Waiting staff can be found in diners, restaurants, coffeehouses and bars that serve food. They are in charge of ensuring that consumers are entirely satisfied with their stay from the instant they turn up until they leave the place. Wait staff duties differ with the type of establishment. For example, in a fast-food diner, the wait staff has to make sure that the consumers get quick service, whereas, in a restaurant, they aspire to provide consumers with an unhurried and relaxing experience.
Required skills
Waiting staff jobs require good customer service skills. They should be able to work well with other people and should pay good attention to detail. They must possess active listening skills and clear memory. The wait staff should be capable of performing basic tasks on a hand-held device or a computer.
Getting things ready for customers
Prior to the arrival of the customers, the waiting staff will prepare tables to make sure that things are in place and in spotless condition. They wipe and arrange cutlery, lay out napkins and inspect whether the condiments are full. They also make sure that some tables are reserved for consumers who have made advance bookings. They have a chat about the menu with the kitchen staff and the manager to ensure that all delicacies are available and to learn about any new specials.
Greeting customers
Upon customer arrival, the events porter will welcome them and take them to available seats. If regular consumers have a preferred table, the staff will try to find ways to help serve their wishes. During busy times, waiting staff aspire to make the most of occupancy by seating consumers at the appropriate size table, keeping big tables for groups or families and seating individuals or couples at smaller tables.
Taking orders
Waiting staff offer customers menus and let them know about the specials available on that particular day. They might upsell by recommending popular appetizers. If consumers solicit information about sides or menu portions, the wait staff will present them with options. The waiting staff should memorize the menu and should be capable of answering questions like whether a food item includes gluten or peanuts.
The staff offer customers drinks as they pick their food and offer advice on wines that go with menu choices. They take the orders of the customers and pass them over to the kitchen staff. If some freshly cooked items necessitate a long cooking time, the staff will notify the customers of the expected time frame.
Delivering good customer service
As the food and drinks arrive, the events porter will take them to the respective tables and lay them out for the consumers. They make sure that the consumers have been given the precise items that they ordered in the first place and revisit their tables from time to time to check that they are pleased with the food. Following every course, the staff will clear the dishes and the plates prior to serving the subsequent course. They also offer to refill drinks during the meal.
Payment processing
At the closing stages of the meal, the waiting staff will enquire customers if they are pleased with their meal and offer an itemized check. They will explain service charges and take payment from the customer or explain to them where they should pay. When the customers leave, the remaining duties that the wait staff have to perform include clearing tables and setting them up for the subsequent batch of customers. They report tips obtained as well.
