Server Jobs
With the shift of employment in the United States from manufacturing to service industries, there awaits many opportunities for servers to find waiter and waitress jobs in restaurants, diners, pubs, fast food, cruise ships, and banquet halls. For many teens, server jobs are their first jobs.
Beginning server jobs are best found at fast food and casual dining establishments. These places don’t mind training someone without experience. They have very specific procedures and rules. Employment with a company such as Applebee’s, McDonalds or Boston Pizza will prepare a waitress or waiter to serve in more upscale restaurants. Some places might start out new employees as bussers or hosts before they trust them with tables.
Here is a list of duties that are included in the server job description:
Server Job Description
Applying to Restaurant Server Jobs
If you are asking for an application in person, do not appear at a restaurant during lunch or dinner hours. Try to speak to a manager at a convenient time. If you just hand your resume to a host or waitress, it might be lost forever. Be prepared to be interviewed on the spot. Get familiar with the menu and the company’s motto before you go to speak to anyone. If you do plan to apply in person, go online first, read about the company, study the job postings and descriptions and then prepare your resume accordingly. Always bring a resume to the place of business.
Interview Questions
Your interviewer might ask you why you want to work there. He or she might also want to know what you would do with unsatisfied customers. You should also know what to do in situations revolving alcohol. What drinks does the restaurant specialize in? What menu items can be substituted if the kitchen is out of something? What would you do if someone gives you a hard time regarding ID? You should come to the meeting knowing what hours you can work, how you will get to the job, and be willing to wear the prescribed uniform. The employer will ask you if you have the necessary working papers if you are a teenager.
Here are some of the soft skills you will need.
You are Hired!
As you can see, the duties of a server are extensive. This job, although it doesn’t require a higher education, is important, none the less. Congratulations if you have got the job. Remember to wear very comfortable non-slip shoes. Ask if there is anything else you will need to bring. It might be smart to bring you own pens for writing orders. Important things to learn are how to serve a table, how to process payments and how to communicate with the kitchen. You need to know what to do and in what order. Most places will be happy to train you.
Beginning server jobs are best found at fast food and casual dining establishments. These places don’t mind training someone without experience. They have very specific procedures and rules. Employment with a company such as Applebee’s, McDonalds or Boston Pizza will prepare a waitress or waiter to serve in more upscale restaurants. Some places might start out new employees as bussers or hosts before they trust them with tables.
Here is a list of duties that are included in the server job description:
Server Job Description
- Greet guests in a timely manner
- Suggest specials
- Upsell drinks and desserts
- Take orders and enter them into the POS system
- Deliver food to tables
- Perform quality check backs for guest satisfaction at every course
- Resolve complaints
- Explain the menu
- Refill stock items, cutlery and condiments
- Set up buffet
- Clear and reset tables
- Process cash and credit card payments
- Work as a team member to carry out the restaurant’s vision and goals
- Follow safety precautions and hygiene requirements
- Implement cost saving strategies
- Clean the front of the restaurant areas
- Is familiar with common food allergies and religious or vegetarian dietary needs
- Ability to recommend food and wine separately and in pairings
- Assists in opening and closing the restaurant
- Brews coffee and prepares counter foods such as shakes and desserts.
Applying to Restaurant Server Jobs
If you are asking for an application in person, do not appear at a restaurant during lunch or dinner hours. Try to speak to a manager at a convenient time. If you just hand your resume to a host or waitress, it might be lost forever. Be prepared to be interviewed on the spot. Get familiar with the menu and the company’s motto before you go to speak to anyone. If you do plan to apply in person, go online first, read about the company, study the job postings and descriptions and then prepare your resume accordingly. Always bring a resume to the place of business.
Interview Questions
Your interviewer might ask you why you want to work there. He or she might also want to know what you would do with unsatisfied customers. You should also know what to do in situations revolving alcohol. What drinks does the restaurant specialize in? What menu items can be substituted if the kitchen is out of something? What would you do if someone gives you a hard time regarding ID? You should come to the meeting knowing what hours you can work, how you will get to the job, and be willing to wear the prescribed uniform. The employer will ask you if you have the necessary working papers if you are a teenager.
Here are some of the soft skills you will need.
- Friendly attitude - You need to be a ‘people person’. Customers want smiles, kindness, helpful actions and special attention.
- Good communicator - You need to be able to communicate with co-workers and with customers.
- A good work ethic -This means that you arrive on time, work hard, and can multi-task in a fast paced environment. You keep your personal life at home.
- Basic math skills – You will be handling tips and payments.
- Stamina and endurance – You will be on your feet for long periods.
- A good memory – You will be asked for a lot by guests and need to memorize the menu.
- Honesty – The owners do not want you to steal or waste inventory. The customers want to know how long their food will be.
- Good appearance – You should be neat and clean on the job and at the interview.
- With these soft skills in mind, stress on your resume that you can provide exceptional guest service while being a productive member of a team. You are honest, trouble free, and reliable. You have received many compliments in your past work experience.
You are Hired!
As you can see, the duties of a server are extensive. This job, although it doesn’t require a higher education, is important, none the less. Congratulations if you have got the job. Remember to wear very comfortable non-slip shoes. Ask if there is anything else you will need to bring. It might be smart to bring you own pens for writing orders. Important things to learn are how to serve a table, how to process payments and how to communicate with the kitchen. You need to know what to do and in what order. Most places will be happy to train you.
