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Waiters and Waitresses

Job Zone
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Collect payments from customers.97
  • Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.97
  • Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.96
  • Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.95
  • Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.94
  • Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.93
  • Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.93
  • Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.92
  • Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.90
  • Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash, or checking and cleaning bathroom.89
  • Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.88
  • Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.84
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  • Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens.84
  • Roll silverware, set up food stations, or set up dining areas to prepare for the next shift or for large parties.84
  • Inform customers of daily specials.83
  • Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.81
  • Assist host or hostess by answering phones to take reservations or to-go orders, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests.78
  • Fill salt, pepper, sugar, cream, condiment, and napkin containers.77
  • Garnish and decorate dishes in preparation for serving.76
  • Perform food preparation duties, such as preparing salads, appetizers, and cold dishes, portioning desserts, and brewing coffee.75
  • Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine.75
  • Escort customers to their tables.70
  • Bring wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses, and pour the wines for customers.69
  • Describe and recommend wines to customers.69
  • Provide guests with information about local areas, including directions.61
  • Check with customers to see if they want to apply any rewards to their purchase.
  • Perform routine tasks, such as refilling syrups, sanitizer bottles, and other essential supplies.

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Service Orientation72

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Active Listening63

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Speaking63

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Social Perceptiveness60

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Coordination53

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Monitoring50

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Critical Thinking47

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Judgment and Decision Making44

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Persuasion44

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Reading Comprehension44

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Time Management44

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Complex Problem Solving41

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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  • Active Learning38

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Quality Control Analysis31

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Instructing28

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Mathematics28

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Negotiation28

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Writing28

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Learning Strategies25

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Operations Monitoring25

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Systems Analysis25

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation25

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Management of Personnel Resources22

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Management of Material Resources19

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Troubleshooting19

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Management of Financial Resources16

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Operation and Control10

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Programming3

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Operations Analysis0

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Science0

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Technology Design0

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • Customer and Personal Service74

    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 Language66

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

  • Sales and Marketing57

    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.

  • Food Production41

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Mathematics40

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Administration and Management38

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Psychology36

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Computers and Electronics35

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Education and Training35

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Sociology and Anthropology34

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Telecommunications32

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Communications and Media28

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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  • Public Safety and Security28

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Economics and Accounting27

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Administrative26

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Law and Government21

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Personnel and Human Resources21

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Production and Processing20

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Engineering and Technology16

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Chemistry15

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Mechanical15

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Transportation15

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Foreign Language13

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Medicine and Dentistry10

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Physics10

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

  • Design9

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Geography8

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Therapy and Counseling5

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Building and Construction4

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Biology3

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Fine Arts3

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Philosophy and Theology3

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • History and Archeology1

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Comprehension72

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression69

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Speech Clarity69

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition69

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Stamina56

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Time Sharing56

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Trunk Strength56

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Problem Sensitivity53

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness50

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Deductive Reasoning50

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Information Ordering50

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Manual Dexterity50

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

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  • Near Vision50

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Finger Dexterity47

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Gross Body Coordination47

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Written Comprehension47

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Extent Flexibility44

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Far Vision44

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Inductive Reasoning44

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Static Strength44

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Auditory Attention41

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Category Flexibility41

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Memorization41

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Written Expression41

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Dynamic Strength38

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Multilimb Coordination38

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Flexibility of Closure31

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Visual Color Discrimination31

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Visualization31

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Control Precision28

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Fluency of Ideas28

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Gross Body Equilibrium28

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Mathematical Reasoning28

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Hearing Sensitivity25

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Number Facility25

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Originality25

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Perceptual Speed25

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Speed of Closure25

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Explosive Strength22

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Depth Perception19

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Spatial Orientation19

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Speed of Limb Movement16

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Reaction Time13

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Dynamic Flexibility10

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Peripheral Vision3

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Rate Control3

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Sound Localization3

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed3

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Night Vision0

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Response Orientation0

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public75

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

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Performing General Physical Activities69

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Handling and Moving Objects67

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66

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

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People62

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Getting Information57

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

  • Assisting and Caring for Others54

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships54

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others52

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge52

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards51

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Selling or Influencing Others51

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Working with Computers50

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Developing and Building Teams49

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials45

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings45

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Thinking Creatively44

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others41

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems41

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information39

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work39

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Coaching and Developing Others36

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Training and Teaching Others36

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates35

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization34

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Analyzing Data or Information33

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Processing Information33

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes29

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others27

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources26

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies24

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities20

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment19

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

  • Performing Administrative Activities15

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Staffing Organizational Units12

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Documenting/Recording Information8

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment8

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment7

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Social Orientation82

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Cooperation79

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Dependability71

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Optimism67

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Empathy63

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Self-Control59

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Stress Tolerance56

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Attention to Detail51

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Integrity50

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Adaptability45

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Humility43

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Perseverance42

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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  • Self-Confidence41

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Sincerity38

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Initiative37

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Achievement Orientation29

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity21

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Cautiousness14

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Leadership Orientation3

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Innovation0

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity0

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Conventional66

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Social62

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Realistic52

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Enterprising51

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Artistic14

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Investigative0

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others95%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • Continually or almost continually80%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day79%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Continually or almost continually59%
    • More than half the time29%
    • About half the time12%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important70%
    • Important23%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day80%
    • Never17%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important44%
    • Important42%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility33%
    • High responsibility37%
    • Moderate responsibility20%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)32%
    • Moderately close (at arm's length)36%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)22%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually31%
    • More than half the time36%
    • About half the time14%
    • Less than half the time14%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually23%
    • More than half the time41%
    • About half the time21%
    • Never11%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day51%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Never21%
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  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important14%
    • Very important43%
    • Important25%
    • Fairly important17%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important53%
    • Fairly important16%
    • Not important at all24%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom31%
    • Some freedom27%
    • Limited freedom14%
    • Very little freedom14%
    • No freedom15%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom11%
    • Some freedom42%
    • Limited freedom21%
    • Very little freedom25%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day35%
    • Once a week or more but not every day30%
    • Never26%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day59%
    • Never39%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a week or more but not every day22%
    • Once a month or more but not every week48%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility14%
    • High responsibility21%
    • Moderate responsibility30%
    • Limited responsibility28%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results20%
    • Important results18%
    • Moderate results20%
    • Minor results34%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important14%
    • Very important22%
    • Important24%
    • Fairly important33%
  • Public Speaking

    • Every day43%
    • Never50%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day24%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never30%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week49%
    • Never24%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Completely automated29%
    • Moderately automated12%
    • Slightly automated19%
    • Not at all automated38%
  • Level of Competition

    • Highly competitive17%
    • Slightly competitive38%
    • Not at all competitive27%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Every day12%
    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week23%
    • Never50%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • More than half the time16%
    • About half the time22%
    • Less than half the time21%
    • Never37%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Once a week or more but not every day17%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never60%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • About half the time12%
    • Less than half the time13%
    • Never61%
  • E-Mail

    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Never66%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Never67%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Fairly serious40%
    • Not serious at all47%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never61%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a month or more but not every week18%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never62%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • About half the time11%
    • Less than half the time36%
    • Never51%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a month or more but not every week13%
    • Never74%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month24%
    • Never65%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a year or more but not every month23%
    • Never73%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Never87%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Less than half the time28%
    • Never73%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
    • Never80%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never85%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all85%
  • Work Schedules

    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)92%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • Less than 40 hours97%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Never96%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Never96%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never91%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never99%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never98%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Less than high school diploma
  • Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Web page creation and editing software

    Facebook

  • Instant messaging software

    Blink

  • Point of sale POS software

    Compris Advanced Manager's Workstation, Hospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-Sale, Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale, NCR Advanced Checkout Solution

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Process customer bills or payments.
  • Enforce rules or regulations.
  • Take customer orders.
  • Communicate dining or order details to kitchen personnel.
  • Communicate with customers to resolve complaints or ensure satisfaction.
  • Collect dirty dishes or other tableware.
  • Clean food service areas.
  • Serve food or beverages.
  • Cook foods.
  • Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.
  • Present food or beverage information or menus to customers.
  • Arrange tables or dining areas.
Show all 19
  • Stock serving stations or dining areas with food or supplies.
  • Assist customers with seating arrangements.
  • Schedule dining reservations.
  • Add garnishes to food.
  • Prepare hot or cold beverages.
  • Prepare foods for cooking or serving.
  • Provide customers with general information or assistance.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

  • Waiter
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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