Looking to explore the world of hospitality and catering? There are plenty of Waiter or Waitressing opportunities available across the UK. Whether you’re looking for your first job or have a history of delivering excellent service, Waiter and Waitressing work might be for you. Here, we will explore what you can expect from this role, what to have on your CV, and how to find work near you.
What is a Waiter/Waitress?
A Waiter or Waitress, also known as Waiting Staff or Server, is someone employed within the hospitality and catering sectors to deliver exceptional customer service within bars and restaurants. Your primary job role will be to deliver food and drink, take orders, great and seat guests, and handle payments. As part of the Wait Staff, you will also be required to maintain the cleanliness of tables and the bar area, depending on your station.
This role can have unconventional working times including late evening and weekends. This is perfect for students looking for part-time work alongside their studies or anyone who enjoys the fast-paced environment and customer service elements. This role can include long shifts on your feet, making it better for people with physical stamina who enjoy being constantly on the move. Waiter and Waitress jobs are available from entry-level, making them perfect for anyone looking to start a new career, explore more working options, or looking for flexible work around prior commitments such as studies or family.
As part of your role, you will be expected to manage customers, provide exceptional customer service, handle hot and cold food and drinks, as well as process payments. Strong communication is necessary for dealing with customers and placing orders with bar staff or chefs. Basic mathematic skills are also necessary for your day-to-day.
How to Become a Waiter or Waitress?
You can become a Waiter or Waitress without any prior work experience or qualifications. This role offers entry-level positions, making it perfect for anyone looking to start a career in hospitality and catering or gain experience and skills in a fast-paced work environment. To land a Waiter or Waitress role, you should aim to develop skills including customer service, communication, and adaptability.
What to Put on a Waiter/Waitress CV
When applying for a role in waiting, you’ll want a specific CV that highlights any relevant experience or transferable skills needed to excel. Some skills you should consider highlighting include customer service, communication, attention to detail, and flexibility. These skills are necessary for your day-to-day as a Waiter/Waitress and can be demonstrated through other work experience or volunteer opportunities.
Similar Jobs to Waiter and Waitress
Looking to expand your career portfolio, find a new job, or looking for another way into work, then there are plenty of roles similar to Waiter/Waitress. Roles such as Bartender, Barista, and other customer service roles use your developed people skills to provide exceptional experiences.
Other Jobs in Catering
Whether you’re looking for your next step up or a career change, the hospitality and catering sector offer many entry-level and senior roles that develop on the skills of a Waiter/Waitress. Some other roles available in this sector include Chef, Host/Hostess, Cleaner, Kitchen Staff, Bartender, Barista, and Food Runner. Each of there roles require an understanding for the running of the kitchen and caring for customers. Other roles that you might want to consider also include Cashier, Salesperson, and Retail Assistant if you’re looking to explore other customer service options.
Apply for Wait Staff Jobs Near You
Looking for entry-level work or your next career step? The hospitality and catering industry provide plenty of opportunities across the UK, making finding a Waiter/Waitress job near you easier. Whether you’ve got prior experience or looking to find a shift that fits around your prior commitments, there are waiting staff roles near you.
Waiter/Waitress Job Description FAQ
Is a Waiter/Waitress a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Waiter/Waitress job is a good choice for most people looking to start their career or work in hospitality and catering. If you’ve got good customer service skills, a passion for providing exceptional service, and enjoy a fast-paced environment with shifts that can fit around your lifestyle, then this is a good career choice for you.
What Skills Does a Waiter/Waitress Need?
You don’t need any specific qualifications or degrees to be a Waiter or Waitress, but some skills that can help include:
- Customer service
- Time management
- Organisation and cleanliness
- Physical stamina
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Waiter/Waitress?
The biggest challenges you will face as a Waiter or a Waitress could be long shifts. Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to work on your feet for hours at a time, which can be tiring for some people. Unconventional working hours, such as evenings and weekends, might not suit some people so it is worth finding a role that works around your other commitments.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Waiter/Waitress?
Some persona qualities that can help you excel as a Waiter or Waitress include:
- Patience
- Self-driven but work well within a team
- Physical stamina for long shift times
- Flexibility and adaptability
- A people person with good communication skills
