What personality traits should I seek in a Waiter/Waitress job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Waiter Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a contemporary casual dining restaurant serving 140 covers daily with emphasis on fresh, seasonal cuisine and exceptional guest experiences. Our waiters are the heart of our service delivery, creating memorable dining moments through professional hospitality, detailed menu knowledge, and seamless coordination with our kitchen brigade. The atmosphere balances relaxed comfort with attentive service, welcoming diverse guests from intimate date nights to family celebrations and business meetings. Our service philosophy centers on genuine warmth, efficiency, and anticipating guest needs while maintaining the energy and precision required during busy service periods.
• Welcome guests warmly and guide them to tables, ensuring comfortable seating and immediate attention to their needs • Take comprehensive food and beverage orders with attention to dietary requirements, allergies, and special requests • Provide expert menu recommendations based on guest preferences, including wine pairings and chef specialties • Deliver food and beverages promptly while verifying order accuracy and presentation standards • Maintain ongoing guest satisfaction through table visits, refills, and proactive service throughout the meal • Process payments efficiently using our POS system, handling cash, cards, and split bills with accuracy • Coordinate with kitchen and bar teams on timing, special preparations, and service flow optimization • Maintain immaculate table setup, cleanliness, and proper mise en place between services • Handle guest feedback professionally, resolving concerns and escalating complex issues to management • Support team efficiency during peak periods through section coordination and mutual assistance • Complete opening duties including dining room setup, equipment checks, and service preparation • Execute closing responsibilities including cleaning, cash reconciliation, and preparation for following service
Essential Skills: Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities with natural hospitality instincts; exceptional multitasking capability in fast-paced service environments; strong attention to detail for order accuracy and guest preferences; professional presentation and grooming standards; physical stamina for extended periods of standing, walking, and carrying service items; basic mathematics skills for payment processing and bill calculations; team collaboration skills for coordinating with kitchen, bar, and management. Preferred Qualifications: Previous restaurant or hospitality service experience demonstrating guest relations expertise; familiarity with POS systems and payment processing technology; wine and beverage knowledge including basic pairing principles; food safety and hygiene certification; additional language skills for diverse guest demographics; experience with dietary restrictions and allergen protocols; knowledge of fine dining service techniques and etiquette.
We're looking for both experienced hospitality professionals and enthusiastic newcomers who are excited to build their service careers. While previous restaurant experience is great to have, we care more about your attitude, work ethic, and genuine passion for hospitality than years on your CV. We'll provide comprehensive training covering our service standards, menu knowledge, wine program, POS systems, and how to create amazing guest experiences. New team members will work alongside experienced waiters during their first week, gradually taking on full responsibilities with plenty of support. We believe in helping people grow and offer real opportunities for career progression within our restaurant group.
We're looking for someone who genuinely loves creating great experiences for guests and enjoys working as part of a close-knit team. You should be naturally warm and authentic, able to stay calm and positive even when things get busy or challenging. We value people who take pride in what they do, are reliable and punctual, and want to contribute to our supportive workplace culture. The right person will be flexible and adaptable, pay attention to the little details that matter to guests, and be keen to keep learning and improving. Being able to think on your feet and handle pressure with a smile is really important in our fast-paced restaurant environment.
Competitive hourly rate of £11.00-£13.50 based on experience, plus share of service charges and gratuities (typically £40-70 per shift depending on service period). Comprehensive benefits package includes: nutritious staff meals during all shifts; 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance where operationally feasible. Ongoing professional development including wine education and service technique training; clear progression pathways to senior waiter, section leader, and supervisory roles; supportive team environment with regular social events and recognition programs. Health and wellness initiatives including employee assistance programs; staff discounts at our restaurant group properties.

When writing a job description for a waiter or waitress, focus on personality traits that align with your restaurant's service style and team dynamics. Traits like being efficient, calm under pressure, and having a friendly demeanor are often crucial. These characteristics help ensure the staff can handle the demands of the job and interact positively with customers.

Common misunderstanding: Any friendly person can be a good waiter/waitress.

While friendliness is important, it's not the only trait needed. Waitstaff also need to be able to manage stress, multitask, and adapt to fast-paced environments, especially in busy dining settings.

Common misunderstanding: Experience is more important than personality.

Experience is valuable, but the right personality traits can often be more crucial for long-term success. A person who fits well with the team and service style is more likely to perform better and stay longer in the job.

How can I describe the right cultural fit in a Waiter/Waitress job description?

Describing the right cultural fit involves more than listing desired personality traits; it requires a clear depiction of how these traits play out in daily interactions and tasks within your restaurant. Highlight how the ideal candidate would interact with both the team and guests. For example, if your restaurant prides itself on a family-like atmosphere, you might look for someone who is not only friendly but also supportive and collaborative.

Common misunderstanding: Cultural fit is about having similar interests or backgrounds.

Cultural fit is less about personal similarities and more about sharing and contributing to the same work values and team dynamics. It's about how well a person’s behavior and attitude align with the operational and interpersonal dynamics of your team.

Common misunderstanding: A good cultural fit will naturally adapt without guidance.

Even a good cultural fit needs proper onboarding and training to fully integrate into a team. It’s important to support new hires with clear expectations and guidance on how they can best contribute to the team’s success.

Why is it important to match personality to the service style in a Waiter/Waitress job description?

Matching personality to the service style is crucial because it ensures that the staff can naturally meet the demands and expectations of your service delivery. For instance, a high-energy, fast-paced restaurant will benefit from a waiter who thrives in a bustling environment and can make quick decisions. This alignment helps in maintaining a consistent level of service that meets your customers' expectations.

Common misunderstanding: Any skilled waiter/waitress can work in any type of restaurant.

Skills are important, but the ability to mesh with the specific pace and style of a restaurant is equally crucial. A mismatch can lead to job dissatisfaction and poor performance, affecting team morale and customer service.

Common misunderstanding: Personality fit is secondary to technical skills.

While technical skills are necessary, a personality that fits the service style often leads to better job performance and more authentic interactions with guests. This can enhance the overall dining experience, encouraging repeat business.