Hospitality Crew: As an Employer, what skills do you look for in a waiter or chef?

CRAIG FOX - Director, Wine and Dine'M Catering
Somebody once said to me that you hire for attitude and train for skill. I think in terms of a waiter a lot of what is desirable can be learnt on the job, I think if some one has the right attitude you are three quarters there.

LISA PRATT- Labour Hire Manager, Zenith Hospitality Staffing Solution
At Zenith we are a labour hire agency and we look for waiters who have a minimum of one years experience in a four or five star venue that could be a hotel, restaurant or catering company. We employ chefs how are 5 years qualified. We also look for people who have transport that could be using public transport or their own means of transport and also have a mobile phone so we can contact them easily.

WILL BRENNAN - Restaurant Manager, Chalk Hotel
As a waiter I guess we are looking for someone that's multi-versatile, experience is an advantage but not always necessary someone that has a little bit of wine knowledge coffee skills but essentially the most important thing as far as I'm concerned is enthusiasm and someone that's willing to learn and pick up things quickly is probably the most important thing

JACQUELINE PORTER - Director of Human Resources Queensland, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
What we look for begins with their people skills. We want people that can engage with people in the service industry. So we are looking for people that have initiative, that have a level of energy and enthusiasm, and show a lot of interest into the role and then we can teach them anything.

DOMINIC EGGER - Food & Beverage Manager/ Executive Chef, Stamford Plaza, Brisbane
Generally we're not looking for the skills, the skills we can train. We look for the commitment and the eagerness and willingness and the fire in their eyes that they have to work in this industry.