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

Mar 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Restaurant servers play a critical role in the dining experience of patrons. Not only do they help to ensure that orders are taken correctly, but they also facilitate the overall flow of the restaurant. When restaurant servers are efficient, customers can enjoy their meal quickly and without delays.

On the other hand, when servers are inefficient, customers can be left disappointed and frustrated. This can lead to poor reviews for the restaurant, as well as fewer customers in the future. restaurant servers help to create a pleasant atmosphere for customers and can even influence their overall opinion of a restaurant.

A great server can make a restaurant stand out from its competitors and improve its reputation.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become a restaurant server, it is necessary to have a high school diploma or GED.
Get on-the-job Training. Many restaurants offer on-the-job training for servers. This can be a great way to learn the ropes of the restaurant.
Consider Certification. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a food handlers certification in order to work as a restaurant server.
Learn the Menu. A good restaurant server should know the menu inside and out. Customers rely on servers to be able to answer questions about the food and drink items.
Practice Customer Service. As a restaurant server, your job is to provide excellent customer service. Practice smiling, being polite and attentive, and answering customer questions with enthusiasm.
Learn the Restaurant Policies. Every restaurant has its own policies and procedures. Make sure you understand and follow all of the policies in order to be successful as a restaurant server.
Become Familiar with Point of Sale Systems. Most restaurants use point of sale systems to take orders and process payments. Becoming familiar with these systems is important for success as a restaurant server.
Develop Good Relationship with Coworkers. Building relationships with your coworkers is essential in any job. This is especially important for restaurant servers, as you will need to rely on your coworkers for help and support throughout your shifts.

The skill and qualifications of a restaurant server are essential to the success of any restaurant business. In order for servers to excel in their role, they must possess a range of customer service skills, knowledge of restaurant operations, and the ability to provide efficient, effective service. Customers will be more likely to return to a restaurant if they receive excellent service, which has a direct impact on the restaurants bottom line.

Therefore, it is critical that servers are properly trained and qualified in order to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. By investing in training and qualifications, restaurant owners can ensure that their servers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide customers with an outstanding experience, thus increasing profitability and customer loyalty.

You may want to check Restaurant Bartender, Restaurant Barista, and Restaurant Janitorial Staff for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers, take orders, and provide excellent customer service.
Serve food and beverages in a professional and timely manner.
Ensure that all orders are correct, and if not, immediately correct any errors.
Keep the dining area clean and presentable at all times.
Answer any questions customers may have about the menu or specials.
Ensure that all safety and sanitation guidelines are followed.
Prepare checks and process cash or credit card payments.
Comply with all food and beverage regulations.
Upsell appetizers, drinks, and desserts when appropriate.
Assist other staff members as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of menu items, preparation methods and ingredients
Ability to take and accurately enter orders
Ability to recommend menu items
Knowledge of food safety standards
Ability to serve food and beverages in an efficient and friendly manner
Ability to respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints
Ability to work well in a team environment
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Knowledge of cash handling procedures
Knowledge of proper table setting and presentation techniques

Being a restaurant server requires a range of important skills. One of the most important skills is interpersonal communication. This involves being able to communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, and management, in order to ensure that the dining experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

This skill also involves being able to anticipate customers needs and requests, as well as being able to resolve conflicts or complaints in a professional manner. Furthermore, strong customer service skills are essential, as they enable servers to provide an attentive and friendly experience. restaurant servers must also have excellent organizational skills so that they can manage multiple tasks and orders simultaneously, as well as keep the work area neat and tidy.

Finally, attention to detail is key, as it allows servers to notice even small mistakes and correct them quickly before they become larger issues. All these skills come together to form an effective restaurant server who can provide an exceptional dining experience for customers.

Restaurant Delivery Person, Restaurant Assistant Cook, and Restaurant Reservationist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a restaurant?
What can you tell us about customer service and how do you ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you handle difficult customers and situations?
What techniques do you use to remember orders and guest preferences?
How do you ensure food safety and sanitation protocols are followed in the restaurant?
What do you think makes a successful server?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is unsatisfied with the food or service?
How do you handle multitasking, especially during busy times?
How do you handle cash transactions and credit card payments?
Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

Common Tools in Industry

Point of Sale (POS) System. A system used to record sales and process payments. (e. g. Square POS)
Menu Display System. A system used to display menu items and prices. (e. g. Menu Board Pro)
Order Management System. A system used to track orders and ensure accuracy. (e. g. Kounta)
Inventory Management System. A system used to track and manage inventory levels. (e. g. Wasp Inventory Software)
Table Reservation System. A system used to manage reservations and seating arrangements. (e. g. OpenTable)
Order Printer. A printer used to print food orders for the kitchen or bar area. (e. g. Epson TM-T88VI)
Payment Processor. A device used to process payments from customers. (e. g. Clover Flex)
Digital Signage. A system used to display promotional content such as specials, events, and advertisements. (e. g. Samsung Smart Signage Platform)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
National Association of Professional Waiters
International Foodservice Distributors Association
National Association of Catering and Events
National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
National Council of Chain Restaurants
Society of Professional Restaurant Managers
American Culinary Federation
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association

We also have Restaurant Food Safety Manager, Restaurant Barback, and Restaurant Kitchen Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Menu. A list of dishes, drinks, and other items a restaurant offers for sale.
Table Service. The practice of serving customers at their tables, as opposed to a counter or buffet.
Order Taking. The act of taking orders from customers, including food and drink orders.
Point of Sale (POS). The area where transactions take place in a restaurant, typically a counter or register.
Billing. The process of calculating the total cost of a customer's order, including taxes and other fees.
Upselling. An effort to persuade customers to purchase additional items or upgrades to their order.
Customer Service. Providing assistance to customers before, during, and after their dining experience.