Waitress Job Description Template

A good waitress job description template is more than just a list of tasks it’s a way to attract reliable, energetic, and customer-focused team members who keep your guests happy and your restaurant running smoothly. Whether you’re hiring a waitress or waiter, the expectations are the same: friendly service, quick reflexes, and the ability to carry three plates while smiling at a table full of hangry customers. This article will guide you through what to include in your job description template for waitresses, with a copy-paste example to use right away.

And if you’re building out your full hospitality team, check out our templates for chef job descriptions and hotel managers—perfect for creating a consistent and professional hiring process.

What Does a Waitress or Waiter Do?

A waitress (or waiter) is the frontline ambassador of your restaurant or cafe. They greet guests, take orders, serve food and drinks, handle payments, and most importantly—ensure that each guest has a positive dining experience.

In smaller venues, waitstaff may also help clean tables, reset dining areas, and even assist with light kitchen duties. In fine-dining or hotel restaurants, their responsibilities may be more specialized and formal.

That’s why a good waitress job description template should reflect not only the tasks—but the tone and pace of your business.

Why You Need a Waitress Job Description Template

Hiring waitstaff without a clear job description is like setting a table without knowing how many guests are coming—messy and inefficient.

Using a waitress or waiter job description helps you:

• Set clear expectations for behavior and responsibilities

• Filter out underqualified or misaligned applicants

• Stay consistent when hiring across multiple shifts or branches

• Present your business as organized and professional

• Save time writing the same listing over and over

And if your service crew will be working alongside a head chef or under a hotel’s F&B umbrella, aligning job descriptions across the team (like with our chef job description template or hotel manager job description template) keeps everyone on the same page.

Key Sections of a Waitress Job Description Template

To write a strong waitress job description, include the following sections:

• Job Title: Specify the gender-neutral term Server, or go with Waitress/Waiter based on your audience

• Summary: A short paragraph about the role and your business

• Duties & Responsibilities: Actionable, realistic daily tasks

• Requirements: Skills, physical expectations, experience levels

• Preferred Qualifications: Multilingual? Wine knowledge? POS experience?

• Work Hours: Shifts, weekends, holidays? Mention them up front

• Perks & Compensation: Tips, meals, staff discounts, etc.

Keep it clear and friendly, like how you’d want them to talk to customers.

Waitress Job Description Template (Ready to Use)

Job Title: Waitress / Waiter
Location: [Restaurant or Hotel Name – City]
Department: Food & Beverage
Reports To: Restaurant Manager / Shift Supervisor

Job Summary:
We are looking for a friendly and attentive Waitress (or Waiter) to join our service team. The ideal candidate has a passion for hospitality, excellent communication skills, and thrives in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet and seat guests with a warm, professional attitude

• Present menus, answer questions, and make recommendations

• Take customer orders accurately and relay them to the kitchen

• Serve food and beverages promptly and with care

• Check on guests regularly and handle any special requests

• Process bills and handle various payment methods

• Clear and reset tables, maintain cleanliness in dining areas

• Follow all food safety and hygiene standards

Requirements:

• Previous experience as a waitress, waiter, or server preferred

• Excellent interpersonal and multitasking skills

• Ability to stand, walk, and carry trays for extended periods

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Basic math and POS system knowledge

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a fast-casual or fine dining environment

• Familiarity with dietary restrictions and allergens

• Fluency in a second language is a plus

Perks and Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay + tips

• Free meals during shifts

• Flexible scheduling

• Opportunities for promotion and cross-training

• A supportive and team-oriented environment

Tips to Customize Your Waitress Job Description Template

Every restaurant is different. To make your waitress job description truly effective:

• Adjust for formality: Casual cafes ≠ white-tablecloth service

• Be honest about peak times: Friday nights? Sunday brunch rush?

• Clarify if this is part-time, full-time, or seasonal

• Include personality traits: Are you looking for bubbly? Calm? Detail-oriented?

The more specific you are, the better your applicants will align with your expectations—and your customers’ needs.

Final Thoughts

The success of your restaurant doesn’t just rest in the kitchen—it’s on the floor, with your waiters and waitresses. A clear, professional waitress job description helps you hire people who don’t just serve food—but create an experience.

Whether you’re staffing a new concept, replacing a long-timer, or scaling up for the holidays, starting with the right JD saves time and stress (for everyone).

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From servers to chefs to hotel managers—we’ve got templates ready to go.