Considering a career as a waiter: What's involved?

I'm considering getting a job as a waiter while in school. What's the job description like? Is it mostly taking orders and serving food, or are there skills I should be working on?

Working as a waiter can indeed be a valuable experience while you're in school. The job is multifaceted and often requires skills beyond just taking orders and serving food.

One major part of being a waiter is customer service. You'll have to know how to interact with customers in a positive and friendly manner, address their needs, and manage their requests. This also may involve dealing with difficult or irate customers and resolving any issues or complaints they may have.

It's also essential to have a decent knowledge of the menu. You'll need to understand different dishes, ingredients, and dietary options to answer questions and offer suggestions to customers. If the restaurant serves alcohol, you might also need to familiarize yourself with various types of wines and cocktails, and their pairing with the dishes on the menu.

Good organizational skills are crucial too. Waitstaff typically manage multiple tables at once, so you'll have to juggle taking orders, delivering food, and clearing tables simultaneously. This requires some multitasking and time-management skills.

Moreover, attention to detail is vital. You’ll need to get orders correct and remember specifics (like who ordered no ice or extra cheese). Accurately taking down orders and giving them to the kitchen helps to ensure customers get what they want and reduces the possibility of food wastage.

And lastly, physical stamina cannot be overlooked. Waiters are mostly on their feet during their shift, moving around swiftly to take orders, serve food, and clean tables.

It may seem like a lot at first glance, but these skills can be developed with time and practice. Plus, the interpersonal and organizational skills you gain could be beneficial for your career development in the long run.