Crafting a compelling Server Resume Job Description is the first step in attracting top-tier talent to your restaurant. A well-written job description not only outlines the responsibilities but also sells your establishment as a desirable place to work. This guide will help you create a server job description that is both informative for potential candidates and optimized to attract the best applicants.
Key Components of a Server Job Description
To write an effective server job description, you need to cover several essential areas. Let’s break down each section:
Compelling Introduction: Sell Your Restaurant
Begin your job description with an engaging introduction to your restaurant. This is your chance to highlight what makes your establishment unique and appealing to prospective servers. Instead of simply stating facts, paint a picture of the work environment and company culture. Are you a bustling, high-energy spot, or a cozy, intimate dining experience? Do you pride yourselves on exceptional customer service or a fun, team-oriented atmosphere? Use this space to showcase your restaurant’s best qualities and make candidates excited about the possibility of joining your team. For example, instead of just saying “We are a restaurant,” try something like: “Join our vibrant team at [Restaurant Name], a beloved neighborhood bistro known for its farm-to-table cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. We are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences and are looking for enthusiastic servers to share our passion.”
Server Job Responsibilities: Detail the Daily Tasks
This section should clearly and concisely outline the daily tasks and responsibilities of a server at your restaurant. Be comprehensive but avoid overwhelming potential applicants with jargon. Use action verbs and focus on the key duties they will perform. Instead of vague statements, provide specific examples. Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical server responsibilities:
- Greeting and Seating Guests: Welcoming guests with warmth and professionalism, guiding them to their tables, and providing menus.
- Menu Expertise: Possessing in-depth knowledge of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and daily specials, to confidently answer questions and make recommendations.
- Order Taking Accuracy: Taking food and beverage orders accurately, noting any special requests or dietary restrictions, and entering orders into the POS system efficiently.
- Prompt and Efficient Service: Serving food and beverages in a timely manner, ensuring orders are correct and presented attractively.
- Maintaining Table Ambiance: Setting and clearing tables, ensuring cleanliness, and maintaining proper table settings throughout service. This includes polishing silverware, folding napkins, and arranging condiments.
- Upselling and Suggestive Selling: Proactively suggesting appetizers, desserts, and beverages to enhance the guest experience and increase sales.
- Handling Customer Inquiries and Concerns: Addressing guest questions and concerns with professionalism and resolving issues effectively, escalating to management when necessary.
- Processing Payments: Presenting checks, processing payments accurately (cash, credit cards, mobile payments), and making change or processing credit card transactions efficiently.
- Adhering to Safety and Sanitation Standards: Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, following all food safety and hygiene regulations, and adhering to alcohol beverage control policies.
- Team Collaboration: Working collaboratively with kitchen staff, bartenders, and other servers to ensure smooth and efficient service.
- End-of-Shift Duties: Completing side work such as restocking server stations, preparing for the next shift, and completing closing duties as assigned.
Work Hours and Benefits: Entice Candidates with Perks
This section is crucial for attracting candidates. Be transparent about the expected work hours and highlight any benefits you offer. Servers often prioritize flexibility and benefits, so showcasing these aspects can significantly improve your candidate pool. Consider including details about:
- Flexible Schedules: Mention if you offer flexible scheduling options, which can be a major draw for candidates seeking work-life balance.
- Weekend and Evening Availability: Clearly state the need for weekend and evening availability if those are requirements.
- Shift Work: Specify if the position involves shift work and describe typical shift timings.
- Competitive Wages and Tips: Highlight competitive hourly wages and the potential for earning tips. Be upfront about your tipping policy.
- Benefits Package: List any benefits you offer, such as health insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, or retirement plans.
- Employee Meals: Mention if you provide complimentary meals or discounts on food during shifts.
- Uniforms: Specify if you provide uniforms or offer a uniform allowance.
- Training and Development: Outline any training programs or opportunities for professional development you offer.
Server Qualifications and Skills: Identify Ideal Traits
In this section, list the essential qualifications and skills you are seeking in a server. Focus on both hard skills and soft skills that are crucial for success in a customer-facing role. Consider including:
- Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide exceptional customer service and create positive guest experiences.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with guests and team members.
- Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively to guest requests and accurately process information.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to handle guest complaints and challenging situations calmly and efficiently.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Energy and Stamina: High energy levels and physical stamina to handle long shifts and stand for extended periods.
- Multitasking and Time Management: Excellent multitasking and time management skills to handle multiple tables and tasks simultaneously.
- Attention to Detail and Thoroughness: Attention to detail and accuracy in order taking, order delivery, and payment processing.
- Professionalism and Positive Attitude: Maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor, and exhibiting a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Basic Math Skills: Proficiency in basic math for order taking, payment processing, and handling cash.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: Set Clear Expectations
Clearly state the necessary education, experience, and licensing requirements for the server position. Be realistic about your expectations and consider the level of your restaurant and the complexity of the role. Examples include:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but may not always be mandatory.
- Experience: Specify the desired years of server experience, if any. Consider whether you are willing to train entry-level candidates. You might specify “1-2 years of server experience in a fast-paced environment” or “Prior experience in fine dining preferred.”
- Licensing/Certifications: Mention any required licenses or certifications, such as alcohol service permits (e.g., TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol certification) depending on your location and regulations.
Call to Action: Make it Easy to Apply
Conclude your server resume job description with a clear and compelling call to action. Tell candidates exactly how to apply for the position. Make the application process as easy as possible to maximize responses. Examples of effective calls to action include:
- “Click the ‘Apply Now’ button to submit your resume and cover letter.”
- “Email your resume to [email protected] to apply.”
- “Apply in person at [Restaurant Address] between [Hours].”
- “Visit our website at [Website Address] to learn more and apply online.”
Optimizing Your Server Job Description for SEO
To ensure your server job description reaches a wider audience of job seekers, consider these SEO tips:
- Keyword Integration: Naturally incorporate keywords like “server resume job description,” “waiter job description,” “waitress job description,” “restaurant server,” and related terms throughout your description.
- Location-Based Keywords: Include your restaurant’s city and neighborhood to attract local candidates.
- Job Title Optimization: Use clear and common job titles like “Server,” “Waiter,” or “Waitress” in your job posting.
- Use Header Tags: Utilize header tags (H2, H3) to structure your content and highlight key sections, which can improve readability for both users and search engines.
- Focus on User Intent: Ensure your job description directly addresses the needs of job seekers by providing comprehensive information about the role, responsibilities, benefits, and application process.
By following these guidelines, you can create a server resume job description that not only attracts qualified candidates but also enhances your online visibility and streamlines your hiring process. A well-crafted job description is a valuable tool in building a successful and dedicated server team for your restaurant.
