This article will tell you everything you need to know on how to become a good Waitress or Waiter.
7 Key Tips To Become a Better Waitress
When you first get a job as a Waiter or Waitress, the restaurant will train you to take and deliver orders. But there’s more to the role than that. Depending on the establishment you’ll work in, there are different types of waiting styles.
The following tips will help you do your primary duties effectively and ensure customers leave the place with a smile on their faces.
1. Entertain Customer Requests
As a Waiter or Waitress, it’s important to go above expectations when responding to customer requests.
If they want to customize their order, help them do so and clearly state what the establishment can and cannot do. Then check with the kitchen staff whether their request can be accommodated.
If so, reassure the customer that they’ll receive what they’ve asked for. It can also help if you recommend a dish from the menu that you like the best.
2. Know the Restaurant’s Menu
Beyond memorizing the menu items, it’s beneficial to understand the ingredients and preparation methods of each dish. This knowledge allows you to answer customer inquiries confidently and make informed recommendations.
For example, if a guest has dietary restrictions or allergies, you can suggest suitable alternatives or modifications. Additionally, being aware of seasonal specials or limited-time offers enables you to promote them effectively, enhancing the dining experience.
3. Greet Customers Enthusiastically
In the restaurant industry, nothing is worth more than a good first impression. Luckily, it’s easy to set a positive tone right from the start.
A genuine and enthusiastic greeting is always guaranteed to do the trick. Smile warmly and make eye contact when approaching customers for the first time.
After you do that, you can ask them how their day is going or if there’s a special occasion.
Paying attention to the customer’s mood and adjusting your greeting accordingly can help as well.
4. Anticipate Customer Needs
A good Waiter or Waitress pays close attention to effectively gauge what the customer wants or needs. Even when they don’t ask for something, there are some subtle signs that they may require your assistance.
If the customer took a glance at the dessert menu – it may indicate they want to order something from it. When their glass is empty, it’s highly likely that they would want a refill or another type of drink.
As a Waiter or Waitress, it’s essential to act on little things like these while also paying attention to the customers’ general behavior.
5. Use Effective Upselling Techniques
Mastering the art of upselling can significantly enhance the dining experience and boost sales. By suggesting appetizers, premium drink options, or dessert pairings that complement the main course, you can add value to the customer’s meal.
It’s essential to be subtle and genuine in your suggestions, ensuring they align with the customer’s preferences and the restaurant’s offerings. For instance, if a guest orders a steak, you might recommend a specific wine that pairs well with it. Effective upselling not only increases revenue but also demonstrates your expertise and attentiveness.
6. Respond to Criticism Gracefully
Unfortunately, things can always go wrong when working in a restaurant.
If a customer isn’t satisfied with their order or your service, it’s important to handle the situation in the right way. Listen to their concerns and apologize sincerely.
Once you do that, check whether there’s something you can do to fix the situation. If you realize there was a mistake with their order, offer to replace the dish or suggest an alternative.
Responding to criticism with grace can easily turn a negative experience into a positive one.
7. Prioritize and Multitask
Working in busy establishments such as restaurants often includes juggling multiple responsibilities. You have to take orders, deliver food and process payments.
Doing all this while delivering satisfactory service isn’t always easy.
To ensure this doesn’t become an issue, learn how to prioritize effectively and work on your multitasking skills.
Start by checking for dirty dishes you can take to the kitchen every time you deliver an order. Also, always check whether there are any tables that need immediate attention and handle them first.
Essential Skills for a Good Waitress
Just like their duties, the Waiter’s or Waitress’s skills should go beyond just taking orders and delivering food. From customer experience skills to some personal attributes, acquiring these abilities can significantly impact your service quality:
Communication skills
Active listening is a critical component of effective communication. By attentively listening to customers’ orders and preferences, you can ensure accuracy and provide personalized service. Maintaining eye contact, nodding in acknowledgment, and repeating orders back to guests are practices that demonstrate active listening.
Furthermore, clear communication with kitchen staff regarding special requests or modifications ensures that customers’ needs are met promptly and accurately.
Sharp Memory
Waiters and Waitresses often take multiple orders at a time. You have to remember all of them and not forget any special requests or preferences they named.
With sharp memory, you’ll be able to do all this and ensure everyone at the restaurant gets accurate and personalized service.
As a beginner, it’s a good idea to write down any big orders. As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to remember them more easily.
Attentiveness
A job in this role requires all your focus to be on your customers. Not only should you deliver the best possible service at all times but you should also be able to notice any signals they give you and act accordingly.
To do this right, pay attention to their body language, facial expressions and verbal cues.
Flexibility
Whether it’s a sudden rush of customers or a big change in the menu, it’s up to Waiters and Waitresses to adjust and deliver exceptional service no matter what.
Being flexible means you can adapt quickly in such situations without letting anything disrupt your service.
Flexibility also encompasses taking on new duties when required and helping busy co-workers by taking on extra tables.
Positive Attitude
As mentioned before, showing a positive attitude when greeting customers is a must. However, your attitude should never go down after the initial greeting.
Do everything you can to maintain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and bring all orders with a smile on your face.
A positive attitude will also help you de-escalate any difficult situations that might come up.
Stress Management in High-Pressure Environments
Working in a fast-paced restaurant environment can be stressful, especially during peak hours. Developing effective stress management strategies is crucial for maintaining composure and providing excellent service. Techniques such as deep breathing, staying organized, and taking brief mental breaks can help manage stress levels.
Additionally, maintaining open communication with your team ensures that tasks are handled efficiently, reducing potential stressors. Remember, a calm and collected demeanor positively impacts both your performance and the customer’s experience.
Improving Service and Increasing Tips
When customers are happy they’re more likely to give higher tips. This is usually between 15-20% of the total bill and can be a nice addition to the Waiter/Waitress salary.
To earn those tips, you have to keep improving your service. Below are some advice that can help you do this:
Be Efficient and Personable
While it may not always be easy to achieve, a good Waiter or Waitress should be both efficient and personable.
This means you should be able to deliver all orders accurately and in a timely fashion, but still find time to offer more personalized service to customers.
The best way to get this personal touch is by showing genuine interest in their dining experience and engaging in small talk with customers who seem to be in a good mood.
Repeat Orders Accurately
One of the simplest ways to improve your service is to repeat customers’ orders back to them. This not only helps prevent mistakes but also shows that you’re paying close attention to them.
It’s also a quick and easy way to give customers the opportunity to correct any order before your co-workers start preparing the order.
Work as a Team
Basketball legend Michael Jordan said that teamwork is one of the keys to winning championships – and that also applies in the restaurant industry.
It takes good communication with your colleagues and a positive working environment to ensure every order is delivered correctly and promptly.
Being a good colleague also means you’re ready to take on other team members’ tasks when the time allows it. They’ll appreciate it and be ready to return the favor when you need assistance.
Another good idea is to make a habit of sharing any relevant information about tables and customers with your co-workers.
Practical Advice for Success as a Waiter/Waitress
Lastly, following some simple practical pieces of advice can completely change a customer’s perspective of both you and the restaurant.
Below are some you can start employing as soon as your next shift:
Introduce Yourself by Name
To make your service super personalized, introduce yourself by name when greeting customers. This not only establishes your role but also helps you create a good connection with them right from the start.
Once you’ve introduced yourself, tell them you’re there to help and ready to answer any questions they have.
Always Carry a Notepad
Even if you have great memorization skills, it’s sometimes better to jot down big orders and special requests just to make sure everything is delivered with accuracy.
Aprons that are a part of the Waiter and Waitress uniform often have large pockets, so carrying a notepad around shouldn’t be a problem.
You can also use it to take notes on customer feedback or any other information that can help be helpful.
Get To Know the Regulars
Most restaurants have regular customers. If this is the case in the one where you work, remembering their names and usual orders can make them feel valued and appreciated.
Sometimes, spending a few minutes chatting with regulars can help you get through your shift and leave the workplace with a better sense of accomplishment.
Try to take a mental note every time they order something. Once you know what they normally order, you can start asking them whether they want the usual.
How To Be a Good Waitress: Summary
There’s so much to learn about this position and you can even start before you take on your first Waiter or Waitress job.
The advice from this article will help you develop the essential skills and adjust your service to meet all the needs of your customers, ensuring they have a pleasant dining experience.
FAQ
Waitresses can increase tips by being friendly, remembering regulars’ orders, upselling drinks or desserts, and providing fast, attentive service. A warm greeting and small talk can also make customers more likely to tip well.
Stay calm, listen and apologize if needed. offer solutions, such as replacing an order or speaking to a manager. Showing patience and professionalism can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Prioritize tasks, stay organized and breathe. Focusing on one task at a time and keeping a positive mindset helps. Teamwork and good communication with coworkers make handling high-pressure moments easier.
Double-check orders before submitting them, repeat them back to customers and write down complicated requests. Staying focused and asking clarifying questions prevents misunderstandings.
Learn the menu inside out, offer great customer service and take initiative. Showing leadership, reliability, and a willingness to help coworkers makes managers notice and consider waitresses for promotions.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
