Growth Trends for Related Jobs

Job Responsibilities of a Waitress

careertrend article image
careertrend

Successful waitresses demonstrate skills such as patience, solid communication and multitasking. Though training provides waitresses with the tools and knowledge needed to handle the rigors and demands of the position, a natural ability to interact with a wide range of personalities is useful. A waitress who properly fulfils her job responsibilities gives consistent customer service.

Customer Service

careertrend article image
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Restaurants employ waitresses to serve and assist guests. A waitress ensures that customers have a pleasant and welcoming experience. Once a customer is seated, a waitress welcomes them and apprises them of specials and promotions. Waitresses take customer orders and ensure they are reported correctly to the kitchen. Waitresses deliver prepared food to the table and verify the order arrives complete and accurate. In addition to order and food-related duties, a waitress provides the customer with his bill, may collect payment, resolves complaints and extends a thank you on behalf of the restaurant for the visit.

Training and Operations

careertrend article image
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Restaurants depend on waitresses to arrive on time. Waitresses participate in required training to ensure they demonstrate current knowledge regarding menu offerings and restaurant policies. Depending on the restaurant's operating procedures, waitresses enter orders into a point-of-sale computer system or hand-deliver them to the kitchen in a timely, efficient manner. Waitresses assist other employees, including bartenders and hostesses, when appropriate, and strive for excellent customer service.

Additional Duties

careertrend article image
Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

A waitress also performs duties that ensure a clean, safe environment for customers and fellow employees. Waitresses notify appropriate personnel when spills occur or when equipment needs repair. At the end of their shifts, waitresses ensure table condiments and supplies are stocked. This includes napkins, sauces and sugar packets. Before leaving, waitresses complete a final sweep of their sections to ensure the floor, tables and chairs are clean and placed appropriately.

Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers salary

  • Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $100,910 ($48.51/hour)
  • Median Annual Salary: $60,590 ($29.13/hour)
  • Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $36,630 ($17.61/hour)
References
Writer

Nicole Long is a freelance writer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With experience in management and customer service, business is a primary focus of her writing. Long also has education and experience in the fields of sports medicine, first aid and coaching. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Cincinnati.

Photo Credits

careertrend