Waiting staff can be employed in a wide range of establishments across the hospitality industry.
Whilst waiting at table may often be looked down upon, it takes a lot of skill to do the job properly and keep everyone happy all of the time. If you have ever tried to juggle four hot plates of food through a heavy set of kitchen doors, across a restaurant floor which is dotted with tables and people making their way to the bar or the toilets, and then not spilling the contents as you place them neatly on the table with the brightest of smiles you will know that it is not easy!
Duties are vast and varied and range from clearing and setting tables; greeting and seating customers; taking and serving food and drinks orders; understanding menus and ingredients; coordinating with other waiting staff and kitchen staff; preparing bills and collecting payments; being aware of relevant legislation and food safety/hygiene regulations.
Skills, Experience and Personality Needed
It will be no surprise to learn then that the following are important:
- High energy and stamina
- Great communication skills
- First class customer service skills
- A friendly but professional manner
Benefits and Considerations
- It is tremendously satisfying when customers enjoy their meal and the whole experience of eating out
- Time flies, because the variety of tasks and mix of customers means that the shift is never boring
- In addition to the wages, waiting staff can receive fantastic tips. Depending on the restaurant size, type and policy, staff may be able to increase their salary dramatically once tips are taken into account
- Evening and weekend working is the norm
- The basic wage can be low – but is increased by tips
- Can be stressful at times
