Did you know that 20% of college students work in the food and beverage industry? Serving and barista jobs are popular choices for college students and everyone who wishes to start working immediately without having to go through long and excessive training.
Furthermore, this role is great because it allows for career development. In just a year or two, you may become the maître d’or and reach managerial level.
In this blog, we are going to talk about the role of a waitress, focusing on their job description and necessary skills, as well as what a typical day in waitressing looks like.
Job Description of a Waitress
A waitress job description usually encompasses the following tasks:
- Greet and escort guests to their tables
- Present the menu and the wine list to the guests, as well as provide detailed information when asked (for instance, about portions, ingredients, or potential food allergies)
- Offer food and beverage suggestions upon request
- Have awareness of allergy information on the menu
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware, and glasses before the guests are seated
- Clean up the tables regularly
- Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area
- Inform guests about the day’s specials including the meal details
- Upsell additional items on the menu when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drink orders by memorization, using order slips or using POS ordering software
- Check guests’ IDs to ensure they meet the minimum age requirements for alcohol consumption
- Communicate order details to the kitchen staff
- Serve food and drink orders in a professional manner
- Deliver checks and collect bill payments
- Carry dirty plates, glasses, and silverware to kitchen for cleaning
- Meet with kitchen staff to review daily specials and changes to the menu
- Taking reservations
- Follow all relevant health department regulations
- Provide excellent customer service to guests
Of course, the overall list may look a little different depending on the size and structure of the restaurant. For instance, waitresses working in smaller restaurants or café may also need to take care of the dirty dishes.
Requirements and Skills for Waitressing Jobs
Here’s a list of the most common requirements found in the job posts:
- Minimum age requirements (required in some states for serving alcohol)
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time and be quick on their feet
- Previous work experience (not always a requirement, many places provide on-site training to their beginner employees)
- Hands-on experience with cash register and ordering information system (again, not always needed as the training is frequently provided)
- Basic math skills essential to return change accurately
- Attentiveness, patience, and effective communication skills
- Ability to present the menu items in an appealing way
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Ability to perform highly in a fast-paced environment
- Time management skills
- Flexibility to work in shifts
- High school diploma
What does a typical work day of for a waitress look like?
The day usually starts with preparation before opening hours. This includes setting up tables, checking the cleanliness of the dining area, and ensuring that all utensils and condiments are in place. Waitresses often coordinate with the kitchen staff to be informed about the day’s specials and any changes to the menu.
Once the restaurant opens, the primary focus shifts to customer service. Waitresses greet and seat guests, present menus, and take orders. It is crucial to accurately relay these orders to the kitchen and manage timing to ensure that food is served promptly. Waitresses also need to be attentive to the needs of their customers, refilling drinks, addressing any dietary restrictions or special requests, and checking in to ensure satisfaction with the meal and overall service.
During busy hours, such as lunch and dinner times, waitresses must juggle multiple tables simultaneously, maintaining a balance between efficiency and a friendly demeanor. They must also handle any issues or complaints swiftly and professionally to maintain a positive dining experience.
At the end of the shift, waitresses participate in closing duties, which often include cleaning tables, restocking supplies, and preparing the dining area for the next day. They may also need to complete any side work assigned by the manager, such as folding napkins or polishing silverware.
To Sum Up
Overall, a waitress’s workday is fast-paced and requires a blend of customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail. Despite the challenges, it can be a rewarding job for those who enjoy interacting with people and thrive in a busy environment.
