When you visit establishments that provide or serve food, you will often see Waiters or Waitresses. These persons deal directly with customers explaining and taking orders, serving food and drink, collecting payment and tips, and handing out menus. These professionals may work long hours on their feet and are expected to be very friendly, courteous, patient, and industrious.
Many people work these jobs part time or as an easy way of earning an income while they either finish up school, are in between jobs, or as a seasonal job. Because people mostly go out in the evening Waitresses work mostly evening or night shifts. They must also be flexible and available to work weekends as well.
A Waitress usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Handling reservations
• Seating guests at their table
• Distributing menus
• Taking orders
• Answering questions
•   Preparing customer bill

• Balancing plates and trays
• Being attentive and discrete
• Being friendly and polite
• Being tidy, clean and hygienic
• Communication and motivation
• Handling difficult customers
• Preparing light beverages
• Remaining level headed and respectful
• Remembering multiple orders
• Taking and following verbal and written instructions
• Working and standing up for long hours

Employers mostly value experience from their Waitress rather than qualifications. The skills they take to the job, in handling clients, serving and making tips in also very valuable. This is why there are many opening for persons who are interested in starting as apprentices and coming in with high school qualifications and diplomas. For persons looking to advance into higher positions of management certification and further training will be necessary in areas such as Restaurant management, Hospitality, Food and Beverage and Catering.