Waiter

Summary

Waiters serve food and drinks to guests in hotels, restaurants, clubs and similar establishments.

Duties & Tasks

Waiters may perform the following tasks:

• take restaurant reservations
• set tables with clean linen or place mats, cutlery, crockery and glasses
• welcome and seat customers and hand menus to them
• talk to guests about the menu and drinks and recommend combinations
• in some cases promote local produce and attractions to visitors from interstate and overseas
• take customers' orders and pass them to kitchen staff or bar attendants
• serve food and drinks
• carve meat
• make up bills and present them to customers
• handle money or credit cards
• clear tables and return dishes and cutlery to kitchens.

Specialisations

Commis Waiter

A commis waiter assists more experienced waiters in clearing and setting tables and transferring food from the kitchen or serving station to customers at tables.

Drinks Waiter and Wine Steward (Sommelier)

A drinks waiter and wine steward (sommelier) specialises in serving wine and other beverages.

Maitre d'

A maitre d' is an experienced waiter that supervises the work of other waiters and assists in the administration of the restaurant.

Silver Service Waiter

A silver service waiter generally a more experienced waiter who specialises in serving food, using a fork and spoon, from platters directly to the guests' plates at the table.

Working Conditions

Waiters often work split shifts and in the evenings, weekends and public holidays. They spend long periods on their feet and may have to deal with difficult customers. Uniforms may be supplied by employers.

Personal Requirements

• well presented
• good communication skills
• good memory
• polite and patient
• friendly, efficient and speedy
• enjoy working with people
• able to work as part of a team
• able to handle money
• stamina.

Related Careers

• Bar Attendant
• Flight Attendant
• Kitchenhand
• Ship's Catering Attendant