Puck

The work

Waiting staff serve customers by taking orders, serving food and preparing tables. An important part of the work is to make customers feel welcome and comfortable during their meal.

As a waiter or waitress, your main duties would include:

• greeting customers as they arrive and showing them to their table
• giving out menus and taking orders for food and drink
• serving food and drinks
• dealing with bill payments
• making sure tables are clean and tidy

In formal restaurants your work may include silver service (providing the main part of the dish separately to the vegetables or accompaniments). You would usually work in a team under the supervision of a head waiter or waitress, known as the 'maitre d’.

In some restaurants you would be responsible for a specific area of tables. You may give advice to diners on menu choice, as well as serve them food.

You could also specialize in work as a wine waiter or waitress, for example in a fine dining restaurant. You may be known as a 'sommelier' and act as an expert in wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Hours

You are likely to work shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Restaurants and kitchens can be hot, humid, noisy and busy at key meal times. You will need a smart appearance and you would usually be provided with a uniform.

Income

Full-time salaries for waiting staff can be around £12,000 to £16,000 a year. With experience and extra responsibilities it is possible to earn between £17,000 and £20,000.

Many waiters and waitresses are paid by the hour. Income may be increased by tips.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Skills, interests and qualities

To become a member of the waiting staff you should have:

• excellent customer service skills
• an interest in food and drink
• high standards of personal hygiene
• the ability to remain calm under pressure
• an awareness of health and safety issues
• the ability to memorise orders
• good numeracy skills for dealing with bills and payments
• the ability to work on your own and as part of a team