Server Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of connectivity, the importance of servers and those who manage them cannot be overstated.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled individuals who can setup, maintain, and secure our server infrastructure grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a server professional?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of server management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile server job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Server Duties and Responsibilities

Servers provide an excellent dining experience by ensuring customer satisfaction, taking customer orders, delivering food and drinks, and maintaining a clean dining area.

Servers are primarily responsible for directly interacting with guests, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Greet guests upon arrival and provide them with menus
• Take accurate food and drink orders using order slips or by memorization
• Communicate order details to the kitchen staff
• Serve food and drink orders to guests in a prompt manner
• Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation before serving
• Attend to the needs of guests by refilling beverages and ensuring they are satisfied with their meals
• Handle cash and credit card transactions, process payments, and provide change when necessary
• Clean and reset tables, refill condiments, and maintain a clean dining area
• Handle complaints from clients and pass them to a supervisor if necessary

 

Server Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and friendly server to provide an excellent dining experience for our customers.

Server responsibilities include taking orders, serving food and beverages, and handling payments.

You will also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization in dining areas and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Our ideal candidates have experience in the hospitality industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Ultimately, the role of the server is to ensure our restaurant provides superb customer service that will lead to repeat business.

 

Responsibilities

• Take accurate food and drink orders using a POS system and provide them to kitchen staff and bartenders as needed.
• Serve food and drink orders to customers in a timely manner.
• Check-in with customers to ensure they are enjoying their meals and correct any issues.
• Clear and clean tables promptly when guests have finished their meals.
• Prepare final bill, present it to customers, and process payments.
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas of the restaurant including counters, sinks, utensils, shelves, and storage areas.
• Participate in restocking and replenishment of restaurant inventory and supplies.
• Be aware of allergens and dietary restrictions.

 

Qualifications

• Previous work experience as a server, waiter, or waitress
• Knowledge of restaurant etiquette
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy trays
• High school diploma preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Server
• Work Environment: Fast-paced restaurant setting. This role requires standing for long periods and weekend shifts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager or Shift Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Tips are expected to supplement income.
• Pay Range: $2.13 minimum (plus tips) to $15.00 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief description of your experience in the restaurant industry to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Server Do?

Servers, also known as waitstaff or waiters/waitresses, primarily work in the food service industry at dining establishments such as restaurants, cafes, and diners.

Their main responsibilities include greeting customers, taking orders, and serving food and beverages.

They are also usually responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of dining areas and setting up tables for new customers.

Servers need to be knowledgeable about the menu and any special dishes or drinks, and be able to make recommendations to customers based on their preferences or dietary requirements.

Additionally, servers are often responsible for handling monetary transactions, which can include taking payments, giving change, and sometimes preparing the bill.

They often work closely with kitchen staff to ensure that customers’ orders are correct and that they are delivered in a timely manner.

Servers also need to effectively handle customer complaints or issues, and ensure that each customer has a satisfactory dining experience.

In some establishments, servers may also be responsible for additional tasks such as restocking condiments, rolling silverware, or assisting with food preparation.

 

Server Qualifications and Skills

A proficient server should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent customer service skills to ensure the satisfaction of customers by providing high-quality service and attending to customer needs.
• Strong communication skills to accurately take orders from customers and relay them to the kitchen staff, discuss menu items, and handle customer complaints or concerns.
• Time management skills to efficiently serve multiple tables at once, ensuring timely delivery of orders.
• Physical stamina and agility to stand for long periods, move quickly, and carry heavy trays.
• Attention to detail to remember customers’ orders, their specific requirements, and any allergies.
• Ability to work under pressure during peak hours, handle stressful situations, and resolve conflicts.
• Basic math skills to accurately handle cash and credit card transactions, and calculate change or tips.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards to ensure the health and safety of the customers.

 

Server Experience Requirements

Servers, also known as waitstaff or waiters/waitresses, can often begin their careers with little to no experience, as training is typically provided on the job.

This is especially true for casual dining establishments or coffee shops.

However, some more upscale restaurants may require their servers to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in the food service industry.

This experience can be gained through part-time or full-time roles, or even through seasonal or event-related work.

Prior roles might include positions such as a busser, host or hostess, barista, or food runner, where customer service skills are honed.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience are often familiar with more complex tasks such as handling large parties, providing excellent customer service during high-volume hours, and detailed knowledge of menu items and wine pairings.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for higher roles, such as head waiter/waitress, restaurant supervisor, or even restaurant manager.

This would require not only excellent serving skills but also leadership and management abilities.

Additionally, some restaurants prefer candidates with formal training from a culinary school or hospitality program, where they learn about food safety, customer service, and restaurant operations.

Although not typically required, this additional experience can be beneficial in securing higher-end server positions.

 

Server Education and Training Requirements

To become a server, there is typically no formal education requirement, although a high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred by employers.

Hands-on job training is common in this role, which is often provided by the employer.

This training includes learning about the menu, customer service protocols, and restaurant policies.

For upscale restaurants, some employers may require servers to have completed a vocational program or degree in hospitality or a related field.

It may also be beneficial to obtain a food handler’s card, which requires learning about food safety practices and passing a test.

Some servers may choose to undergo further education or training in customer service or hospitality to advance their careers.

Knowledge of a second language can be advantageous in serving diverse clientele.

Lastly, in some states, servers who serve alcohol may need to complete a state-approved alcohol training program.

 

Server Salary Expectations

A Server can expect to earn an average wage of $11.00 (USD) per hour.

However, this can vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, the establishment’s prestige, geographical location, and the server’s ability to earn tips from customers.

 

Server Job Description FAQs

What skills does a server need?

A server should have strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers.

They should have a good memory to remember orders and any special requests.

They should also have physical stamina to stand for long periods and carry heavy trays.

Additionally, servers should possess basic math skills to handle cash transactions and calculate bills.

 

Do servers need any specific qualifications or certifications?

Most servers don’t need specific qualifications or certifications, but they should have a good understanding of food handling and safety.

Some states require servers to have a food handler’s card.

Some upscale restaurants may require servers to have a Sommelier certification if they will be serving wine.

 

What should you look for in a server resume?

First, look for any previous experience in the food service industry.

Any experience in a customer-facing role could also be beneficial.

Other important elements can include any formal training in food service or hospitality, familiarity with point-of-sale systems, and any certifications such as food handler’s card or TIPS alcohol service certification.

 

What qualities make a good server?

A good server should be friendly and polite, able to handle pressure during busy hours, and have a customer-focused approach.

They should have good problem-solving skills to handle any customer complaints or issues.

They should also be reliable and punctual, as they are a crucial part of the restaurant operation.

 

What are the daily duties of a server?

A server’s daily duties typically include greeting customers, taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, and preparing the bill.

They may also be responsible for setting tables, restocking service areas, and providing menu recommendations.

Communication with kitchen staff is crucial to ensure accurate and timely orders.

 

Is it difficult to hire servers?

Hiring servers can be challenging due to high turnover rates in the restaurant industry.

However, by offering competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a positive work environment, restaurants can attract and retain quality servers.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we demystified what it truly means to be a server.

And guess what?

It’s not just about serving food and drinks.

It’s about creating memorable dining experiences, one table at a time.

With our ready-to-use server job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to finely crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every table served is a part of a larger dining experience.

Let’s create unforgettable moments. Together.

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