According to the waitress job description, an individual occupying this position performs several tasks from greeting and taking the customers’ orders to cleaning tables, serving beverages and food. Other responsibilities depend on the requirements of the employer. A waitress can work in many locations from pubs, restaurants, hotels, clubs, bars and other establishments be they private or not.

This is a tier-one job position, and this means that a waitress will have a lot of responsibilities to handle. Most restaurants have their own rules, and a waitress has to be adaptable to changes. They must have problem-solving skills in order to quickly assess a situation, identify a client’s requests or complaints and solve everything in a timely fashion, meeting both the restaurant’s policies and the client’s requests.

What Does a Waitress Do?

A waitress’ job is very important as it represents the restaurant’s image. A waitress also has to make sure that clients come back again if the services are flawless. Furthermore, she must respect the proper etiquette of her said job and follow the service standards. Waitresses have to be able to work in a stressful environment. They sometimes have to handle difficult situations and find solutions for different events or clients’ requests.
Waitress Job Description

Extroverted, sociable persons fit this job better because their communication skills are very well-developed, making things easier for them to handle a job as a server. An extroverted person will easily smile and eagerly chat with the clients and suggest them different things on the menu, also boosting sales for the restaurant or private establishment they are working for.

According to the waitress job description, this occupation is often demanding and stressful because there are many hours of work while standing.

Waitress Job Description for Resume – Responsibilities

  • Greets and seats guests;
  • Processes the clients’ orders;
  • Serves drinks, appetizers, meals;
  • Cleans tables immediately after the clients have left;
  • Keeps checking on clients, making sure they are happy with the services, and food;
  • Helps the busboy;
  • Side work (such as folding napkins, rolling silverware, restocking, cleaning, replenishing beverage stations).

Waitress Essential Skills

  • Skills of reading body language to establish when the clients want their order to be taken;
  • High developed communication skills;
  • Looking presentable at all times;
  • Knowing the menu by heart;
  • Time management skills;
  • Anticipate the clients’ requests (napkins, water on a hot day, the spice rack);
  • Keeping calm when faced with difficult situations;
  • Endurance (waitresses spend a lot of time on their feet);
  • Team-oriented;
  • Ability to lift heavy things from the ground;
  • Math skills required (basic level);
  • Outgoing personality.

How to Become a Waitress

The waitress job description mentions what activities and tasks are performed on a daily basis as a waitress (also called a server). One becomes a waitress after they fulfill the restaurant’s training period. A waitress can be promoted as a hostess or as part of the management staff if she proves her abilities and meets the employer’s requirements. Showing willingness to work extra shifts, taking the initiative and having a pleasant personality often make a good impression.

Education & Training Requirements

There are many restaurants that require only a high school education. However, if you aim for a higher position (like that of a hostess or of a member of the managerial staff) a college degree can really make a difference.

The training period helps a waitress to be accustomed to the way in which things are handled in a particular restaurant, to learn everything that is on the menu and any other job-related responsibilities and duties. A waitress will also learn about different types of beverages and how each meal on the menu is cooked and what ingredients are used (in case persons that have food allergies ask more information about certain ingredients).

Most restaurants, pubs, and clubs use computer systems in order to track tables and orders. A waitress should also have basic computer skills but the training period will cover all of these issues. The training period also covers learning different communication approaches, soft skills and subtle ways of upselling different items that are on the menu.

Work Experience

Since the waitress position is considered to be an entry-level position, the competition is tight so applying with a strong resume for this job will definitely make you one of the employer’s top choices. Sometimes, a resume is the only way to impress an employer. You should also carefully review the waitress job description in order to improve your odds.

Work Schedules

According to the website Chron, a waitress job requires working in shifts, from daybreak in the case of morning shifts to swing shifts. A waitress can also work split-shifts, meaning that two four-hour shift must be completed back to back.

Career Prospects

Many waitresses end up getting a leading job thanks to their work experience and the good impression they made throughout their career. Some waitresses may end up being a regional or general manager of a big restaurant chain, even if they started out as a server.

Dedication is everything in this work field.  For some important positions such as lead hostess, house or regional or general manager, some establishments require a degree in hospitality management.

On average, waitresses make around $7.14 an hour. But tips make up most of the waitresses’ pay. But the average pay differs greatly from restaurant to restaurant, from one country to another and on and so forth. Some upscale restaurants have more demanding policies, but they pay a very satisfactory salary. Some jobs also offer different benefits and employee discounts on meals and other work related products.

Conclusion

Overall, a waitress job entails many responsibilities even as an entry-level position. An outgoing personality and attention to the customer’s needs can quickly be rewarded with bonuses and promotions. Working in shifts is also a benefit for those who wish to organize their work according to their needs. Another job in the retail industry that you might want to consider is that of a barista.