Waiters work where food is served, for example, in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and steakhouses.
They present menus to customers and might suggest or recommend certain items, along with providing information about dishes. They take customers’ food and beverage orders and serve what had been ordered. They need to make sure that customers are satisfied and that they have everything they need. After a meal, they issue charge slips and take payment, remove dirty dishes and set and clean tables.
Waiters are also required to keep the service area well stocked with the necessary items and, in some instances, may even help with some phases of food preparation.
Satisfying Aspects
- getting tips from customers
- working with people
- being able to get a job with little education
- being supplied with uniforms and free meals
Demanding aspects
- being on your feet for many hours
- limited promotional prospects
- lifting heavy trays
- dealing with difficult or over-demanding customers
- waiting on large tables or a number of tables at the same time
- irregular and sometimes very long working hours
Requirements
A waiter should:
- be able to work well under pressure;
- be patient, diplomatic and even-tempered;
- enjoy working with the public;
- present a pleasant and neat appearance;
- be able to lift and carry heavy trays;
- be able to be on his feet for several hours;
- be able to perform duties quickly and accurately.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Languages, Coonsumer Studies, Hospitality Studies
Training
The waiter learns the occupation through on-the-job training.
Short courses are offered by the Hospitality Industries' Training Board, at most FET Colleges.
Employer
- Restaurants and cafeterias
- Steakhouses
- Hotel and motel dining rooms
- Private clubs
- Other establishments that serve food
Contact
Any of the above-mentioned, potential employers