Land your next Server job by reviewing this Server job description!

Servers play a foundational role in the success of a restaurant. They typically interact the most with guests during their dining experience and can be awarded quite nicely in terms of tips when they do their jobs well. 

When seeking a Server position, you need a resume that appeals to hiring managers. One great way to craft a resume that meets this goal is to review Server job descriptions for key skills and requirements to land the job.

What are the duties of a Server?

Though there are also back-of-house servers who work in the kitchen area, for the purposes of this post, we'll focus on the role we tend to think of first when we think of a Server – the front-of-house Servers who wait on guests at various dining establishments. The incumbents in these roles tend to patrons who stop at the establishment to enjoy meals and drinks throughout the day. 

Servers greet guests, take and input orders, and ensure food and beverages are delivered in a timely fashion. They know all about the food and drinks the establishment offers, so they can guide the guests in ordering options they'll enjoy. Servers are also responsible for communicating any special meal requests, like avoiding specific allergens, with the management and kitchen team. 

When the guests finish their meals and are ready to leave, the Server delivers the bill and cashes them out, delivering change or credit card slip. Additionally, Servers help maintain a clean and sanitary environment by bussing and cleaning tables, maintaining floors, and wiping down salt and pepper shakers with the proper cleaning products. They also have to restock and close their stations at the end of a shift, as well as perform other Server duties assigned to them. 

Are Servers and Waiters the same thing?

Good question! Yes, Servers hold the same types of positions as Waiters and Waitresses. 

The terms “Waiter” and “Waitress” were regularly used in the past, with Waiter being used for those who identify as male and Waitress being used for those who identify as female. Over time, especially with an increase in the use of politically correct and inclusive terms, the term “Server” became more of the norm, covering both the male and female sexes. However, some establishments and patrons still use the titles Waitress and Waiter.  

Why refer to a Server job description?

Referring to job descriptions, like the one provided here, will help ensure your Server resume supports your career goals. Job descriptions lay out what skills and experience an employer seeks for the position, providing you with a roadmap on what to incorporate into your resume to get the right attention. 

In other words, by reviewing Server job descriptions, you'll be able to identify what skills, experience, and credentials matter most to the hiring team so you can tailor your resume to match the position. 

What types of Server job descriptions are there?

The type of Server you are is often dictated by the type of establishment you work for. You can find Server positions in restaurants, fine dining establishments, bars, hotels, coffee shops, and more. Depending on the type of Server job you're seeking, you might look for any of the following job descriptions posted online:

  • Restaurant Server job description

  • Fine Dining Server job description

  • Food and Beverage Server job description

  • Front of House Server job description

  • Cocktail Server job description

  • Server job description

  • Bar Server job description

  • Head Server job description

  • Waiter/Waitress job description

The duties and responsibilities of the various types of Servers tend to be similar across the board, with some nuances based on the type of establishment. At a fine dining restaurant, for example, the Server might be required to have a deep knowledge of wine and how to prepare and pour it at the table, unlike a Server at a restaurant that is more casual or doesn't serve wine. 

What are the key elements of a Server job description?

As you begin researching Server job descriptions to guide your career goals, it's helpful to understand the content you're likely to find within each. Below is an outline of the common aspects of job descriptions. It's beneficial to note that, sometimes, the information provided won't be clearly defined by sections and may be found in a different order. 

  • Job title. Likely not surprising, job descriptions begin with the job title. 

  • Job summary. Next, most job descriptions include a summary of the key duties and responsibilities of the position. This is a great place to locate what's most important to employers.  

  • Job responsibilities. A list of job responsibilities is typically included following the job title and summary section. Here, you'll find a list of what the employer considers to be the main responsibilities and duties of the position. 

  • Required qualifications. Following the list of job responsibilities, you'll often find a list of required qualifications, including certification, top skills, work experience, and education requirements. 

  • Work conditions or requirements. Many job descriptions will also include requirements to meet the working conditions of a job, like being able to lift a certain amount or work certain schedules.

  • About the company. It's common to find a brief paragraph or two about the company either near the top or near the bottom of a job description. 

  • EEO statement. Job descriptions commonly include the employer's EEO, or equal employment opportunity, statement. This, at a minimum, refers to the company adhering to the law and hiring based on merit vs. discriminatory practices. 

  • How to apply or call to action. It's uncommon to find a job description that doesn't include a call to action, which is typically encouraging candidates to apply for the job, with instructions on how to do so. 

Server Job Description example

Let's take a look at an example Server job description that includes most of the sections listed above. 

Server Job Summary:

Restaurant Servers are responsible for positive guest interactions while serving guests in a friendly and efficient manner. They play an integral role in ensuring our customers have exceptional dining experiences. At all times, servers are expected to be attentive to our guests' needs, making them feel welcome, comfortable, important, and relaxed.

The right person will be passionate about food and service and thoroughly enjoy creating excellent experiences for our customers. The ideal candidate will have a friendly, outgoing disposition and previous experience working as a Server in a bustling, fast-paced restaurant setting.

Server Responsibilities:

  • Prepare room for dining by clothing tables and setting decorations, condiments, candles, napkins, service plates, and utensils

  • Protect establishment and patrons by adhering to sanitation, safety, and alcohol beverage control policies

  • Help patrons select food and beverages by presenting menu, offering cocktails, suggesting courses, explaining the chef's specialties, identifying appropriate wines, and answering food preparation questions

  • Stay updated on current menu choices, specialties, and menu deviations, knowing if the kitchen staff is running out of any items, etc.

  • Transmit orders to bar and kitchen by recording patrons' choices and identifying patrons' special dietary needs and special requests

  • Keep kitchen staff informed by noting timing of meal progression

  • Serve orders by picking up and delivering patrons' choices from bar and kitchen and deliver accompaniments and condiments from service bars

  • Respond to additional patron requirements by inquiring of needs and observing dining process

  • Maintain table setting by removing courses as completed, replenishing utensils, refilling water glasses, being alert to patron spills, and other special needs

  • Properly open and pour wine at the tableside

  • Conclude dining experience by acknowledging choice of restaurant and inviting patrons to return

  • Obtain revenues by totaling charges, issuing bill, accepting payment. delivering bill, delivering payment to host, and returning change or credit card and signature slip to patrons

  • Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

  • Provide welcoming phone greeting and following guest ordering procedures

  • Convey menu information over the phone to guests and give accurate estimate of delivery time

  • Perform basic cleaning tasks as needed or directed by supervisor

  • Fill in for absent staff as needed

  • Assist with special events as needed

  • Adhere to grooming and appearance standards consistently

  • Promptly address customer service issues and refer customers to management when necessary

Server Required Qualifications:

  • Previous serving experience required

  • Excellent oral communication skills required

  • Positive interpersonal skills required

  • Must speak English fluently and be able to write in basic English

  • Food Handlers Card OLCC Certification

  • Good telephone speaking and listening ability

  • CPR certification preferred

  • Working knowledge of point-of-sale systems

Server Job Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand and work on your feet for long periods of time

  • High level of stamina and energy required

  • Must be able to work days, nights, and weekends

  • Part-time and full-time positions available

Server top skills & proficiencies

Knowing the top hard and soft skills required to be a successful Server can also help you craft your resume. 

Hard skills, like knowledge of food service regulations, are learned through training and education. Soft skills, like being personable and customer-focused, are not easily taught and tend to be acquired and improved upon through experience. Where hard skills are easily measurable, soft skills are not. Your server resume should represent a healthy blend of both types of skills. 

Below are a few of the in-demand Server skills that employers seek. As you review the list, which skills do you have? What additional skills do you have to add to your list?

  • Knowledge of Food Service Regulations

  • Lifting

  • Verbal and Written Communication

  • Flexibility

  • Basic Math

  • Customer Service

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Teamwork

  • Persistence

  • High Energy Level

  • Selling to Customers Needs

  • Upselling

  • Thoroughness

  • Professionalism

  • Client Relationships

  • Point of Sale System

  • Food Handler Card Certification

  • Empathy

  • Caring

  • Friendly

  • Food and Beverage Knowledge

  • Safety Compliance

How to use a job description to create your resume

Now that you have a sample Server job description to review let's discuss how to use it to create or update your resume. 

Carefully read through the job description

First, take the time to carefully read through the job description and consider the required skills and qualifications listed. Also, make a note of any employer or industry-specific language used. The skills, qualifications, and specific language can be used as keywords to help your resume stand out and get past applicant tracking systems. 

Make a list of your skills and experience

Next, make a list of all of your skills and experience related to the job. From there, highlight all on your list that coincide with the job description requirements. These will be the keywords you incorporate into your resume. 

Create or update your resume

Using the job description and your list of skills and experience as your guideposts, it's now time to create or update your resume. 

At a minimum, include a resume title or heading, resume summary, core competencies list, Work Experience section, and Education section. 

  • As you craft your title and summary, consider your experience and skills that align with the job. 

  • Then, incorporate 9 to 12 of your top skills – especially ones actually listed in the job description – in your core competencies list that follows your summary. 

  • Next, include your relevant work experience in the Work Experience section and your education and certifications in the Education section. If you only have a Food Handler Card certification, you can include it in your Education section. If you happen to have more than one certification, you can also create a standalone Certifications section. 

Related reading: Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

Target your resume

As you update your resume for each job application, be sure to target it to the job by updating it with the relevant keywords from the job description and your skills and experience list mentioned above. Targeting your resume for each job increases your chances of getting past applicant tracking systems and grabbing the attention of hiring managers. 

Related reading: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Description

Server FAQs

What qualities make a great Server?

To be an excellent server, one must enjoy interacting with people while being personable and professional. Servers who are most likely to succeed have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and still stay on their toes in terms of remembering orders, paying attention to guests' needs, safely and correctly delivering drinks and food, and greeting new guests in a timely fashion as they are seated in their sections. And they can do this all with a smile on their faces and a friendly tone in their voices. 

What are the 5 key responsibilities of the Server?

Servers have several duties and responsibilities. Five of the main ones pivotal to any Server position include greeting guests, taking orders, keeping up with guests' needs throughout the dining experience, closing and cashing out tables, and keeping their sections neat and clean. 

What are the minimum education requirements to become a Server?

Many establishments hire high school students who are of legal working age and pursuing their high school diplomas. Otherwise, only a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary to work as a Server in many establishments. Some employers at higher-end or high-traffic establishments may require an associate degree in food, hospitality, culinary studies, or a related field. Experience is often accepted in lieu of education requirements. 

What do employers look for in a Server resume?

Hiring managers take only seconds to skim a resume and decide whether to schedule an interview. One of the first things they look for on a Server resume is whether someone has the minimum qualifications for the job. From there, they pay attention to the skills and work experience that stand out, including any type of results-oriented or quantifiable data in the Resume Summary, Core Competencies, and Work Experience sections. 

Use job descriptions to serve up your resume successfully!

Creating your resume doesn't have to be a daunting task. First, use the job description and tips provided here to help guide you in aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of a Server position. Also, consider reviewing other job descriptions online for a broader perspective. Finally, be sure to target your resume to each Server position you submit to optimize your chances of success. 

Are you questioning the effectiveness of your current Server resume? Why not take advantage of our free resume review and get input from a resume-writing expert? 

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