Servers are an indispensable part of a restaurant’s staff. They are often the first point of contact for customers and are therefore responsible for making sure their dining experience is enjoyable and memorable.
As an employer, you want to ensure you attract the right candidates, which is why it’s crucial to accurately advertise the job position. If you’re looking to hire a candidate as soon as possible, help yourself with our job description template in the paragraph below.
Server Job Description Template
Our team at [Establishment Name] is looking to hire an experienced restaurant Server. We’re looking for someone who has great people skills and a drive to provide an extraordinary dining experience. To make it in this role, you’re expected to be a reliable team member, possess strong communication skills and handle high-pressure work situations.
Salary: $34,000-$36,000 per year
Working hours: Full time from Monday to Friday, including occasional weekends
How to apply: Send an updated resume to the following email address: [e-mail]
Server Duties and Responsibilities:
- Welcome customers and present the menu
- Provide personalized recommendations considering food allergens
- Take food and drink orders
- Communicate with the kitchen staff to prepare the right orders
- Deliver the food and drinks selection in a quick and efficient manner
- Proactively check on customers and ask for their feedback
- Handle credit cards and cash payments accurately
- Regularly prepare and set up tables for guests S
Server Requirements and Skills:
- High school diploma
- Previous experience is desirable but not mandatory
- Strong desire to provide excellent customer service
- Able to work rotating shifts based on the establishment’s needs
- Basic math skills and the ability to process payments on the spot
- Good physical shape as our Servers spend most of the shift walking or standing
Perks and Benefits:
- We offer 401(k) savings and matching plan
- Free meals provided during the shift
- Employee discounts in the establishment
- Overtime hours will be compensated accordingly
- Tip sharing on top of a competitive salary
- Opportunities for career advancement
Common Server Duties and Responsibilities
When writing a job post, you want to make sure the job description and your expectations are in sync.
If you provide the applicants with clear and concise information, you will not only be able to hire someone faster, but you will also increase the likelihood of your ideal candidate showing up for the interview.
According to data gathered by recruiting agencies, a staggering 60% of applicants drop off before the interview stage if the hiring process takes too long.
Also, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), restaurant staff’s knowledge about food allergies is not up to standards in many establishments. In case the Server you’re hiring is not trained on food allergies, it’s important you teach them how to approach the issue and handle emergency situations, should they arise.
What To Include in Server Skills and Experience
Given that this position doesn’t require specific educational background, you want to focus on finding someone who’s not only great with people but also driven to learn and grow.
The ideal candidate should be able to showcase both hard and soft skills:
Hard skills:
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards
- Familiarity with menu items
- Ability to deliver orders in a quick and accurate manner
- Hands-on experience with POS devices as well as cash-handling
Soft skills:
- Positive body language and good communication skills
- Driven to provide excellent customer experience
- Detail-oriented and proactive at detecting problems and finding solutions
- Reliable team player who effectively collaborates with all staff members
Server Salary Expectations
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Server salary is $35,457 per year, excluding tips. However, tips are an important part of every Server’s salary and can greatly contribute to their base pay.
Depending on the location, type of establishment and working hours, a Server’s earnings can be substantially higher. For example, some Servers report making $1,000 per week, which would then amount to $48,000 per year.
Similar Job Titles
Server Job Description FAQ
You should definitely consider hiring a Server who doesn’t have any previous experience in the hospitality industry. The reason behind this is that the most important aspect of the job is to be a great communicator who’s quick on their feet.
This skill is not necessarily learned in school and could be acquired at work. Also, some people are naturally more outgoing and friendly than others. As an employer, you can leverage these valuable skills into the success of your establishment.
Most employers hire Servers with a high school diploma. Although a diploma is not necessary for this specific job position, the completion of school conveniently coincides with the legal age requirement for work in the United States.
While it’s true that most interview questions for hospitality roles tend to resemble one another, we took it a step further and wrote an entirely separate article on some of the best questions you can ask prospective Servers you’re looking to hire.
It’s important to tailor the questions to your needs and the candidate’s preference, so you’re able to pick the perfect Server for the role. This way, you will be able to cut down on staff turnover at your establishment. In return, this will result in more financial gains and a better reputation among your customers.
