Who Are Servers?
A server refers to a waitress or waiter employed in mainly hotels, restaurants and other related establishments for eating and they attends to the people who come to eat in these places.This job could be full-time or part-time and will require one to be on his or her feet most of the time while in their working environments. Sometimes, servers might be employed to work in shifts, evenings and weekends.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the number of servers as well as other related workers to be 7.7 million in the year 2008.
Where Can a Server Work?
To all the people who want to be servers, there are many places where you can work other than hotels and restaurants. Some of these places include:
- Bars
- Coffee shops
- Star hotels
- Nightclubs
- Reception halls
- Banquets
- Ice cream parlors
- Ballrooms among many other places
Duties and Responsibilities of a Server
One area that is of particular importance in any server job description is duties and responsibilities which determine what one will be doing. Generally, servers attend to customers and provide with them drinks, foods or any other assistance they might need while they are in the eating or drinking places. Some of the main duties and responsibilities of servers include the following:- Welcoming, greeting and seating customers in a courteous and warm manner
- Menu cards handling and helping customers to choose some of the good dishes sold in the place they work.
- Properly setting the table with plates, glasses, napkins and other utilities before food is given to the customers
- Confirming customer identity before giving them wine
- Taking a chosen order to the chefs in the kitchen and ensuring that the order is given in good time
- Calculating and issuing bills as well as collecting cash from customers
- While clients are eating, they will from time to time check and attend for any other needs that the clients might be in need of
- When the clients have left, the server has to clean the table that was used before another customer checks in.
- Pass communication to customers in case of any changes in menus or pricing as well as answer general question that a customer might have.
- A server might also be required to do other additional responsibilities that might be required by the manager in charge such as making some beverages, entrée, dessert and appetizers that the guests will enjoy having
Academic and Other Qualifications that Servers Need
In this server job description, it is worthwhile to mention that most servers get training while they are on the job.Previous job experience might not be much required however, if you want to go the good restaurants or hotels, it might be a requirement.
The various states and counties in America have different requirements for one to be a server or food handler. Some of the key academic and other qualifications include:
- They need to obtain a food handler permit or card to be allowed to handle food and drinks in public eating-places. This permit is normally issued upon successful completion of training and passing examination, which varies from one county to another as well as in the different states.
- To be a server, at the entry level, one is required to have a high school diploma.
- Clearly understand the state laws that govern liquor and have a valid alcohol-serving license
Some of the bodies that offer education opportunities for people in this profession include the National Restaurant Association as well as Food Service Executives Association, which normally offers Certified Food Executive and Manager Credentials.
Skills and Qualities of a Server
Although one might be having the desirable qualification, however, to be a successful server, one needs to have some skills and qualities that are very important. Some of these skills and qualities include the following:- Have good communication skills and a good command of English or the language used in the place of work.
- Have sharp memories to remember all the orders that they need to bring
- Be good team players
- Be able to calmly work under pressure
- Be organized, self motivated and have problem solving abilities
- Work under no or little supervision
- Be honest and reliable
- Computer and cashiering skills is an added advantage
- Maintain high personal cleanliness and hygiene
Salaries and Remunerations for Servers
Salaries for servers vary greatly depending on where someone works. It could be ranging from around $18,000 per annum to as high as $25, 000 or more depending on the place of work, qualification and experience.Server jobs are likely to expand in the future due to the increasing number of the various places these people could work especially in hotels and malls. You are likely to get employment very fast.