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Waiter

Also known as Food and Beverage Attendant and Waitperson.

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

Waiters often work split shifts and in the evenings, and on 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.

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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

neat personal appearance
a high level of personal hygiene
good communication skills
good memory
polite and patient
friendly and efficient
enjoy working with people
able to work as part of a team
able to handle money
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

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) - specialises in serving wine and other beverages.

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

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.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a waiter without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a waiter through a traineeship in Hospitality.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

To sell, serve or supply liquor in a licensed venue in NSW or the ACT, you must have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. RSA courses are widely offered by TAFE institutes and Registered Training Organisations. Contact the NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming or the ACT Office of Regulatory Services for further details.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Waiters work in hotels, motels, restaurants, clubs, recreation and convention centres and other entertainment venues. Most waiters are employed in cities, although many work in larger country centres where there are tourist resorts.

Waiters who have undertaken appropriate training or who have suitable experience are highly regarded by employers. A trainee may commence as a commis waiter. Skilled waiters may be promoted to maitre d', restaurant manager and food and beverage manager positions.

As turnover is high in this occupation there is usually a steady demand for replacement staff.