Wait Staff Jobs in Illinois
Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.
Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
barista - Store# 15749, ELK GROVE VILLAGE-100 BIESTERFIELD RD
- Elk Grove Village, IL
- 17 days ago
- Elk Grove Village, IL
- 17 days ago
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
... Do you have a knack for helping people, following recipes, and organization? Our prepared meal and rotisserie chicken associates prepare fresh food items daily for our members through...
... Why do people love eating in our cafe at Sams Club? Our members tell us one of the biggest reasons is our hard-working and happy-to-help cafe associates. Do you have a passion for preparing...
You are applying for a position with a franchisee or licensee of Taco Bell, not Taco Bell Corp. or any of its affiliates. Franchisees and licensees are independent business organizations, who will...
You are applying for a position with a franchisee or licensee of Taco Bell, not Taco Bell Corp. or any of its affiliates. Franchisees and licensees are independent business organizations, who will...
You are applying for work with a franchisee of Taco Bell, not Taco Bell Corp. or any of its affiliates. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business...
patrons by setting tables and stocking all necessary supplies prior to the beginning of service Maintains table settings by removing used plates Refilling water glasses and other beverages Supports wait...
In most jobs, everyone doesnt spontaneously erupt into applause and start raining down high-fives. At Buffalo Wild Wings, thats just a Thursday night. This is the place to start the next phase of...
In most jobs, everyone doesnt spontaneously erupt into applause and start raining down high-fives. At Buffalo Wild Wings, thats just a Thursday night. This is the place to start the next phase of...
Required Years of Experience 2 years Job Details Job Details A very exciting new Greek concept restaurant is coming to the West Loop! We will be opening our doors soon and are looking for two...
Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets Title: Cashier PT Date: 05/06/2025 Job ID: R000570513 Relocation: No Degree: No Degree Salary: Job Types: Cashier, Clerk Employment Type: PART TIME Location: Plymouth...
Fill room service menu orders and expedite delivery and ensure all room service trays are retrieved at conclusion of dining time....
at Starbucks in Downers Grove, Illinois, United States Job Description Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, it's all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are,...
Demographic Data for Illinois
Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois below.
Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in Illinois
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.
Highest Education Level
Wait Staffs in Illinois offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Wait Staff position
- Military Background
- Wholesale
- Ordering Merchandise
- MICROS Systems
- Banquet Catering
- Casual Dining
- Back of House
- Front of House
- Food and Beverage Management
- Guest Service
- Dishwashing
- Buffet
- Loyalty Marketing
- Menu Planning
- Fryer
- Grilling
- Sanitation
- Food Preparation
- Food Handling
- Catering
- Courteous
- Food Safety
- Baking
- Health and Safety
- Long-Term Disability
- Point-of-Sale System
- Preventive Maintenance
- Wellness
- Cooking
- Cashier Skills
- Merchandising
- Energetic
- Reimbursement
- Cash Handling
- Stocking
- Closing
- Friendliness
- High School Diploma
- Punctual
- Retail
- Driving
- Events
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Multitasking
- English
- Inventory Management
- Regulations
- Sales
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Wait Staff Related Career Advice Articles

Must-Read Job Search Advice for Restaurant Workers
Learn the ins and outs of how to get a job at a restaurant, including when to turn in your resume, how to present yourself, and how to land the job.
Read article »