Top 12 Wait Staff Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the fast-paced and dynamic world of hospitality, having a well-crafted resume that highlights your strengths as part of the wait staff is essential. Showcasing the top skills that demonstrate your efficiency, customer service prowess, and ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Wait Staff Skills
- POS Systems
- OpenTable
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Upselling Techniques
- Conflict Resolution
- Menu Knowledge
- Wine Pairing
- Table Management
- Payment Processing
- Health & Safety
1. POS Systems
A POS (Point of Sale) system for wait staff is a digital platform that facilitates the process of taking orders, processing payments, and managing customer transactions in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
Why It's Important
POS (Point of Sale) systems are crucial for wait staff because they streamline the ordering and payment process, ensuring accuracy, speeding up service, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
How to Improve POS Systems Skills
Improving POS systems for wait staff can significantly enhance the dining experience by streamlining operations and reducing errors. Here are concise strategies:
User-Friendly Interface: Design POS systems with intuitive interfaces to minimize training time and errors. Square offers a good example with its clean, easy-to-navigate layout.
Integration with Other Systems: Ensure POS systems can seamlessly integrate with kitchen display systems, inventory management, and online ordering platforms. Toast specializes in such integrations, fostering a cohesive restaurant management experience.
Mobile POS Options: Equip wait staff with mobile POS devices to take orders and process payments tableside, speeding up service and improving accuracy. Lightspeed provides robust mobile POS solutions.
Customizable Menus: Allow for easy customization of menu items directly from the POS, accommodating customer modifications and special requests efficiently. Upserve offers highly customizable menu options in its POS system.
Training and Support: Choose POS providers that offer comprehensive training and 24/7 support to address any issues promptly. Clover is known for its extensive support network and training resources.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize POS systems that offer detailed analytics and reporting features to track sales, menu item performance, and staff efficiency, aiding in informed decision-making. Revel Systems delivers advanced data analysis tools.
By focusing on these key areas, POS systems can be improved significantly, benefiting wait staff with enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance.
How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume
2. OpenTable
OpenTable is an online reservation platform that allows customers to book tables at restaurants, enabling wait staff to manage seating and dining flow efficiently.
Why It's Important
OpenTable is important for wait staff because it streamlines the reservation process, optimizes table management, and enhances customer service by managing guest preferences and visit history, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
How to Improve OpenTable Skills
To enhance OpenTable for the wait staff, implement the following improvements:
Real-time Communication: Integrate a feature for direct, real-time communication between wait staff and guests. This allows for immediate updates on table readiness or delays. Twilio offers APIs that can be used for seamless messaging integration.
Waitlist Management: Improve the waitlist system to give wait staff better tools for managing and updating wait times, ensuring a more accurate and efficient seating process. Waitwhile is a useful platform that could inspire functionality enhancements.
Staff Scheduling: Incorporate a scheduling feature tailored for wait staff, making it easier to manage shifts, request time off, and swap shifts with peers. When I Work is an example of effective scheduling software that could be integrated.
Feedback System: Develop a feedback system where guests can rate their service. This data can help wait staff improve their performance and recognition. Consider insights from platforms like SurveyMonkey for creating effective feedback forms.
Training Resources: Offer an in-app section dedicated to training and tips for wait staff, including best practices for customer service, upselling, and handling difficult situations. Resources like Typsy can serve as a model for online learning platforms.
Implementing these enhancements will not only improve the experience for the wait staff but also elevate the overall dining experience for guests.
How to Display OpenTable Skills on Your Resume
3. Customer Service
Customer service in the context of wait staff involves courteously attending to guests' needs, promptly taking and serving orders, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Why It's Important
Customer service is crucial for a wait staff as it directly influences customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, ultimately impacting the establishment's reputation and profitability.
How to Improve Customer Service Skills
Improving customer service, especially for a wait staff, involves enhancing communication skills, being attentive and responsive to customer needs, and maintaining a positive and friendly attitude. Training staff on product knowledge and problem-solving techniques can also significantly elevate the customer experience.
Enhance Communication Skills: Ensure the wait staff is trained to communicate clearly and effectively. This includes explaining menu items, answering questions, and understanding non-verbal cues. Toast offers insights on training staff for better communication.
Be Attentive and Responsive: Staff should be observant and quick to respond to customers' needs, whether it's refilling a glass or addressing a concern. Attentiveness shows customers they are valued. WebstaurantStore provides tips on improving responsiveness.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: A friendly and positive demeanor can enhance the dining experience. Encourage staff to greet customers warmly and maintain a pleasant attitude throughout their meal. Hospitality Net discusses the impact of a positive attitude in hospitality.
Product Knowledge: Staff should have thorough knowledge of the menu, including ingredients and preparation methods, to answer questions confidently. Typsy highlights the importance of product knowledge in hospitality.
Problem-Solving Skills: Equip your staff with problem-solving skills to handle complaints and issues efficiently and professionally. Training in conflict resolution can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one. Mind Tools offers strategies for effective problem-solving.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the quality of customer service delivered by your wait staff, leading to a better dining experience for your customers.
How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume
4. Time Management
Time management for wait staff involves efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks to serve customers promptly, manage tables effectively, and ensure a smooth operation of the dining experience, all while maintaining high-quality service.
Why It's Important
Time management is crucial for wait staff as it ensures efficient service, maximizes table turnover, enhances customer satisfaction, and optimizes workflow, leading to increased tips and repeat business.
How to Improve Time Management Skills
Improving time management for wait staff involves a few key strategies:
Prioritize Tasks: Determine which tasks are most urgent or important to ensure smooth operations. This article offers insights into prioritizing effectively.
Use Technology: Leverage technology, such as POS systems and scheduling software, to streamline orders and manage schedules. Square provides efficient POS solutions.
Effective Communication: Maintain clear communication with both the kitchen and your customers to manage expectations and reduce wait times. Toast’s guide offers tips on improving restaurant communication.
Delegate When Possible: Share responsibilities among team members to ensure tasks are completed more efficiently. MindTools provides strategies on effective delegation.
Continuous Learning: Stay informed about best practices in time management and the hospitality industry. The Restaurant Times is a valuable resource for trends and tips.
Adopting these strategies will help any wait staff manage their time more effectively, leading to a smoother operation and satisfied customers.
How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume
5. Multitasking
Multitasking, in the context of wait staff, refers to the ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks efficiently, such as taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, and attending to customer needs.
Why It's Important
Multitasking is crucial for a wait staff as it enables efficient handling of multiple tasks simultaneously, such as taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, and attending to customer needs, ensuring a smooth, timely, and satisfactory dining experience for guests.
How to Improve Multitasking Skills
Improving multitasking for a wait staff involves enhancing organizational skills, prioritizing tasks efficiently, and practicing mindfulness to stay focused. Here are concise tips:
Prioritize Tasks: Determine which tasks need immediate attention and which can wait. Use the Eisenhower Box technique to categorize tasks by urgency and importance.
Time Management: Allocate specific times for different tasks. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique can help manage time effectively.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and focused. Mindfulness can reduce stress and improve concentration. Explore mindfulness exercises at Mindful.
Use Tools and Apps: Leverage technology to stay organized. Apps like Trello or Notion can help manage tasks and schedules efficiently.
Improve Communication Skills: Effective communication with both customers and team members is crucial. Quick and clear communication helps in managing multiple tasks smoothly. Resources like Toastmasters can enhance communication skills.
Continuous Practice: Multitasking is a skill that improves with practice. Regularly challenge yourself with new tasks to enhance your ability to juggle multiple tasks efficiently.
By focusing on these areas, wait staff can enhance their multitasking capabilities, leading to improved performance and customer satisfaction.
How to Display Multitasking Skills on Your Resume
6. Upselling Techniques
Upselling techniques for wait staff involve subtly suggesting higher-priced items, add-ons, or premium versions of what customers are already ordering to enhance their dining experience and increase the restaurant's revenue. This could include recommending a top-shelf beverage, a side dish, or a dessert.
Why It's Important
Upselling techniques are important for wait staff because they can significantly increase the average order value, leading to higher overall sales and tips, while also enhancing the customer's dining experience by suggesting complementary dishes or premium options.
How to Improve Upselling Techniques Skills
Improving upselling techniques for wait staff involves enhancing customer experience while subtly increasing sales. Here are concise strategies:
Product Knowledge: Ensure the staff is well-versed with the menu, including ingredients and preparation methods, to confidently suggest upgrades or add-ons. Toast highlights the importance of training staff to understand what they're selling.
Understand Customer Needs: Listen to customers' preferences and dietary restrictions to make personalized recommendations. WebstaurantStore emphasizes the significance of tailoring suggestions.
Create Urgency: Present limited-time offers or specials that seem like a good deal. TouchBistro suggests leveraging the fear of missing out (FOMO) to encourage impulse buying.
Bundle Items: Recommend combinations of items that offer better value or enhance the dining experience. Upserve discusses bundling as a strategy to increase average check size.
Positive Language: Use positive and enticing descriptions for the items you're upselling. The Balance Small Business advises on the power of words in influencing customer choices.
Timing is Key: Identify the right moment to make a suggestion, ideally after establishing rapport or when asked for recommendations. Lightspeed stresses the importance of timing in upselling.
Implementing these strategies can lead to more effective upselling, enhancing both customer satisfaction and sales.
How to Display Upselling Techniques Skills on Your Resume
7. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution for a wait staff involves the process of addressing and resolving disagreements or dissatisfaction between staff members or between staff and customers, aiming to find a peaceful solution that maintains a positive dining experience and work environment.
Why It's Important
Conflict resolution is crucial for wait staff because it ensures smooth operations, enhances customer satisfaction, and maintains a positive working environment, ultimately leading to improved service quality and restaurant reputation.
How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills
Improving conflict resolution, especially in a wait staff context, involves clear communication, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Here are concise steps tailored for wait staff:
Active Listening: Truly listen to understand the customer or coworker's concern without interrupting. (MindTools)
Empathy: Acknowledge their feelings and show understanding. This builds rapport and trust. (HelpGuide)
Clear Communication: Use "I" statements to express your perspective without blaming. Be clear and concise. (MindTools)
Problem-Solving: Collaboratively identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, and agree on action steps. (SkillsYouNeed)
Follow-Up: Ensure the solution has been effective and the conflict is resolved. This shows commitment to resolution and customer satisfaction. (Mediate)
By integrating these steps, wait staff can effectively navigate and resolve conflicts, enhancing customer service and team cohesion.
How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume
8. Menu Knowledge
Menu knowledge for wait staff refers to their understanding of the restaurant's menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens, enabling them to accurately inform and recommend dishes to customers.
Why It's Important
Menu knowledge is crucial for wait staff because it enables them to provide accurate information, make recommendations based on customer preferences, address dietary concerns, and ensure a satisfying dining experience, ultimately leading to better service, customer satisfaction, and increased sales.
How to Improve Menu Knowledge Skills
Improving menu knowledge is crucial for wait staff to enhance customer experience and increase sales. Here are concise steps with resources for further reading:
Study the Menu: Regularly review and memorize the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens. Food Allergens Guide.
Taste Test: If possible, taste the dishes yourself so you can describe flavors and recommend dishes authentically. Importance of Staff Tasting.
Ask the Chef: Learn directly from the kitchen staff about the dishes, special techniques, or seasonal ingredients used. Chef Insights.
Pairing Knowledge: Understand basic food and drink pairings to make recommendations. Food and Wine Pairing Guide.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with menu changes, specials, and seasonal items. Menu Update Best Practices.
Role-play: Practice describing menu items and answering questions with coworkers to build confidence and refine your approach. Role-playing Tips.
By focusing on these steps, wait staff can significantly enhance their menu knowledge, leading to improved customer satisfaction and sales.
How to Display Menu Knowledge Skills on Your Resume
9. Wine Pairing
Wine pairing involves selecting a wine that complements the flavors and textures of a particular dish, enhancing the dining experience. It's about finding a balance where the wine and food bring out the best in each other.
Why It's Important
Wine pairing enhances the dining experience by complementing the flavors of the food, elevating the overall taste, and ensuring that neither the wine nor the dish overpowers the other. For wait staff, understanding wine pairing is crucial for recommending selections that enhance guests' enjoyment and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a memorable dining experience.
How to Improve Wine Pairing Skills
Improving wine pairing skills for wait staff involves understanding the basic principles of matching wine with food, considering factors like flavor, body, and acidity. Here are concise steps and resources:
Learn the Basics: Understand the fundamental pairing principles—match wine with the dish's intensity, balance acidity, and consider tannins with fatty foods. Wine Folly offers a straightforward guide.
Know Your Menu: Be familiar with the ingredients and preparation of each dish on your menu. This knowledge allows for better pairing suggestions.
Understand Wine Profiles: Learn about different wine types, their characteristics, and how they might complement or contrast with various dishes. Decanter provides valuable insights into wine profiles and pairings.
Practice Tasting: Regularly taste wines on your menu, noting their flavor profiles, body, and potential food pairings. Engaging in staff tastings can be beneficial.
Ask Questions: When suggesting pairings, ask guests about their preferences and any food sensitivities. This interaction ensures a personalized experience.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on wine trends and take advantage of online resources and courses. Websites like GuildSomm are excellent for expanding your knowledge.
By following these steps and leveraging the provided resources, wait staff can significantly improve their wine pairing skills, enhancing the dining experience for guests.
How to Display Wine Pairing Skills on Your Resume
10. Table Management
Table management, in the context of wait staff, refers to the process of efficiently organizing and overseeing the allocation and turnover of dining tables in a restaurant to ensure prompt service, maximize seating capacity, and enhance guest satisfaction.
Why It's Important
Table management is crucial for wait staff as it optimizes seating arrangements and dining flow, ensuring efficient service, maximized revenue, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
How to Improve Table Management Skills
Improving table management for wait staff involves optimizing seating arrangements, enhancing communication, and streamlining service delivery. Here's how:
Use Digital Tools: Implement a table management system to track table status in real-time, manage reservations, and minimize wait times.
Train Staff: Conduct regular training sessions to improve efficiency, communication skills, and customer service.
Communicate Clearly: Use handheld devices or apps for instant communication between the wait staff and kitchen to speed up service.
Feedback Mechanism: Encourage and act upon feedback from customers and staff to continuously improve service.
Flexible Seating: Adapt seating arrangements based on demand and party size to maximize space and reduce wait times.
By integrating technology, fostering continuous improvement, and enhancing communication, wait staff can significantly improve table management for a better dining experience.
How to Display Table Management Skills on Your Resume
11. Payment Processing
Payment processing for a wait staff refers to the act of handling and finalizing transactions for customer payments, typically involving credit, debit cards, or digital payments, after a dining experience.
Why It's Important
Payment processing is crucial for wait staff as it ensures smooth, efficient transactions, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the timely flow of service.
How to Improve Payment Processing Skills
Improving payment processing for wait staff involves enhancing both efficiency and security to ensure swift, accurate, and safe transactions. Here are concise strategies:
Integrate Mobile Payments: Adopt mobile payment solutions (Square, PayPal Here) to enable wait staff to process payments at the table, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
Use Contactless Payment Methods: Implement NFC-enabled devices to accept contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), minimizing physical contact and speeding up transactions.
Upgrade to EMV Chip Technology: Upgrade POS systems to accept EMV chip cards, enhancing security and reducing fraud-related losses. Visa's guide on EMV technology provides useful insights.
Offer Multiple Payment Options: Ensure that your payment system accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, to accommodate all customers’ preferences.
Train Staff Regularly: Conduct regular training sessions for wait staff on the latest payment technologies and security practices to minimize errors and improve efficiency.
Implement a Reliable POS System: Utilize a robust POS system (Toast, TouchBistro) that's tailored for the restaurant industry, offering features like split billing and tip adjustment to streamline the payment process.
Ensure PCI Compliance: Adhere to PCI DSS standards to protect cardholder data, reducing the risk of data breaches. The PCI Security Standards Council offers resources to help businesses comply.
By adopting these strategies, wait staff can provide faster, more secure, and more efficient payment processing, enhancing the overall dining experience for customers.
How to Display Payment Processing Skills on Your Resume
12. Health & Safety
Health & Safety for Wait Staff refers to the policies, practices, and procedures implemented to ensure the physical well-being of waitstaff in a dining establishment, protecting them from workplace hazards, injuries, and illnesses while serving customers.
Why It's Important
Health & Safety are crucial for Wait Staff to prevent accidents, ensure a safe working environment, and maintain high hygiene standards, thereby protecting both the staff and customers from potential harm or illness.
How to Improve Health & Safety Skills
Improving Health & Safety for Wait Staff involves a multifaceted approach focusing on training, ergonomics, and hygiene practices. Here's a concise guide:
Training: Ensure all wait staff undergoes regular health and safety training, covering topics such as proper lifting techniques, emergency procedures, and customer interaction protocols. This education can significantly reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety.
Ergonomics: Implement ergonomic practices to minimize strain and injury. Provide anti-fatigue mats, ensure workspaces are at comfortable heights, and encourage the use of supportive footwear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines on workplace ergonomics.
Hygiene Practices: Enforce strict hygiene practices to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of both staff and customers. This includes regular hand washing, proper food handling, and clean uniforms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides comprehensive resources on safe food handling practices.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide necessary PPE such as gloves and masks, especially when staff are dealing with cleaning chemicals or in any situation where they're required for health protection. Guidance on appropriate PPE can be found through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Regular Health Checks: Encourage or facilitate regular health checks for staff to monitor any conditions that could impact their ability to work safely. This includes checking for signs of physical strain, stress, or fatigue.
By implementing these strategies, wait staff can enjoy a safer working environment, leading to better job satisfaction and improved customer service.
How to Display Health & Safety Skills on Your Resume
