Waitress Job Description Sample & Template

Waitress taking a costumer order.

What skills and qualifications do Waitresses need?

Table of Contents

  1. Future Job Prospects for Waitresses
  2. Waitress Salary and Benefits
  3. Education and Training Requirements
  4. Waitress Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for Waitresses

  • A Waitress is your server in a restaurant. They ensure you’re fed properly and make sure you have a positive dining experience.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles are expected to grow at a 3% rate annually, which is slower than most jobs in the U.S.
  • A Waitress typically works in a restaurant, cafe, or other establishment where food is served.

2. Waitress Salary and Benefits

  • According to the BLS, the average annual wage for a Waitress is $19,990 annually.
  • Most roles are hourly with the average rate of $9.61 along with tips from diners.

3. Education and Training Requirements

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
Tip
As a waitress, you will be standing on your feet for the majority of your shifts. As such, it is advisable to invest in good quality insoles to prevent your feet from being painful, which may have an impact on your job performance.

4. Waitress Job Description Sample

Download This Job Description Template

We are seeking a Waitress for our family-run pasta house. You will possess a warm, professional demeanor with exceptional conversational and organizational skills. In this role you will greet our patrons as they’re seated and take drink and dinner orders. You will share our delicious menu specials while answering any questions while always maintaining your smile and welcoming attitude.

You will work with the hostess and wait staff to ensure each guest is treated to the perfect dinner in a family environment with the comforts of home — but none of the clean up. You will always remember to thank the customers for their patronage, and encourage them to return.

You will communicate effectively with servers, bussers, and guests to ensure tables are promptly cleaned, reset, and filled with new patrons. You are responsible for an impeccable dining experience. Working with the head chef, you will actively upsell our delicious desserts or any menu items he wants to promote.

You will have solid organizational skills and use common sense when accommodating customer requests. You will have an appropriate sense of humor and greet everyone respectfully and warmly at all times. The Waitress will also be responsible for stocking basic table items, sugar, salt, and other condiments.

You will spend long hours standing and walking; this is an active role in our busy restaurant. You must be able to lift 5-10 lb. trays, and be able to balance them while safely navigating past patrons.

You will be impeccably groomed and always pleasant and willing to help guests, servers or staff. As necessary, you will assist in table prep when the restaurant servers are exceptionally busy. Your primary job is to make sure that the customers are happy and return frequently. Smile, make eye contact, and be pleasant when engaging with customers.

Prior experience is preferred in this role but we are also willing to train the right person.

Responsibilities

  • Greeting guests, offering menus, sharing daily specials, and taking customer orders.
  • Answering menu questions.
  • Carry food and drinks on flat trays.
  • Accurately take orders and relay them to kitchen staff.
  • Engaging in small talk with patrons to make them feel comfortable.
  • Preparing checks and cashing out orders.
  • Stocking table items such as salt and pepper.
  • General duties as needed which could include everything from mopping a spill or other spot cleaning, to clearing and setting a table.

Required Skills

Educational

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.

Technical

  • Excellent communicator, warm and enthusiastic.
  • Able to walk freely and stand for long periods without discomfort.
  • Able to lift heavy trays and balance solids, liquids, and breakable glassware.
  • Knowledge of basic math including how to make change.
  • Completely comfortable with the restaurant menu and business policies.

Communication/Organizational

  • Excellent customer service skills with a calm, professional demeanor.
  • Active listener with decent handwriting.
  • Able to move quickly and prioritize conflicting customer requests.
  • Ability to multitask and handle the smells, sounds, and stresses that come with a fast paced restaurant environment.
  • Detail oriented and focused.
  • Responsible and efficient.

Benefits

  • Hourly shifts and includes a percentage of tips at the end of or throughout shifts.

How to Apply

  • Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.