How to write a great server job description

A strong job description is critical to attracting the right candidates for any role. So if you hire servers regularly, you’ll want to have a server job description handy.

Your servers act as the public face of your restaurant, so it’s essential to have the right people in place. The right serving staff can lead to higher sales, increased customer satisfaction, while too many mishires can lead to decreased revenue and bad reviews that can cripple your restaurant.

Here are some guidelines to help you craft the perfect job description to find the best candidates to fill your server openings.

Set your expectations

Before you get started, it’s important to understand the basic duties and responsibilities that a server has to perform so that you know what skills you should require of your candidates.

You’ll also need to consider any unique expectations you have for servers at your restaurant. For example, do you run a fine-dining restaurant with a strict set of rules? Will your servers need to be able to memorize a wine list? Do you require your servers to wear a uniform or costume?

Introduction

Potential candidates are going to want to know about your restaurant, first and foremost. Begin your description by describing all of the company’s positive qualities. This intro paragraph is an opportunity for you to share your company culture so that potential candidates can decide whether or not it’s right for them.

It also allows you to stand out from the competition. Be creative in a way that showcases what’s unique and fun about working for your restaurant.

Jobs and responsibilities section

After a short intro paragraph describing the company culture, you’ll want to clearly explain the duties and responsibilities that a server can expect from the job. The more specific you can be, the better chances you will have of hiring competent employees.

Examples of server duties include:

• serving patrons with food and beverages

• taking orders

• providing information to customers

• preparing the room for dining by setting decorations, folding utensils

• setting out water for patrons

Requirements section

Depending on the level of service you are seeking, you might want to include a requirements section and an education and experience section. If the position you are looking to fill is entry-level, this paragraph may not be deemed necessary.

Compensation section

This is what will seal the deal for interested candidates. This section could include the pay rate, employee discounts, whether food and beverages are provided during work hours, and the company culture. Be sure to highlight any perks of the job!

How to identify the best servers

Job openings for servers tend to attract a large volume of applicants. You probably don’t have the time to go over every resume and interview every applicant, but what if you miss out on the best candidate?

One solution is to use pre-employment skills testing to get rank your candidates by skill level before you look at resumes or conduct interviews. That way, you can see which candidates are the most skilled in areas like:

• hospitality

• customer service

• critical thinking

• communication

• verbal reasoning

• problem solving

• attention to detail

• basic math

All you have to do to get started is sign up for a free trial and start building your first assessment. Then, instead of soliciting resumes, provide the link to your assessment in the job posting. That way, you’ll be able to rank all of your candidates so that you can easily determine who to focus on as you continue the hiring process.