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

Apr 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Eating out at restaurants can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be a difficult decision for many people. Customers can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available, as well as the prices. This can lead to customers making a rushed decision and not enjoying their meal.

To help customers make an informed decision, food servers should be knowledgeable about the menu and able to provide helpful recommendations. This will give customers the information they need to make a confident decision, and it will likely result in a more enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, servers should be friendly and attentive, as this will help customers feel more comfortable and enjoy their time at the restaurant.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or GED to become a food server.
Get a food handling certification. Most states require servers to have a food handling certification before they can work in a restaurant. Check with your states health department to find out how to obtain a certification.
Obtain experience working in a restaurant. Working as a busser, host, or barista can help you get the experience you need to become a food server.
Find a food server job. You can find job openings for food servers online or through your local newspaper.
Interview for the job. You will likely have to go through an interview process before you are hired as a food server. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and why you would be a great fit for the job.
Pass a background check and drug test. Most employers require you to pass a background check and drug test before you can be hired as a food server.
Attend training. Once you are hired, you may be required to attend training sessions to learn the restaurants policies and procedures.
Follow health and safety regulations. As a food server, it is important that you follow all health and safety regulations to protect yourself and your customers.

In order to stay updated and qualified as a food server, it is important to keep up with the industry standards and regulations. This can be achieved through ongoing professional development, such as taking courses related to food safety and food handling, attending seminars and conferences, and reading industry publications and journals. By staying informed of the latest information, food servers can ensure that they are providing safe and hygienic service to their customers.

keeping up with trends in the food service industry allows servers to be more creative when creating menus and providing better customer service. Finally, staying updated and qualified allows food servers to maintain their credibility and build trust among customers.

You may want to check Dishwasher, Banquet Waiter, and Wine Steward for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and take their orders.
Serve food to customers efficiently and accurately.
Ensure all orders are accurate and served in a timely manner.
Monitor food quality and presentation.
Follow all safety and sanitation regulations.
Keep dining area clean and organized.
Refill drinks as needed.
Ensure customer satisfaction by addressing any complaints or issues.
Collect payments and process checks and credit cards.
Assist with setting up and resetting tables.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food service regulations and sanitation standards
Ability to read, understand, and follow recipes
Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to handle cash and credit transactions accurately
Ability to take orders accurately and timely
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Ability to handle customer complaints in a professional manner
Knowledge of menu items and ingredients

Efficient customer service is the most important skill a food server must possess. The ability to provide prompt and courteous service can make all the difference in a customer's experience. If a customer feels like they are being taken care of quickly and with respect, they are more likely to return to the establishment.

A food server must also be knowledgeable about the menu and any specials that are available. They must also be able to answer any questions customers may have. Finally, a food server must be able to multi-task and remain organized in order to make sure all orders are accurate and delivered on time.

This skill set will ensure that customers have an enjoyable experience and return to the restaurant. The positive impact of good customer service is reflected in customer loyalty and increased profits for the establishment.

Lounge Server, Restaurant Waiter, and Line Cook are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you find most enjoyable about working as a Food Server?
What experience do you have in customer service?
How do you think your previous experience as a Food Server could help you in this role?
Describe a difficult situation you faced as a Food Server and how you handled it.
What strategies do you use to handle stressful situations?
How do you ensure that all customers receive the best possible service?
How do you handle difficult customers?
What do you think makes a great Food Server?
How do you stay organized while working as a Food Server?
Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Food Prep Tools. Used to prepare food, such as knives, vegetable peelers, and cutting boards (eg: chopping vegetables).
Food Delivery Equipment. Used to transport and deliver food, such as serving trays, food carts, and insulated carriers (eg: delivering hot meals to tables).
Food Serving Utensils. Used to serve food, such as tongs, ladles, and spoons (eg: scooping mashed potatoes).
Beverage Serving Utensils. Used to serve beverages, such as coffee and tea pots, pitchers, and spouts (eg: pouring coffee into cups).
Point of Sale Systems. Used to process payments, such as cash registers, credit card terminals, and POS software (eg: ringing up orders).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
National Council of Chain Restaurants
National Association of Professional Waiters and Waitresses
International Food Service Executives Association
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Food Service Management
Foodservice Operators Association
American Society of Foodservice Professionals
Foodservice Industry Association

We also have Server Assistant, Room Service Waiter, and Barback jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tray Service. A method of food service in which servers bring out multiple plates of food on a tray, which is then served to guests at a table.
Buffet Service. A method of food service in which guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes laid out on a table.
Plate Service. A method of food service in which a server brings an individual plate of food to each guest at the table.
Plating. The art of arranging food on a plate in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Banquet Service. A form of food service in which multiple courses are served to guests at a large event or party.
A La Carte Service. A style of food service where guests order individual items from a menu instead of a pre-set meal.
Family-Style Service. A style of food service in which multiple dishes are served at the same time and guests serve themselves from shared platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Food Server?

To become a Food Server, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid Food Handler's Certificate.

What are the duties of a Food Server?

The duties of a Food Server include taking orders from customers, placing orders with the kitchen, delivering food to customers, providing excellent customer service, and handling payments.

How much does a Food Server typically earn?

The average salary for a Food Server is around $10 - $12 per hour.

What skills are necessary to be successful as a Food Server?

To be successful as a Food Server, you need strong communication skills, attention to detail, good customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.