Waiter / Waitress Job Description
Waiter / Waitress Job Overview
Similar Job Titles
🔹Waiter / Waitress
🔹 Server
🔹 Dining Room Attendant
Main Missions
The Waiter/Waitress plays a crucial role in ensuring a pleasant dining experience for guests by delivering high-quality service, taking accurate orders, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. This position supports the restaurant's mission of providing exceptional hospitality and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsabilities
Tools
- Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing orders and payments (e.g., Toast, Square, Clover).
- Order Notepad: For taking and organizing guest orders (e.g., Refillable Notepad, Digital Tablet).
- Tray: For carrying multiple food and drink items (e.g., Stainless Steel Tray, Non-Slip Tray).
- Uniform: Required for maintaining a professional appearance (e.g., Apron, Name Tag).
Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
- Multitasking
Key vocabulary
- Menu: A list of food and drink items available for order.
- POS System: Point of Sale system used for processing transactions.
- Tip: A gratuity given to service staff for their service.
- Reservation: An arrangement to secure a table for dining at a specific time.
- Allergy: A condition that requires guests to avoid certain foods.
Career path
A Waiter/Waitress can progress to roles such as Head Waiter, Restaurant Supervisor, or Restaurant Manager.
Salary
The typical salary for a Waiter/Waitress in the USA ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 annually, with tips contributing significantly to total earnings.
Benefits
Common benefits include flexible schedules, meal discounts, and potential for tips.
Waiter / Waitress Job Description
Job Title
Waiter / Waitress
To help you :
✅ A clear, concise sentence to describe the role
✅ The job title must be clear and reflect the role, as it's the first thing candidates see
✅ Needs to match with the keywords candidates search for on job boards and search engines.
🚫 Avoid company-specific titles.
Company Description
This section is specific to your business activity - we cannot provide you with a ready-to-use template.
To help you, here are the elements that must be included:
✅ Your mission
✅ The products and/or services that support this mission
✅ The type and number of customers you serve
✅ Your mid- and long-term goals, with concrete figures
✅ Any other ambitious projects (geographic expansion, new verticals, etc.)
💡 Bonus: Add engaging content like photos, videos, CEO podcasts, or anything else that showcases your vision and ambitions.
Job Brief
As a Waiter/Waitress, you will be the face of our restaurant, ensuring guests have an exceptional dining experience. You will be responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.
To complete this section, here are the essential elements that must be included :
✅ A clear and concise sentence describing the role
✅ Its position in the organizational chart
✅ The scope of responsibility including (if applicable) the size of the team to be managed
✅ One or two specific, long-term objectives for the position
Key Responsabilities
- Greet and seat guests with a friendly demeanor.
- Take and relay accurate food and drink orders to the kitchen staff.
- Serve food and beverages to guests efficiently.
- Address guest inquiries and concerns promptly.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of dining areas.
- Handle payments and cash transactions accurately.
- Collaborate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure seamless service.
- Follow all health and safety regulations.
Skills & Qualifications
🎓 High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
💪 Previous experience in a similar role is preferred but not required.
🎯 Main Hard Skills
- Order Taking
- Cash Handling
- POS System Operation
- Food Safety Knowledge
- Time Management
🙂 Main Soft Skills
- Communication
- Customer Service
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
Conditions & Benefits
This section is specific to your company - we cannot provide you with a ready-to-use template.
To help you, here are the elements that can be included:
✅ Employment type: Full-time, part-time, freelance, contract, etc.
✅ Location: City + any location-specific benefits
✅ Work schedule: Remote, in-office, or hybrid (ideally with details on the expected balance)
✅ Salary: You can choose to provide a range or leave it unspecified.
✅ Benefits: Outline what you offer in terms of healthcare, wellness programs, parental leave, transportation stipends, and more.
💡 Tip: Work conditions are one of the most important factors for candidates when considering a job. Transparency and honesty go a long way.
Interview Process
This section is specific to your company - we cannot provide you with a ready-to-use template.
To help you, here is a typical process:
1️⃣ Initial phone screening with (Recruiter’s Name), our (Recruiter’s Title) - 30 min
2️⃣ Interview with (Hiring Manager’s Name “HM”), our (HM’s Role) - 45 min
3️⃣ Case study with (HM’s Name), our (HM’s Role) - 1 hour in person
4️⃣ Cultural fit interview with (HM’s Manager’s Name), our (Manager’s Role) - 30 min in person
5️⃣ Team meeting with (HM’s Team Name) – in person
6️⃣ Reference checks
FAQ
🔹What are the key duties of a Waiter/Waitress ?
Key duties include greeting and seating guests, taking and serving orders, and ensuring guest satisfaction.
🔹How does a Waiter/Waitress collaborate with other teams ?
They work closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and promptly.
🔹What essential skills are required for this role ?
Essential skills include customer service, communication, attention to detail, and teamwork.
🔹What is the typical career progression for a Waiter/Waitress ?
Career progression can lead to roles such as Head Waiter, Restaurant Supervisor, or Restaurant Manager.
🔹What are the common benefits offered for this role ?
Common benefits include meal discounts, flexible schedules, and in some cases, health insurance.