Job Description, Duties, Interview Questions and Salary for Restaurant Server / Waiter Position:
A restaurant server, also known as a waiter or waitress, is responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring the overall satisfaction of customers. Servers must have excellent customer service skills, as they are often the primary point of contact between the customer and the restaurant. They must be able to work well under pressure, as restaurants can get very busy, especially during peak hours.
In addition to taking orders and serving food, servers are also responsible for setting up tables, cleaning up after customers, and handling payment transactions. They must be knowledgeable about the menu and able to answer any questions that customers may have about the food or drink offerings.
To be successful as a restaurant server, one must have strong communication skills, be able to work well in a team, and have a positive attitude. It is also important for servers to have good time management skills, as they must be able to prioritize tasks and ensure that orders are delivered in a timely manner.
Overall, the role of a restaurant server is essential to the success of any restaurant, as they play a crucial role in ensuring that customers have a positive dining experience
Ensure that all guests are served to the hotel standard in the Restaurant / Bar / Lounge areas. Display the highest standards of hospitality and welcome are demonstrated at all times within all food and beverage areas.
Takes orders for, and serves (where applicable, prepares) food and beverages to guests as per the hotel’s standards in a friendly, timely, and efficient manner.
SERVER OR WAITER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Greets guests and presents them with the menu.
- Informs guests about the special items for the day and menu changes if any.
- Suggest food and beverages to the guests and also try to upsell.
- Take food and beverage orders from the guest on the order-taking pads or the handheld Point of sale ( POSPoint-of-Sale (POS) Terminal: A cash register with the capability to scan a UPC code with a laser an... ) system.
- Obtaining revenues, issuing receipts, accepting payments, and returning the change.
- Performing basic cleaning tasks as needed or directed by the supervisor.
- Filling in for absent staff as needed
- Punch the order on the POS machine and make sure to enter the special requirements made by the guest while ordering the food. E.g.: No Garlic, less spicy, etc, Without the egg, etc.
- CommunicateCommunicate is to pass or receive knowledge; instructions; or data and to ensure understanding. to the guest and assist with their queries.
- Coordinate with the bus person, kitchen staff, and bar staff to ensure smooth operation and guest satisfaction.
- Server food and beverages to the guest as per the course of order.
- Observe guests and ensure their satisfaction with the food and service.
- Promptly respond to guests with any additional requests.
- Maintaining proper dining experience, delivering items, fulfilling customer needs, offering
- desserts and drinks, removing courses, replenishing utensils, and refilling glasses.
- Prepare mixed drinks for service to your customer’s table.
- Properly open and pour wine at the tableside.
- Adhere to grooming and appearance standards consistently.
- Understands and can communicate products and services available at the resort.
- Must have some familiarity with basic cooking skills.
- Assist bus persons with stocking and maintaining the restaurant’s par stock levels and side station.
- Help other areas of the restaurant such as answering telephones and completing financial transactions.
- Print the closing report and drop the cash with the front office/accounts department.
- Tally the CreditCredit is a decrease in an asset or an increase in a liability; or an amount of money the hotel owes... Card settlements for the day with the batch closing report from the EDC machine.
- Close the shift on the POS terminal.
Job Title: Server / Waiter
REPORTS TO: Restaurant ManagerManager is a person in the hotel operations who is assigned to manage or supervise a group of employ... / Supervisor
PREREQUISITES:
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience:
Previous serving experience is required.
Excellent oral communication skills are required.
Positive interpersonal skills are required.
Can handle local language and English.
Interview Questions for a Server or Waiter position in a restaurant:
When conducting an interview for a Server or Waiter position in a restaurant, it’s crucial to assess candidates for their customer service skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and knowledge of menu items. Here are some interview questions you might consider:
- Can you describe your previous experience as a server or waiter?
- Look for candidates with relevant experience in the hospitality industry.
- How do you handle difficult or demanding customers? Can you provide an example from your past experience?
- Assess their customer service and conflict resolution skills.
- How do you approach upselling or suggesting additional items to customers without being pushy?
- Look for candidates who are comfortable with sales and can enhance the customer experience.
- How do you manage multiple tables and prioritize customer needs during busy periods?
- Assess their ability to multitask and work efficiently in a high-pressure environment.
- What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in order taking and minimize mistakes in delivering food and beverages to the correct tables?
- Evaluate their attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent service.
- Can you explain your knowledge of the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens?
- Look for candidates who are well-informed about the menu and can assist customers with their choices.
- How do you handle a situation where a customer has a special dietary request or allergy?
- Assess their knowledge of food safety and their ability to accommodate customer needs.
- In what ways do you contribute to creating a positive dining experience for guests as a server?
- Look for candidates who understand the importance of their role in overall customer satisfaction.
- How do you handle split checks and manage the payment process efficiently?
- Assess their organizational skills and ability to handle financial transactions accurately.
- Can you discuss the importance of teamwork in a restaurant setting and provide examples of how you collaborate with kitchen staff and other servers?
- Look for candidates who value teamwork and can work well with others.
Salary for a Server or Waiter position in a restaurant:
In terms of salary for servers or waiters, it can vary based on factors such as location, type of restaurant, and level of experience. As of January 2024, the average hourly wage for servers in the United States ranged from $2.13 to $15, with tips often contributing significantly to overall earnings. It’s essential to check the latest salary data from reliable sources for the most up-to-date information.
