Waiter Waitress

Retail & Hospitality

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Bar Attendant/Bartender
Beverage Cart Attendant
Ship's Catering Attendant

 

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Service or PersuadingPractical or MechanicalSkill Level 1Skill Level 2

 

Waiters or Waitress serve food and drinks to guests in cafes, hotels, restaurants, clubs and similar establishments. They also prepare tables, take orders, clear tables, calculate bills and take payments. Future Growth Very Strong Waiters are required to provide a high standard of service to customers as they are frequently the face of the business.

Different establishments require difference levels of service, so some waiters may provide professional silver service at black tie events, while others may need to be more friendly and outgoing at relaxed cafes.

ANZSCO ID & Description: 4315: Serves food and beverages in a hotel, restaurant, club or dining establishment.

Alternative names: Food and Beverage Attendant
, Wait Staff

Specialisations:Fixing glasses at table

  • 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.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A waiter/waitress needs:

  • good personal presentation skills
  • to be friendly, polite and helpful
  • to be patient and diplomatic when dealing with complaints
  • flexibility and reliability, with a willingness to work weekends and evenings
  • stamina and efficiency
  • good memory
  • excellent communication skills
  • over 18 years of age to serve alcohol
  • able to work as part of a team
  • 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

Duties and Tasks

Waiters/waitresses may perform the following tasks:Waiter showing wine

  • 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.



Working conditions

Waiters and waitresses work in front of house areas of dining establishments, frequently indoors but sometimes outdoors at alfresco restaurants, cafes or events. They spend most of their time on their feet, and are frequently required to respond quickly in noisy and demanding environments. There is a great deal of contact with the public and the job can be stressful due to the fast pace and demanding customers. Waiters/waitresses 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.

Tools and technologies

Waiters/waitresses use pens and paper or digital devices and computer systems to take orders and bookings. They also use equipment to serve food, such as trays, trolleys, bottle openers and serving cutlery. Often they use cleaning equipment to clear tables and clean floors and other surfaces. They must be very aware of their public presentation and may be required to wear uniforms or make-up.
 
Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a waiter/waitress without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in hospitality.

The Certificate III in Hospitality is offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a traineeship in hospitality – food and beverage. The traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete.

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