MyMajors Career Profile

Typical Tasks

Fill salt, pepper, sugar, cream, condiment, and napkin containers.

Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.

Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.

Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.

Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.

What kind of work is this?

Social

Working with people

Conventional

Organized, Procedural Work

Enterprising

Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability

Self-Control

Attention to Detail

Cooperation

Stress Tolerance

Social Orientation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening

Service Orientation

Speaking

Social Perceptiveness

Coordination

Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.

Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.

Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

High school diploma 57%
Less than high school 28%
Bachelor's degree 7%
Some college 5%
Associate's degree 2%

Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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Waiters and Waitresses

What they do:

Also Called:

Typical Tasks

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

What key skills are needed for this job?