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

Sep 14, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The growing demand for restaurant line servers has caused an increase in the number of people applying for these positions. As a result, restaurants are now facing a higher level of competition during the hiring process. This has led to a rise in the quality of applicants, as employers are more willing to select candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience.

Furthermore, restaurants are now able to offer more competitive salaries and benefits to line servers, in order to attract the best talent. Consequently, this has had a positive impact on the industry, as better-qualified line servers are able to provide customers with better service and a more enjoyable dining experience.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require that line servers have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Get relevant experience. Working as a server in a restaurant, café, or other food service setting can help you gain the experience you need to become a line server.
Get certified in food safety. Line servers need to have knowledge of food safety and sanitation in order to ensure that food is handled and served properly. Many employers require that line servers possess a valid food safety certification.
Apply for the position of line server. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin applying for line server positions. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and certifications on your resume and/or application.
Complete an on-the-job training program. Once you have been hired as a line server, you will likely be required to complete an on-the-job training program in order to become familiar with the restaurants menu and procedures.
Perform your duties as a line server. As a line server, your duties typically include taking orders, serving food, and cleaning up after customers. You may also be responsible for restocking supplies, setting up tables, and preparing food items.

Being a restaurant line server is a difficult job that requires a variety of skills and competencies. First, it is important to be physically fit, as there is often a lot of standing and walking involved in the job. Second, it is essential to have good customer service skills in order to effectively interact with customers and provide them with a pleasant dining experience.

Third, it is important to be organized and efficient in order to keep up with orders and keep the line moving quickly. Fourth, it is important to have a good knowledge of the menu items in order to be able to answer any questions customers may have. Finally, it is important to take initiative in order to anticipate customer needs and help ensure that the restaurant runs smoothly.

These skills and competencies are essential for anyone who wants to become a successful restaurant line server.

You may want to check Restaurant Host/Hostess, Restaurant Cook Helper, and Restaurant Counter Server for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers, take orders, and answer questions about menu items.
Serve food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages.
Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct customers and in a timely manner.
Check orders to ensure that they are accurate and complete.
Clear away used dishes and other items from tables as customers finish their meals.
Prepare and serve drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Handle cash transactions and process credit card payments.
Perform cleaning duties, such as wiping down counters and tables and sweeping floors.
Stock shelves with napkins, utensils, and other supplies as needed.
Assist in setting up buffet-style meals or other special events.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to take orders quickly and accurately
Ability to remember orders and repeat them back to customers
Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work with a POS system and enter orders accurately
Ability to carry multiple plates of food and beverages
Knowledge of menu items and ingredients
Knowledge of health and safety regulations regarding food handling
Ability to provide excellent customer service
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
Knowledge of sanitation and hygiene practices
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to follow instructions from supervisors

Being a restaurant line server requires many skills, but the most important one is the ability to work well with customers. Good customer service is essential in this role because it ensures that customers receive the best experience possible. Line servers need to be able to handle a variety of tasks, including taking orders, delivering food, and collecting payments in a timely and efficient manner.

They also need to be able to manage multiple orders at once, keep track of what has been ordered, and answer questions from customers. Furthermore, being able to keep up a friendly attitude throughout the entire shift is important to ensure that customers are satisfied and leave the establishment with a good impression. line servers are essential to the success of any restaurant, so it is important that they have the necessary skills to do their job effectively.

Restaurant Kitchen Steward, Restaurant Bus Person, and Restaurant Hostess Cashier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a line server?
How do you handle customer complaints?
How do you ensure accurate orders are served to customers?
How do you ensure food safety and sanitation in the kitchen?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a line server?
How do you handle difficult customers?
What methods do you use to manage time efficiently during busy shifts?
What techniques do you use to remember orders accurately?
How do you stay motivated during long shifts?
What do you think are the most important aspects of customer service?

Common Tools in Industry

Food Tray. Used to carry multiple plates of food to customers (eg: in a cafeteria setting).
Cash Register. Used to tally customer orders and accept payment (eg: in a fast-food restaurant).
Menu Board. Displays the available items for customers to choose from (eg: in a fast-food restaurant).
Point of Sale (POS) System. Handles customer orders and payments electronically (eg: in a full-service restaurant).
Food Warmer. Used to keep food hot and ready to serve (eg: a food tray in a buffet setting).
Beverage Dispenser. Used to dispense drinks like soda, tea, and coffee (eg: in a cafeteria setting).
Plate Rack. Used to store and organize dishes and glasses for serving (eg: in a full-service restaurant).
Cutlery Holder. Used to store and organize cutlery for serving (eg: a cutlery holder on a buffet table).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Executives Association
Restaurant & Foodservice Alliance (RFSA)
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Catering and Events
National Federation of Independent Business
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
National Council of Chain Restaurants
Food Marketing Institute
International Association of Culinary Professionals

We also have Restaurant Prep Cook, Restaurant Delivery Driver, and Restaurant Security Guard jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Food Preparation. The process of preparing food for service. This includes cutting ingredients, measuring, mixing, and cooking.
Food Service. The process of delivering food and drinks to customers in a restaurant setting.
Plating. The art of arranging food items on a plate in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Table Setting. The arrangement of tableware, silverware, and decorations on the table before a meal.
Menu Knowledge. The ability to accurately recite the items, ingredients, and prices on the restaurants menu.
Customer Service. The act of providing friendly, respectful, and helpful service to customers.
Clearing Tables. The process of removing dirty dishes, empty glasses, and other waste materials from customer tables after meals.
Food Safety. The practice of handling and preparing food in a way that prevents contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Cash Handling. The process of accurately accepting payments from customers and providing change.
Restaurant Cleaning. The process of tidying up the restaurants interior and exterior spaces to maintain a clean, pleasant environment for customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Restaurant Line Server?

A Restaurant Line Server is a role in the foodservice industry responsible for taking orders, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and providing excellent customer service.

What duties does a Restaurant Line Server typically perform?

A Restaurant Line Server typically performs duties such as taking orders, serving food and drinks, cleaning tables, restocking supplies, and helping to prepare food items. They also often handle cash transactions and provide customer service.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Restaurant Line Server?

To become a Restaurant Line Server, individuals must typically have experience in the foodservice industry and be able to demonstrate knowledge of food preparation and safety. Strong customer service skills are also necessary.

How much does a Restaurant Line Server typically earn?

The average salary for a Restaurant Line Server is $11.21 per hour. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on location and experience level.

What is the typical work schedule of a Restaurant Line Server?

The typical work schedule of a Restaurant Line Server is usually full-time or part-time, depending on the restaurant's needs. Hours can range from early morning shifts to late night shifts, and may include weekends and holidays.