How To Write a Restaurant Server Job Description

Hiring the right people can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. The real issue comes from outdated restaurant server job descriptions that can hardly attract talented candidates. 

What you need to do is create a winning job description that has a clear job title, an engaging job summary, and an on-point list of responsibilities. But it doesn’t just list the duties but communicates your restaurant’s culture, expectations, and what makes your establishment stand out.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps you need to craft one. By the end, you’ll get a gist of how to improve your servers’ jobs using high-techs like online ordering systems and other digital tools. 

What’s a restaurant server? 

Restaurant servers are the primary point of contact, representing your brand and directly influencing customer satisfaction. 

Exceptional servers are far more than just delivering food and drinks to tables; they enhance the dining experience, boost sales, and keep your business running with ease. 

Key responsibilities of restaurant servers

A server’s duties revolve around delivering a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for guests.

This includes: 

• Greeting customers
• Taking accurate food and drink orders
• Ensuring orders are delivered promptly and correctly 
• Is able to answer menu questions
• Making recommendations or upselling items 
• Handling special requests 
• Managing multiple tables efficiently 
• Keeping their section clean and organized

Restaurant server salary range

The wages vary based on factors like location, experience, and the type of restaurant you have. Based on ZipRecruiter’s 2025 salary data, the United States’s hourly pay for servers is $13.55.

The platform sees an increase of as much as $23. 56 and as low as $6.01, but the majority currently ranges between $9.62 and $15.38 across the States. 

This means they can earn about $2,500 to $5,000 a month.

Why investing in great servers matters

Skilled servers can help you increase table turnover rates, improve customer retention, generate more positive reviews, and uphold restaurant branding, which is key to your restaurant’s long-term success.

Finding them can be a little tough, but with the right and effective job postings, you can attract the best candidates for the role. 

8 steps in writing a restaurant server job description to attract top talents

Just like writing an effective restaurant manager job description and posting, you’ll also need to invest in writing one for this position. 

They are your front liners. So, having the best even during your hiring process is better. 

Step 1. Start with a clear job title

Think of your job title as the headline of your ad: It’s what grabs attention first. 

A clear, specific title not only tells aspiring applicants what the role is but also sets the tone for your restaurant.

Instead of something generic, try to be more engaging, like “ Resto Server — Evening Shifts with Great Tips!” This gives candidates a quick snapshot of the role, the types of restaurants you belong to, and the key benefits you offer.

Be transparent with details like whether it’s part-time, full-time, or on-call to attract the right crowd. 

Your goal? Make someone scrolling through the job listings pause and think, “That sounds like a great fit for me!”

Step 2. Write an engaging job summary

Your job restaurant server job summary is your chance to sell your experience working at your restaurant.

Keep it brief (nothing fancy) but impactful. Treat it like pitching your business to a potential team member. 

For example;

“At Patrick’s Dine, we’re all about great drinks, hearty food, and unforgettable experiences. We’re looking for friendly, emerging servers who know how to make guests feel welcome from the first hello to the final cheers. If you love working in a fast-paced environment where top-notch restaurant ordering software and services meet good vibes, we’d love to have you on our team!” 

This kind of summary shows personality, highlights your restaurant’s culture, and invites candidates to imagine themselves thriving in the role. 

Keep it warm, inviting, and focused on what makes your spot special. 

Step 3. Outline the server’s key responsibilities

When listing responsibilities, focus on what’s essential for success in the role while showcasing the experience your restaurant offers.  

Their main job is to create a memorable experience for guests, which requires them to greet people warmly, take accurate orders, and make solid menu suggestions. 

They also have to check in, refill drinks, and make sure everyone’s having a good time. They should also handle special requests, explain dishes, and recommend pairings.

These balance practical duties with the hospitality mindset that aligns with your restaurant branding and vision. 

Just make sure that when laying down their responsibilities, they should benefit you and your customers.

Step 4. Specify the required restaurant server’s skills and qualifications

Start with the must-haves like strong communication, multi-tasking skills, and the ability to stay focused during a rush.

These are the core traits that will help your services run efficiently. Then, add skills such as previous experience in a restaurant setting or knowledge about the cuisine you're known for. 

This gives experienced candidates an edge while showing that you’re open to training someone with the right attitude. 

Don’t forget to be upfront about evening or weekend shifts to filter out candidates who are available during those periods. 

Step 5. Highlight Personality and cultural fit

Skills can be taught, but finding someone who aligns with your vision is just as important.

Remember that you’re bringing in someone who will shape the guest experience. So look for naturally warm, approachable people who genuinely enjoy connecting with others.

Candidates who align with your culture are likely to thrive, deliver great service, and stick around longer. 

Step 6. Include compensation and perks

Clear details about restaurant server salaries and perks can make your job post stand out.

Even if you can’t list an exact wage, providing a range like $10/hour plus tips, averaging $25 to $30/hour on busy nights, gives potential candidates a realistic idea of what to expect from the job. 

Beyond the pay, highlight the perks that make working with you special. These could include an employee discount, shift meals, or opportunities to learn about other aspects of the restaurant. 

These showcase your commitment to taking care of your employees. 

Step 7. Add a compelling call to action

Finish strong with a clear, inviting call to action. 

Encourage them to apply in an easy and approachable way, such as, “Ready to join the team? We’d love to hear from you! Click ‘Apply now’ or “Swing in person during our afternoon hours to introduce yourself. Don’t forget to bring your server’s resume!”

This message feels personal, encourages action, and gives candidates options for how to connect with you. 

The easier it is for them to apply, the more likely you are to attract motivated, quality hires. 

Key tips on how to find the right restaurant server

Now that you’re equipped with how you will write your restaurant server job description, we’ve prepared this list of tips you might need when selecting one.

Screen for key traits during the application review

Keep it simple and look for a few key things.

First, experience in customer service is gold, especially if they’ve worked in a busy spot before. That tells you they can handle the rush without melting down. 

Good communication skills are huge, too. You want someone who can chat with your guests, take orders accurately, and vibe well with the team.

Reliability also matters a lot, so check for things like solid work history or references that break them up.

Don’t underestimate a warm personality and a genuine love for hospitality—those traits can sometimes outshine experience. 

Ask insightful interview questions

When you’re interviewing potential servers, asking the right restaurant interview questions can reveal a lot about how they’ll perform on the floor. 

Here are some  useful ones to help you dig deeper: 

• Tell me about a time you turned a frustrated guest into a happy one. 

This shows their problem-solving skills and how they handle pressure. 

• What’s your strategy for managing multiple tables during a busy shift? 

It gives you insight into their time management and multitasking abilities. 

• If a guest asked you to recommend a drink or a menu item, how would you approach it? 

 It’s great for understanding their sales skills and product knowledge. 

• Have you ever worked with a difficult teammate? How did you handle it? 

This helps you gauge their teamwork and conflict-resolution style. 

• What’s your favorite part about working in the hospitality industry? 

It reveals their motivation and whether they’re genuinely passionate about the role they are applying to. 

• Imagine you’re closing up, and a table refuses to leave, how would you handle it? 

It tests their ability to stay calm and professional in tricky situations. 

• What’s something you’ve learned from working in customer service that’s stuck with you? 

This question shows their ability to reflect and grow from past experiences. 

Mix these with casual conversation to make the interview feel less formal. You’ll get a better sense of their personality, which will help you decide if they fit in with your team or not. 

Use role-play exercises

It’s a smart way to see candidates in action. 

Try scenarios like recommending a drink and appetizer pairing to test their upselling skills or handling a frustrated guest to gauge their patience and problem-solving skills.

You can also throw in a multitasking challenge, asking how they’d manage several tables at once or see how they can handle a late-night guest walking in after closing. 

These exercises reveal how candidates think on their feet, manage pressure, and balance hospitality with boundaries. 

Assess their technical skills

Focus on what they’ll actually be doing in daily operations. 

Ask them to take a mock order to see how well they write things down, remember details, and confirm accuracy.

Have them carry a tray with drinks, set the table properly, or demonstrate how they’d present a bottle of wine — these hands-on tasks show their comfort level with key skills.  

Throw in a few curve-in questions, too, like how they’d split a tricky bill or handle cash. These practical tests will quickly tell you if they’re ready to hit the floor or need more training. 

Improve restaurant servers’ ordering jobs with a restaurant ordering management system

Human errors in terms of order are inevitable, especially when faced with bustling operating hours.

And sometimes taking all guests all at once with limited staff can be a little bit frustrating. So, what if you invest in restaurant technology like MENU TIGER to lift some of the loads from your servers’ shoulders? 

You see, this advanced restaurant ordering management tool can be a game-changer in the scene. Here’s how: 

Streamlines ordering process via QR code menus

With QR codes on table tents, customers can browse the menu, place orders, and even directly pay from their phones. 

This means fewer trips back and forth for servers, faster table turnover, and reduced errors from misheard orders. 

Better kitchen communication  

It keeps kitchen chaos in check.

No more scribble tickets and forgotten modifiers. Orders go straight from the guest’s phone to the kitchen, clear and accurate.

It’s faster, cleaner, and saves everyone a headache. 

Simplifies payment 

Guests can pay through Paypal, Stripe, and other debit or credit cards from their phones, meaning there will be no more flagging down servers or waiting around for the check. 

It’s quick, smooth, and keeps things moving — perfect for turning tables faster and giving your servers more time to focus on great service.

Plus, guests love the convenience, and happier guests mean better tips. 

Smarter upselling

Digital menus can automatically suggest add-ons, upgrades, or wine pairing right when guests order. 

Whether serving a bottle of red wine with a steak or adding truffle fries to a burger, these smart prompts boost check averages without servers needing to push them.

It’s effortless upselling that feels natural to guests and keeps your bottom line growing.

Build a winning team to deliver unmatched customer service 

Investing time in writing your restaurant server job description pays off big. 

When you clearly define what you need and who you’re looking for, you’ll attract the right people- —those who can elevate your service even with modern approaches using digital tools like restaurant order management systems, enhance your guest’s experience, and help your restaurant thrive. 

This means fewer no-shows, less turnover, and a making a team that sticks around longer, growing strong with every shift. 

So, taking that extra effort upfront means fewer bad hires, better guest experiences, and a smoother-running team. 

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