What skills should I include in a Waiter/Waitress job description for my restaurant?

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 Waitstaff, focus on skills that are essential for daily operations in your specific restaurant environment. Include customer service and interpersonal communication, order accuracy and speed, familiarity with POS and billing systems, teamwork, organisation, and handling customer complaints. Tailor these skills to reflect the unique demands of your service style and customer base.

Common misunderstanding: All restaurants require the same set of skills for Waitstaff.

Each restaurant operates differently, so the skills needed can vary significantly. A fast-paced diner will require quick order handling and stress management, whereas a fine dining restaurant might focus more on detailed knowledge of the menu and wine pairings.

Common misunderstanding: Technical skills like POS system knowledge are not as important as interpersonal skills.

While excellent customer service is key, technical skills such as using POS systems efficiently are also crucial for ensuring smooth operations and accurate billing, which directly impacts customer satisfaction.

How do I determine the difference between must-have skills and nice-to-have skills for Waitstaff?

Must-have skills are essential for the Waitstaff to perform their job effectively from day one, while nice-to-have skills can enhance their performance and can be developed over time. For example, must-have skills might include basic order taking and customer interaction, whereas nice-to-have skills could include advanced wine knowledge or multilingual capabilities.

Common misunderstanding: Nice-to-have skills are unnecessary.

Nice-to-have skills, while not essential, can significantly contribute to the quality of service and the overall customer experience. They offer room for growth and can be a deciding factor in choosing between two similarly qualified candidates.

Common misunderstanding: Must-have skills are enough to ensure excellent service.

While must-have skills are crucial, combining them with nice-to-have skills can greatly enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction, providing a competitive edge in the hospitality industry.

Why is it crucial to specify skill requirements in a Waiter/Waitress job description?

Specifying skill requirements in a job description helps attract candidates who are better suited for the role and prepared to meet the specific demands of your restaurant. It sets clear expectations for applicants, helping to streamline the hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding the right match for your team's needs.

Common misunderstanding: A general job description will attract more candidates.

While a broader job description might attract more applicants, it often leads to a higher number of unqualified candidates, increasing the time and resources spent on the hiring process.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed skill requirements discourage good candidates from applying.

Detailed skill requirements actually help serious candidates understand the expectations and assess their own suitability for the role, which can lead to more committed and motivated employees.