Great service is the cornerstone of any successful restaurant. To achieve this, mastering restaurant staffing and writing compelling restaurant server job descriptions are crucial first steps. This guide will provide you with everything you need to understand Restaurant Server Jobs, craft effective job descriptions, and hire top talent.
Understanding the Restaurant Server Role
What exactly does a restaurant server do? Often called waiters or waitresses, servers are the face of your establishment, directly interacting with guests. Their core duties include taking customer orders, delivering food and drinks, and processing payments. However, the reality of restaurant server jobs extends far beyond these basic tasks.
Servers are pivotal in shaping the customer experience. A server who is friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and efficient can significantly enhance a guest’s visit, turning first-timers into regulars. Conversely, a server who is inattentive or makes errors can negatively impact the dining experience, potentially damaging your restaurant’s reputation.
Beyond customer interaction, teamwork is a vital aspect of restaurant server jobs. Servers often collaborate with other front-of-house and back-of-house staff. Responsibilities can include seating guests (if there’s no dedicated host), clearing tables, handling takeout orders, preparing silverware, and assisting with general restaurant cleanliness during slower periods. It’s important to note that a fine dining server job description will differ from one for a casual family restaurant, reflecting varying levels of service and expertise required.
Restaurant server taking order on tablet
Crafting an Effective Restaurant Server Job Description: Sample and Key Elements
Now, let’s delve into creating a job description that attracts the right candidates for your restaurant server jobs. Below is a sample you can adapt for your restaurant.
Restaurant Server Job Description Sample
[Restaurant Name] is seeking enthusiastic and experienced servers to join our team and provide exceptional service in our bustling family restaurant. As a server, you will be the primary point of contact for our guests, responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is passionate about customer service, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and possesses prior restaurant experience. If you are a team player dedicated to delivering high-quality guest experiences, we encourage you to apply for this exciting restaurant server job!
Smiling waitress serving food to customers
Server Responsibilities:
- Warmly greet guests and seat them according to seating arrangements.
- Present menus and provide water promptly upon seating guests.
- Take accurate food and drink orders, offering recommendations when appropriate.
- Relay orders to kitchen and bar staff efficiently.
- Serve food and drinks to guests in a timely and professional manner.
- Proactively check on guests to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns.
- Clear tables after guests have finished their meals.
- Offer desserts and/or present checks to guests.
- Process payments accurately.
- Assist team members with tasks such as seating guests or running food for other servers.
- Contribute to restaurant cleanliness by tasks like polishing silverware and glassware during downtime.
- Perform all duties with speed, friendliness, and organization.
Server Requirements and Qualifications:
- Proven experience in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong teamwork abilities in a high-energy environment.
- Familiarity with cash handling and POS systems.
- Commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for guests.
- Honest, reliable, and self-motivated work ethic.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Tips for Hiring Star Restaurant Servers
Creating a detailed restaurant server job description is only the first step. To hire exceptional servers, consider these key tips:
What to Include in Your Restaurant Server Job Description to Attract Top Talent
While the sample above provides a strong foundation, tailor your restaurant server job description to your specific restaurant. Include details like:
- Restaurant type: Specify if you are fine dining, casual, bar, etc., to attract candidates with relevant experience.
- Shift details: Clearly state the number of shifts, hours per week, and days/evenings required (weekdays, weekends).
- Experience level: Indicate if prior serving experience is mandatory or if you are willing to train entry-level candidates.
- Essential skills: List both hard skills (e.g., bartending knowledge, POS proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., positive attitude, communication skills) that are crucial for success in your restaurant server jobs.
- Benefits and perks: Highlight any employee benefits such as free meals, discounts, health insurance (if applicable), or opportunities for advancement.
Busy restaurant scene with server carrying a tray
What to Look for in Restaurant Server Resumes
In a competitive labor market, particularly in the restaurant industry, finding qualified candidates for restaurant server jobs can be challenging. Remember that a vacant server position can cost your restaurant significantly each day due to reduced service capacity and potential customer dissatisfaction. However, avoid rushing the hiring process and compromising on quality.
When reviewing resumes for restaurant server jobs, focus on these key indicators:
- Relevant experience: Assess the candidate’s previous restaurant experience – types of restaurants, duration of employment, and roles held. Look for a progression in responsibility or experience in similar establishments.
- Required certifications: Check for necessary certifications, such as alcohol service permits or food handler cards, depending on your location and regulations.
- Soft skills indicators: Look for resume keywords or descriptions that highlight soft skills like teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and ability to work under pressure. These are critical for success in restaurant server jobs.
Server training checklist for restaurant staff
Conclusion
By understanding the multifaceted nature of restaurant server jobs and following these guidelines for crafting effective job descriptions and hiring practices, you can build a stellar team of servers. Remember, investing time and effort in finding and retaining excellent servers is an investment in your restaurant’s success and reputation. Start creating your compelling restaurant server job description today and take the first step towards exceptional service!
By Katherine Pendrill
Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro
