Guide To Waitstaff Jobs: How To Become A Server

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to become a server in the hospitality industry. Being a server is a rewarding and dynamic job that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and a positive attitude. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to become a successful server, from gaining the necessary skills to finding job opportunities and excelling in your career.

Table of Contents

1. Step 1: Gain Customer Service Skills
2. Step 2: Learn Food and Beverage Knowledge
3. Step 3: Obtain Required Certifications
4. Step 4: Polish Your Communication Skills
5. Step 5: Develop Physical Stamina
6. Step 6: Familiarize Yourself with Point of Sale Systems
7. Step 7: Find Job Opportunities
8. Step 8: Master the Art of Upselling
9. Step 9: Provide Exceptional Customer Experience
10. Step 10: Advance Your Career

Step 1: Gain Customer Service Skills

Customer service is at the core of being a successful server. To excel in this area, it is important to:

• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Practice active listening
• Show empathy and patience
• Handle difficult customers with professionalism

Step 2: Learn Food and Beverage Knowledge

Having a solid understanding of the food and beverage industry is essential for a server. This includes:

• Learning about different cuisines and menu items
• Understanding food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Knowing the proper way to serve and handle food
• Being knowledgeable about wine and other beverages

Step 3: Obtain Required Certifications

Many establishments require servers to have certifications such as:

• Food Handler’s Permit
• ServSafe Certification
• TIPS Certification (for serving alcohol)

Step 4: Polish Your Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication is crucial in the fast-paced environment of a restaurant. To improve your communication skills, you can:

• Practice speaking clearly and confidently
• Learn key phrases and terminology used in the industry
• Practice explaining menu items and making recommendations

Step 5: Develop Physical Stamina

Serving can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet and the ability to carry heavy trays. To build physical stamina, you can:

• Engage in regular exercise and strength training
• Practice carrying trays and balancing items
• Take breaks and rest when needed

Step 6: Familiarize Yourself with Point of Sale Systems

Most restaurants use point of sale (POS) systems to process orders and payments. Familiarizing yourself with these systems will make your job easier. You can:

• Learn how to enter orders accurately and efficiently
• Practice processing payments and handling cash
• Understand how to split checks and handle gratuity

Step 7: Find Job Opportunities

Once you have acquired the necessary skills, it’s time to find job opportunities. You can:

• Search online job boards and hospitality websites
• Network with industry professionals
• Attend job fairs and career expos
• Submit applications to local restaurants and hotels

Step 8: Master the Art of Upselling

Upselling is an important skill for servers to increase sales and enhance the customer experience. To master the art of upselling, you can:

• Know the menu inside and out
• Suggest appetizers, desserts, or specialty drinks
• Highlight daily specials and promotions
• Use persuasive language and techniques

Step 9: Provide Exceptional Customer Experience

Delivering exceptional customer service is key to building a loyal customer base. To provide a memorable dining experience, you can:

• Anticipate and exceed customer needs
• Be attentive and responsive to requests
• Personalize the dining experience
• Handle complaints and resolve issues promptly

Step 10: Advance Your Career

As you gain experience as a server, there are opportunities for career advancement. Some ways to advance your career include:

• Seeking additional certifications or training
• Applying for supervisory or management positions
• Exploring opportunities in fine dining or catering
• Networking with industry professionals

Conclusion

Becoming a server requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and a passion for providing excellent customer service. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on a successful career in the hospitality industry. Remember to continuously learn and improve your skills to stand out in a competitive job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifications do I need to become a server?

To become a server, you typically need strong customer service skills, food and beverage knowledge, and any required certifications such as a food handler’s permit or ServSafe certification.

2. How can I improve my communication skills as a server?

You can improve your communication skills by practicing clear and confident speaking, learning industry-specific terminology, and practicing explaining menu items and making recommendations.

3. Where can I find job opportunities as a server?

You can find job opportunities as a server by searching online job boards, networking with industry professionals, attending job fairs, and submitting applications to local restaurants and hotels.

4. What is upselling and how can I master it as a server?

Upselling is the practice of suggesting additional items or upgrades to customers to increase sales. To master upselling, you can familiarize yourself with the menu, suggest appetizers or specialty drinks, and use persuasive language and techniques.

5. What are some tips for providing exceptional customer service as a server?

To provide exceptional customer service, you can anticipate and exceed customer needs, be attentive and responsive to requests, personalize the dining experience, and handle complaints and issues promptly.