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How to become a Waiter

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Waiter jobs

223

Waiter courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Waiter

Waiter

| Up to £20,000

Head Waiter

| Up to £25,000

Restaurant Supervisor

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Waiter

What does a Waiter do?

Thinking about getting into waiting? We’ve got a few tips for you…Waiters and Waitresses serve food or drinks at restaurants, bars and cafés. They may also work at larger functions, providing excellent service guests everywhere from music festivals to large-scale sporting events.Often working front-of-house, waiting staff can literally make or break the guests overall experience, showing just how important their role is in the hospitality industry. Some waiting staff may also choose to specialise in silver service or train as Sommeliers (wine waiters) to help get themselves ahead.Typical responsibilities for a Waiter may include:

Greeting and serving customers
Taking orders
Making menu recommendations and providing information on any specials or offers available
Answering customer queries and dealing with complaints
Processing payments
Cleaning and preparing tables

Is a career as a Waiter right for me?

With great waiting, comes great responsibility. And by responsibility, we mostly mean tips…And with so much at stake when it comes to offering-up world-class service, excellent interpersonal skills are absolutely essential to make the most out of this positon.Aside from communication skills and the ability to build up an instant rapport with the clientele, the ability to keep a cool head at all times is essential. The hospitality industry can be extremely fast-paced and stressful at times, so keeping calm under pressure will certainly be a necessity. After all, if you can’t stand the heat (and various other clichés).Other key skills for a Waiter include:

A good memory
A head for numbers
Ability to multi-task
Patience
Confidence
Excellent personal hygiene
The ability to work under your own initiative

What's it like to be a Waiter?

"I started waiting at university, just to earn a bit of extra cash. It was only in a local pub, but was a great way to gain experience. You have to be quick on your feet, and get used to working fast, but that’s what I like about it so much. There’s never a dull moment or time to clock-watch. You’re just constantly kept on your toes. I now provide silver service at big events, and I’ve worked everywhere from Wembley to the O2 to help keep the VIPs in check. Although, speaking of toes, make sure you invest in some sensible shoes. Trust me, you’ll thank me later."

Get qualified as a Waiter

It is not a necessary requirement to have a degree to become a Waiter. However some qualifications specific to the industry will help you get the edge over the competition when applying for roles.

Recommended Waiter training courses

Barista, Chef & Waiter Training

Training Express Ltd

3 Courses Special Bundle | **Free PDF & Hardcopy Certificate | Instant Access | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 74 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 30 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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[Updated 2025] Are you ready to elevate your skills in the hospitality industry to new heights? In a dynamic job market where expertise is valued, mastering the art of barista, waiter, and chef roles isn't just beneficial—it's essential. With opportunities across the UK boasting …
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£25 £35
Diploma in Waiter Training Level 3

Training Express Ltd

Advance Diploma | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate Included | CPD Accredited | Unlimited Retake Exam | Expert Support
- Compare
- Online
- 7 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ [Updated 2025] Ready to master the art of exceptional service? The hospitality industry is booming, and skilled professionals are in high demand. With Waiter Training, you can secure rewarding r …
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