How to Be Waitstaff - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The average salary of a waitstaff has a direct effect on the quality of service they provide. As the salary increases, so does the quality of service and the motivation of the waitstaff to provide the best customer experience. This situation is beneficial for both the customers, who can expect quality service from experienced waitstaff, and the business, which can attract more customers due to the higher service levels. Furthermore, when waitstaff are paid well, it can help to reduce employee turnover and create a more stable workforce.

Steps How to Become

Get the necessary training. Many states in the United States require waitstaff to complete certification or training courses in food safety and alcohol service, so check the requirements in your area.
Acquire the necessary skills. Waitstaff must be able to multitask, handle money accurately, take orders accurately, and provide excellent customer service.
Find a job. Look for open positions at restaurants, catering companies, and other food-service establishments.
Submit an application and resume. Many employers require applicants to submit a resume along with their applications.
Attend an interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your work experience and customer service skills.
Complete any necessary paperwork. Employers may require you to complete paperwork such as a W-4 and I-9 form before you can start working.
Learn the menu and the restaurants policies. Make sure you understand the menu items and the restaurants policies regarding payment and customer service.
Arrive on time for your shifts. Show up for your shifts on time and be prepared to work hard.
Provide excellent service. Make sure customers are happy and their orders are accurate.
Handle money accurately. Make sure all transactions are processed correctly and all tips are accurately accounted for.

When it comes to being a reliable and efficient waitstaff, there are several key components that make all the difference. Firstly, being organized and having a good memory are essential to ensuring that orders are taken accurately, and that customers receive the correct food and drinks quickly. Secondly, having good communication skills is integral to being able to take orders from customers accurately, as well as being able to upsell items to enhance their experience.

Finally, having a friendly and helpful attitude is essential for creating a positive dining experience for the customers. All of these components come together to help create a reliable and efficient waitstaff.

You may want to check Waiter, Greeters, and Bar Waiter for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and create a pleasant dining experience
Take orders and accurately record them in the point of sale system
Serve food and drinks in a timely manner
Clear tables and reset for the next guests
Ensure accurate billing and process payments
Offer menu suggestions
Refill drinks as needed
Monitor the dining area for cleanliness
Answer questions regarding menu items
Prepare and serve specialty dishes upon request

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food and beverage
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to handle cash and credit card transactions
Ability to maintain a neat and organized work area
Ability to multitask
Knowledge of food health and safety regulations
Ability to take orders accurately
Ability to upsell menu items
Ability to listen and understand customer requests
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to think quickly and problem solve
Ability to remain professional and courteous in high-pressure situations
Knowledge of menu items and ingredients

Having excellent customer service skills is the most important skill for a waitstaff to possess. Good customer service involves being attentive to customers, anticipating their needs, and treating them with respect. This can involve quickly taking orders, delivering drinks and food in a timely manner, and being able to upsell items to increase the customers bill.

In addition, good waitstaff must be able to properly handle payments, provide accurate change, and deal with any customer complaints in a professional manner. Having strong communication skills is also important in order to effectively interact with customers and fellow employees. Finally, being organized and efficient is essential in order to keep track of orders and ensure that each customer is satisfied.

By having these important skills, waitstaff can create a positive experience for customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Silver Service Waiter, Room Service Attendant, and Food Server are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the restaurant industry?
What do you believe are the most important qualities of a successful server?
How would you handle difficult customers?
Are you familiar with our menu and any specials we may offer?
Do you have any experience with cash handling and point of sale systems?
Are you comfortable with multitasking and working in a fast-paced environment?
How do you handle stressful situations while serving customers?
How do you ensure accuracy when taking orders?
Are you comfortable working with a team of servers?
What steps do you take to ensure customer satisfaction?

Common Tools in Industry

Cash Register. Used to record and process customer orders and payments. (eg: Square)
POS System. Tracks customer orders, inventory, and other data. (eg: Shopify)
Menu Boards. Displays food and beverage options available at the restaurant. (eg: Digital Menu Boards)
Order Pads. Used by servers to take orders from customers. (eg: Waitlist)
Barcode Scanners. Scans barcodes to quickly identify items. (eg: Honeywell)
Food Timers. Tracks meal preparation times for each order. (eg: Kitchen IQ)
Beverage Dispensers. Automatically dispense drinks from a menu selection. (eg: Perlick)
Inventory Management System. Tracks and monitors food and beverage inventory. (eg: Toast)
Table Management System. Helps waitstaff manage busy tables. (eg: OpenTable)
Customer Relationship Management System. Tracks customer data and interactions with staff. (eg: Zoho CRM)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Distributors Association
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Catering and Events
Specialty Coffee Association
United States Bartenders Guild
International Sommelier Guild
Bar & Beverage Professionals International
National Waitstaff Association
National League of Bartenders

We also have Dining Room Manager, Busboy, and Sommelier jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Table Service. A style of service in which waitstaff bring food and drinks to a customer's table.
Server. A person who works in the restaurant industry as a waiter or waitress.
Menu. A list of the food and beverages available for purchase in a restaurant.
Host/Hostess. A person who greets and seats guests in a restaurant.
Busser. A person who clears plates, sets tables, and assists waitstaff with other tasks.
Order Taking. The process of taking orders from customers.
Food Running. The process of delivering food from the kitchen to the customer's table.
Check Presentation. The process of presenting a customer's bill to them at the end of the meal.
Table Maintenance. The process of keeping tables clean and orderly during service.
Cashier. A person who collects payment from customers at the end of their meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical minimum wage for waitstaff?

The national minimum wage for waitstaff is currently $7.25 per hour.

Is waitstaff typically tipped?

Yes, waitstaff is typically tipped for good service, with tips usually ranging from 15-20% of the total bill.

What is the difference between a waiter and a waitress?

A waiter is a male server while a waitress is a female server. Both have the same duties of taking orders, serving food, and providing customer service.

What are the typical duties of waitstaff?

The duties of waitstaff include taking orders, serving food, setting tables, refilling drinks, cleaning up spills, and providing customer service.

How long does it take for waitstaff to become proficient in their job?

The amount of time it takes for waitstaff to become proficient varies from person to person. With proper training, most waitstaff can become proficient within two weeks.