, beer and cocktails
Knowledge of barista skills

The most important skill for a Waiter/Waitress is communication. Being able to effectively communicate with customers and fellow coworkers is essential for a successful career in the hospitality industry. Good communication skills ensure that orders are accurately conveyed, customer complaints are effectively handled, and customers have a positive experience.

Furthermore, having good communication skills enables waiters/waitresses to build relationships with customers and create an enjoyable atmosphere. This can lead to more customers returning and a higher level of customer satisfaction. As a result, having good communication skills can help a Waiter/Waitress maximize their tips, make more money, and increase their job satisfaction.

Food Service Supervisor, Food Expo, and Assistant Waiter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in food service?
How do you handle difficult customers?
How would you prioritize tasks while working as a waiter/waitress?
What do you think makes a great waiter/waitress?
What kinds of challenges have you faced in food service?
How do you handle multiple orders at once?
What do you do if a customer has a complaint?
What do you think sets you apart from other waiters/waitresses?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a waiter/waitress to have?
How do you handle long shifts and remain energetic throughout the day?

Common Tools in Industry

Credit Card Machine. A device for accepting payment via credit or debit cards (e. g. Square Reader).
Cash Register. A machine for keeping track of sales and money received during transactions (e. g. NCR Silver).
Point-of-Sale System. An integrated computer system used in retail settings to process sales and keep track of inventory (e. g. Lightspeed POS).
Menu Display. A device for displaying the restaurant's menu (e. g. digital menu board).
Order Pad. A device used to record customer orders (e. g. paper or tablet).
Food Printer. A device used to print tickets with customers' orders (e. g. Epson TM-T88V).
Scanner. A device used to scan barcodes on food items (e. g. Honeywell Granit 1911i).
Tray Stand. A device for holding trays for carrying food to tables (e. g. Cambro Camshelving).
Beverage Dispenser. A machine used to dispense drinks (e. g. Soda Stream).
Coffee Maker. A machine used to brew hot beverages (e. g. Bunn Velocity Brew).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Executives Association
Restaurant & Catering Australia
British Hospitality Association
National Waitstaff Association
International Society of Foodservice Professionals
International Association of Foodservice Professionals
The American Culinary Federation
National Bartenders Association
Specialty Coffee Association of America

We also have Line Server, Salad Maker, and Line Cook jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Maitre D'. A French term referring to a head waiter or the manager of a restaurant.
Barista. A person who prepares and serves espresso-based coffee drinks.
Host/Hostess. An employee who greets guests, takes their coats or bags, and shows them to their table.
Busser. An entry-level restaurant employee who clears and sets tables, refills beverages, and assists servers.
Server. A restaurant employee who takes orders, delivers food, and runs food to the tables.
Food Runner. An employee who delivers food from the kitchen to the tables.
Bartender. An employee who prepares and serves alcoholic beverages.
Side Work. A variety of tasks performed by waitstaff in between serving customers, such as restocking supplies, washing dishes, and cleaning the restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What duties does a Waiter/Waitress typically perform? A1: A Waiter/Waitress typically performs duties such as taking orders, serving food and beverages, providing information about menu items, handling payments, and cleaning tables and work areas. Q2: What qualifications are needed to be a Waiter/Waitress? A2: Qualifications to be a Waiter/Waitress typically include excellent customer service and communication skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, basic math skills, and the ability to stand for long periods of time. Q3: How much do Waiter/Waitresses usually earn? A3: The amount Waiter/Waitresses typically earn varies depending on their location, experience level, and other factors. However, the average hourly wage for a Waiter/Waitress is around $9.00 per hour. Q4: What hours do Waiter/Waitresses usually work? A4: Waiter/Waitresses usually work during peak hours of operation, such as during lunch and dinner. This usually involves working shifts that range from 4 to 8 hours in length. Q5: What type of environment do Waiter/Waitresses usually work in? A5: Waiter/Waitresses typically work in restaurants, cafés, bars, and other food service establishments. They must be able to work in a busy environment while maintaining a professional attitude.