What does a Waitress do?
When a customer walks into a restaurant, the Waitress will introduce them to the menu and the occasional specials. The Waitress will clarify any questions relating to the menu, take the customers’ orders and pass them to the kitchen staff for preparation. At times they prepare drinks and serve them to customers by themselves.
Depending on the restaurant, Waitresses can clean tables after customers and set them ready for the next customers. They are often required to work in shifts with random changes during the weekends and holidays. Their ultimate duty is to provide an excellent dining experience for customers.
Waitress skills and qualifications
Waitresses often need to have great physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work under constant pressure in order to cope with the nature of the work. Look for people who are well-mannered and show good customer service skills. A successful Waitress candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Great physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work fast under constant pressure
- Attention to detail and the ability to multitask
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Great customer service skills
- Must be able to handle cash transactions responsibly
- General maths skills
- Ability to maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation
- Must be of legal age and familiar with alcohol restrictions and laws
Waitress experience requirements
Previous experience in working as a food server in a restaurant, conference centre operation or hotel is incredibly relevant for all Waitress positions. They should also have proven experience working with a cash register or ordering information systems. Those with customer service and customer-oriented businesses are also good options.
Waitress education and training requirements
There are no minimum education requirements to become a Waitress. Students with minimum GCSEs in maths and English, or diplomas from higher education institutions high school diploma with previous working experience as food servers can be a great fit. Depending on the type of restaurant, they maybe required to have licenses and certifications from relevant local health departments and alcoholic beverage commission institutes. Those with additional training in food safety are also preferable.
Waitress salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Waitress is £9.23 per hour. However, this will often differ based on factors like experience, education, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
Here are similar job description templates that relate to Waitressing:
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