The job that I decided to pick for this assignment is the job of a waiter/waitress. A waitresses responsibility is to take orders and serve food/beverages to patrons in a dining establishment. He or she may also have to recommend food/beverages to people who have never been to the restaurant before. It’s important for them to know the menu thoroughly so that they are able to answer any questions that someone may have regarding menu choices.
A waiter/waitress has to write patrons’ food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to the kitchen staff. They have to then check with customers frequently to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems. The main goal is for your customers to be satisfied so that the result is a great tip to the waiter/waitress and for them to return to the business establishment in the future. Waiters/waitresses prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and collect payments from customers (O Net 2015).
Competency Model
Occupation Specific Task
• Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
• Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.
• Inform customers of daily specials.
• Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
• Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens.
Academic Competencies
• High School diploma or equivalent
• The ability to listen and understand information and ideas through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to speak clearly so that others can understand you.
• The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• The ability to concentrate on a task without being distracted.
Technical Competencies
• Operate credit card processing machines
• Point of sale software knowledge
• Operate touch screen monitors
• Operate cash registers
Developing the Competency Model
The competency model that I developed is a description of the competencies that are required for a job as a waiter/waitress. I was able to develop this competency model from the O*Net website. The set of competencies information is readily available on the website which made the model easy to develop.
Competency or Training
A person trying to get a waiter/waitress job does not have to have all of the necessary skills to be hired. Training can easily be done by an employee who has experience with the restaurant business. Most people already know how to do most of the skills needed for the academic competencies. For someone new to the business, training will need to be done so that the person is able to master the competencies necessary to do their job well.