How to Be Food Server, Catering - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 25, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for catering services has increased in recent years, causing an increased need for food servers. Food servers are responsible for providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that customers have an enjoyable dining experience. They take orders, serve food and drinks, and help with setting up and cleaning up for events.

They often work in teams to provide a high level of service to large groups of people. As the demand for catering services continues to rise, so too does the need for more food servers to meet customer demands.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers will require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may also prefer candidates with a degree in culinary arts, hospitality, or business.
Develop customer service and food service skills. Food servers must possess excellent customer service skills and be knowledgeable about food and beverage offerings. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to multitask.
Obtain certification or training. Many employers may require food servers to have certifications in food safety and sanitation. Organizations like the National Restaurant Association offer certifications in food safety and sanitation.
Get experience. Experience is key to becoming a successful food server. Working as a host or busser in a restaurant is a great way to gain experience.
Network. Attending job fairs and local events, connecting with industry professionals, and joining professional organizations can help you gain valuable contacts and find job opportunities.
Apply for a job as a food server or catering assistant. Once you have developed the necessary skills and have experience in the field, you can start applying for jobs as a food server or catering assistant. Search for job openings online, in your local newspaper, or through networking contacts.

Staying ahead and qualified as a catering server requires hard work and dedication. To begin with, it is important to be knowledgeable about the industry, understanding the different types of food and dishes, as well as the latest trends and techniques. having excellent customer service skills and being able to provide a high level of hospitality are essential.

Furthermore, having good organizational skills and being able to manage time efficiently are also important, as it ensures that all tasks are completed on time and with the highest standards of quality. Finally, it is important to stay up to date with any changes in regulations, safety procedures, and health codes in order to ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. By investing the time and energy to stay informed and up-to-date, catering servers can stay ahead and qualified in their field.

You may want to check Hospitality Catering Manager, Pastry Chef, Catering, and Waiter/Waitress, Catering for alternative.

Job Description

Prep Cook: Prepares ingredients for cooking, including washing, chopping and measuring items.
Line Cook: Prepares food items according to specific instructions, recipes and dietary requirements.
Grill Cook: Grills a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables.
Salad Maker: Prepares salads for guests according to specific instructions.
Banquet Server: Sets up banquet tables, serves food items and cleans up afterwards.
Dishwasher: Washes dishes, cutlery and glassware in a timely manner.
Bartender: Prepares and serves alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant.
Buffet Server: Sets up and refills the buffet table, serves food items and maintains the cleanliness of the buffet area.
Food Runner: Delivers food items to guests in a timely manner.
Catering Assistant: Assists with setting up and breaking down catering events, refilling food items and cleaning up afterwards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food service sanitation procedures
Ability to follow instructions and recipes
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to lift heavy items up to 50 pounds
Knowledge of food presentation and plating techniques
Knowledge of food and beverage garnishes
Ability to use commercial kitchen equipment
Attention to detail
Knowledge of food safety regulations
Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks
Knowledge of portion control
Ability to handle cash transactions accurately
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Proper customer service skills are essential for anyone working in the food server and catering industry. Good customer service helps to create a positive atmosphere, which can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also helps to ensure that customers receive the highest quality of service.

Having the ability to interact with customers in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner is key to providing excellent customer service. having good communication skills and the ability to take initiative when necessary are important components of being a successful food server or caterer. Good problem-solving skills are also essential, as it is important to be able to think on your feet when dealing with customer inquiries or complaints.

Finally, having a strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures is critical to ensuring that customers receive safe and high-quality food.

Executive Catering Chef, Mobile Catering Manager, and Cleaner, Catering are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the food service/catering industry?
Describe a difficult situation you have experienced while working in the food service/catering industry and how you handled it.
What customer service skills have you developed while working in the food service/catering industry?
How do you keep up with changes in menu items and pricing?
How would you handle a customer complaint or request for a special order?
What safety procedures do you follow when handling food?
How do you ensure that all dishes are properly presented and served in accordance with health regulations?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on a busy shift?
Describe your experience setting up for catering events, including buffets and plated meals.
How do you stay organized when working with multiple customers at once?

Common Tools in Industry

Food Serving Trays. Used for carrying food to and from the kitchen to the dining area. (e. g. Plastic, metal, or ceramic trays)
Buffet Displays. Used to arrange food in an appealing way for large catering events. (e. g. Tiered platters, risers, and stands)
Serving Utensils. Used to serve food to guests. (e. g. Spoons, tongs, forks, ladles, spatulas)
Chafing Dishes. Used to keep food warm during events. (e. g. Sterno heating fuel and water bath dishes)
Beverage Dispensers. Used to serve beverages to guests. (e. g. Insulated stainless steel or clear plastic dispensers)
Plates & Bowls. Used to serve food to guests. (e. g. China plates, plastic dishes, and soup bowls)
Napkins & Towels. Used to clean up spills and wipe hands during events. (e. g. Cloth or paper napkins and hand towels)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Caterers Association
American Culinary Federation
National Association for Catering and Events
Special Events Society
Event Planners Association
Professional Convention Management Association
International Special Events Society
Association of Catering Executives
Foodservice Consultants Society International

We also have Event Coordinator, Catering, Catering Server, and Hotel Catering Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mise en Place. A French phrase meaning put in place or everything in its place. It refers to the practice of organizing and setting up food, ingredients, and other items before cooking and serving.
Food Safety. The practice of handling, preparing, and storing food to prevent food-borne illness.
Table Setting. The arrangement of dishes and utensils on the table prior to a meal.
Plating. The process of arranging food on a plate for presentation and service.
Buffet Service. A style of serving food in which guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table or sideboard.
Tray Service. A style of serving food in which waiters or waitresses deliver individual plates of food to diners.
Carving Station. An area in a restaurant or catering event where a chef is stationed to carve and serve roasts, poultry, and other meats.
Food Run. The process of delivering food from the kitchen to the guests tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food service and catering?

Food service and catering is the business of providing food, beverages, and other meal-related services to customers in different settings such as corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.

What are the different types of food service?

The different types of food service include restaurants, catering, institutional food service, and retail food service.

What is the difference between catering and food service?

The main difference between catering and food service is that catering involves providing food to an event or location while food service can involve anything from providing meals to customers in a restaurant to pre-packaged meals in a grocery store.

How do I start a catering business?

To start a catering business you need to create a business plan, obtain necessary permits, secure financing, purchase equipment, hire staff, and market your services.

What are the benefits of catering?

The benefits of catering include providing a stress-free way to provide food for events and special occasions, saving time and money on meal preparation, and offering more variety than traditional meal options.

Web Resources

Catering - Food Services Syracuse University foodservices.syr.edu
Catering and food service - Student Center - Wayne State University studentcenter.wayne.edu
Food Services | Catering | Red Rocks Community College www.rrcc.edu