Tasks:

1. Check patrons' identification in order to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. Collect payments from customers.
3. Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
4. Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
5. Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.
6. Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
7. Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.
8. Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
9. Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.

Key skills for waiter/waitress:

• Good personal presentation skills
• To be friendly, polite and helpful
• To be patient and diplomatic when dealing with complaints
• Flexibility and reliability, with a willingness to work weekends and evenings
• Stamina and efficiency
• Good memory
• Excellent communication skills
• Over 18 years of age to serve alcohol
• Able to work as part of a team

Average salary (2013):

Qualifications and training required: