What does a Waiter do?

Waiters make drinks, clean tables, prepare seating for new customers, keep track of inventory, let management know when to order supplies, and have conversations with customers. They get to know regular visitors and their orders, and they offer suggestions when people aren’t sure about what they will choose. Waiters also restock supplies, serve customers quickly, and help the businesses run smoothly. They often operate coffeemakers, ice cream dispensers, blenders, cash registers, and other equipment. Waiters can work full-time or part-time, and more experienced employees sometimes train new hires.

Waiter skills and qualifications

Successful Waiters usually have friendly personalities, and can get along well with many different types of people. They are polite and professional while serving customers and encouraging them to try out the newest selections in the establishment’s food or drinks menu. Waiters are often standing for long periods of time and doing physical work like cleaning floors and moving boxes. They also often carry hot or cold plates, or large trays with food and drinks to customers. Many establishments require uniforms, specific dress codes, or name tags for Waiters. Some top skills and qualifications for Waiters include:

• Outstanding customer service skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• An understanding of basic math
• Knowledge of food safety and its proper handling to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria
• Familiarity with local food safety regulations
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Waiter experience requirements

Most Waiter jobs do not require experience, but candidates must be familiar with basic tasks such as washing dishes and cleaning tables. Though it is not uncommon for positions to state a preference for people with experience as a Waiter or Waitress, Server, Host or Hostess, Cashier, or Crew Member.

Waiter education and training requirements

Most Waiter jobs require at least some secondary school along with on-the-job training and food safety certification. Waiters must be familiar with the ingredients in menu items and how they’re prepared. Positions at gourmet restaurants sometimes require completion of a one- or two-year apprenticeship program and a certification. A candidate having a provincial certification (e.g. Smart Serve, ProServe, ServeIt Right Saskatchewan) to serve alcoholic beverages to customers may have an advantage applying for this position, though most Waiters can attain this certification after being hired.

Waiter salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Waiter in Canada is $13.95 per hour. Individual pay levels vary depending on experience, education and skill levels, the company, and the location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Waiter isn’t exactly what your business is looking for, here are some similar job description samples that could satisfy your needs:

• Busboy
• Barista