Waiter or Waitress CV example
A Waiter or Waitress CV for South African employers: what to write, the duties and skills to list, a cover letter and tips.
Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau
1. An example profile
A short profile at the top of your CV says who you are and what work you want. Change it to fit your own experience:
2. Duties to list
Under each job like this in your work experience, list three to five of the duties you really did:
- Welcome guests and show them to their tables
- Take food and drink orders accurately
- Serve meals and drinks promptly
- Explain the menu and specials to guests
- Process bills and payments
- Clear and set tables and keep the section clean
3. Skills and certificates
Skills employers look for in this job:
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Working under pressure
- Cash handling
Also list, if you have them:
- Restaurants or hotels you worked at
- POS systems you used
- Food safety or barista training
4. Tips for Waiter or Waitress jobs
- Show your people skills and that you work well under pressure on busy nights.
- Mention if you handled your own cash-up or worked the till.
- Hotel, function and event work counts too: list it with dates.
5. An example cover letter
Send a short cover letter with your CV, naming the post and the reference number from the advert:
Dear Hiring Manager
Re: Application for the post of Waiter or Waitress
I would like to apply for the post of Waiter or Waitress, as advertised. Please find my CV attached.
For two years I worked as a waitress at a family restaurant that seats 120 people, taking orders, serving food and drinks and doing my own cash-up. Regular customers asked for my tables, and I stay friendly and quick even on Friday nights.
I am available for an interview at any time and can be reached on 072 123 4567. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours faithfully
Thabo Mokoena
More help: how to write a cover letter, a CV with no work experience and job interview tips.