Great service is the cornerstone of any thriving restaurant. To achieve this, mastering restaurant staffing and creating compelling server job descriptions are paramount. This guide delves into the essential aspects of the restaurant server role, providing you with a robust understanding and a framework for attracting top talent.
Understanding the Restaurant Server Role
Restaurant servers, often referred to as waiters or waitresses, are the face of your establishment. They are the primary point of contact for guests, embodying your restaurant’s hospitality and service standards. While their basic duties include taking orders, serving food, and processing payments, the reality of a restaurant server job description is far more nuanced and demanding.
The impact of a skilled server on the guest experience cannot be overstated. A server who is not only friendly but also possesses in-depth menu knowledge, coupled with composure and efficiency, can significantly elevate customer satisfaction and foster loyalty. Conversely, a server lacking in these qualities can detract from the dining experience, potentially turning away customers.
Beyond direct customer interaction, restaurant servers are integral team members who contribute to various operational tasks. These responsibilities can extend to seating guests (especially in establishments without dedicated hosts), clearing tables, handling takeout and delivery orders, preparing silverware, and ensuring the cleanliness of service areas during quieter periods. It’s important to note that the specific duties outlined in a fine dining server job description will differ from those in a casual family restaurant setting, reflecting the diverse demands of each environment.
Restaurant Job Application Template
Crafting an Effective Server Job Description: A Sample Template
Now that we’ve established a foundational understanding of the server role, let’s explore a sample job description that you can adapt for your restaurant. Feel free to customize this food server job description to accurately reflect the unique needs and atmosphere of your establishment.
Job Description
[Restaurant Name], a bustling family-friendly restaurant known for [mention restaurant’s specialty or ambiance], is seeking enthusiastic and experienced servers to deliver exceptional dining experiences to our valued guests. As a key member of our front-of-house team, you will be responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring smooth and efficient service from start to finish.
The ideal candidate is passionate about customer service, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and possesses prior experience in the restaurant industry. If you are a team player dedicated to providing high-quality guest experiences and enjoy working collaboratively with both front and back-of-house staff, we encourage you to apply.
Female restaurant server professionally delivering food to patrons.
Key Server Responsibilities
- Warmly greet guests and efficiently seat them according to our seating chart guidelines.
- Promptly provide water and menus upon seating guests.
- Accurately take food and beverage orders, offering recommendations and answering menu inquiries.
- Effectively communicate orders to kitchen and bar staff.
- Serve food and beverages to guests in a timely and professional manner.
- Proactively check on guests to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns or requests promptly.
- Clear tables efficiently after guests have finished dining.
- Present dessert menus and offer after-dinner beverages.
- Process guest payments accurately and efficiently.
- Support team members by assisting with seating guests and running food for other servers when needed.
- Maintain restaurant cleanliness and organization, including tasks like silverware rolling and glass polishing during slower periods.
- Execute all responsibilities with speed, courtesy, and meticulous organization.
Essential Server Requirements and Qualifications
- Proven experience in a high-volume restaurant setting.
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with a genuine passion for interacting with people.
- Ability to maintain composure and perform effectively under pressure while exhibiting a friendly and patient demeanor.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, demonstrating a proactive and methodical approach to work.
- Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with kitchen, host, and bussing staff in a dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with cash handling procedures and restaurant POS systems.
- Commitment to upholding a clean and safe environment for guests.
- Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and a self-motivated work ethic.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Three server sidework checklists designed for efficient task management.
Top Tips for Hiring Exceptional Restaurant Servers
With a comprehensive food server job description in hand, let’s explore actionable strategies to enhance your server hiring process and attract the best candidates. Given that a significant portion of job seekers are influenced by their hiring experience, prioritizing a positive and efficient process is crucial.
Key Inclusions for Your Server Job Posting
While each restaurant’s server job description will have unique elements depending on the dining style and service model, certain core components are universally important. To attract the right candidates, ensure your job posting is detailed, transparent, and appealing. Include specifics such as:
- Restaurant type and style (e.g., fine dining, casual, themed, etc.).
- Number of shifts and weekly hours available.
- Specific shift requirements (days, evenings, weekends, etc.).
- Required experience level or educational background.
- Essential hard skills (e.g., bartending knowledge, POS proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., positive attitude, communication skills).
- Employee benefits and perks (e.g., complimentary meals, discounts, health insurance).
Male server expertly carrying a tray in a bustling restaurant environment.
What to Look for in a Restaurant Server Resume
In today’s competitive labor market, particularly within the restaurant industry, efficient hiring is critical. Vacancies can incur significant daily costs. However, resist the urge to compromise on candidate quality. Hiring the wrong server can lead to rapid turnover and the need to immediately re-advertise the position. To streamline your resume review, focus on these key indicators:
- Relevant Experience: Assess the candidate’s previous restaurant experience, considering restaurant types, duration of employment, and roles held.
- Required Certifications: Verify if the candidate possesses necessary certifications (e.g., alcohol service permits) for your location.
- Soft Skills Indicators: Look for resume details that suggest essential soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and ability to handle pressure.
Free Server Training Checklist to optimize new hire onboarding.
By understanding the multifaceted role of a restaurant server and utilizing a well-structured server job description, you are well-equipped to build a stellar front-of-house team. Remember to complement your hiring efforts with a comprehensive new hire checklist to ensure your servers are set up for success from day one.
By Katherine Pendrill
Katherine is the Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro, contributing insightful articles on food and restaurant industry trends.
