


Bar
Attendant/Bartender
Beverage Cart
Attendant
Ship's
Catering Attendant
Related Jobs or Working
with these Jobs
   
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.
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:
-
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:
- 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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