Top 12 Restaurant Server Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of the restaurant industry, a server's resume must stand out by showcasing a unique blend of skills that promise exceptional customer service and operational efficiency. Highlighting the top 12 restaurant server skills on your resume can significantly elevate your chances of landing your desired position by demonstrating your ability to thrive in customer-oriented and high-pressure situations.

Restaurant Server Skills

1. POS Systems
2. OpenTable
3. Customer Service
4. Upselling Techniques
5. Time Management
6. Multitasking
7. Conflict Resolution
8. Teamwork
9. Reservation Management
10. Menu Knowledge
11. Wine Pairing
12. Cash Handling

1. POS Systems

A POS (Point of Sale) system for a restaurant server is a digital platform that facilitates order taking, payment processing, and sales tracking directly at the point of service.

Why It's Important

POS (Point of Sale) systems are crucial for restaurant servers because they streamline order processing, payment transactions, and sales tracking, ensuring efficient service and accurate financial management.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

To improve POS systems for restaurant servers, consider the following concise strategies:

1. Integrate with Mobile Devices: Allow servers to take orders and process payments directly at the table using mobile devices. Square offers user-friendly mobile POS options.

2. Enhance User Interface: Optimize the POS interface for faster, more intuitive order entry and management. Toast specializes in user-friendly designs for restaurants.

3. Implement Online Ordering: Integrate POS with online ordering platforms to streamline takeout and delivery orders directly into the kitchen. TouchBistro provides such integration capabilities.

4. Offer Comprehensive Training: Ensure staff are well-trained on the POS system to minimize errors and improve efficiency. Lightspeed offers extensive training and support.

5. Utilize Data Analytics: Use POS data analytics to track sales trends, popular items, and server performance for informed decision-making. Upserve delivers powerful analytics tools.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance the effectiveness of your POS system, improving both the customer experience and operational efficiency.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume

2. OpenTable

OpenTable is an online reservation platform that allows customers to book tables at restaurants, helping servers manage seating and dining schedules efficiently.

Why It's Important

OpenTable is important for a Restaurant Server because it streamlines the reservation process, allowing for efficient table management, reduced wait times for guests, and an enhanced customer service experience.

How to Improve OpenTable Skills

To enhance OpenTable for a Restaurant Server, consider implementing these strategies:

1. Integration with POS Systems: Ensure OpenTable integrates seamlessly with your restaurant's Point of Sale (POS) system for real-time updates on table status and orders. POS System Integration.

2. Staff Training Modules: Incorporate training modules within OpenTable, tailored for servers to improve familiarity with the app’s features and customer service skills. OpenTable Training.

3. Customized Guest Experience: Utilize OpenTable’s guest management features to note diner preferences, allergies, and special occasions, enabling servers to offer personalized service. Guest Management.

4. Mobile Device Optimization: Ensure OpenTable’s functionalities are fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing servers to manage bookings and customer needs efficiently on the floor. Mobile Optimization.

5. Feedback System: Implement an easy-to-use feedback system within OpenTable where servers can report issues, suggest improvements, and communicate directly with management. Feedback System.

By focusing on these areas, OpenTable can become a more effective tool for restaurant servers, enhancing efficiency and improving the dining experience for guests.

How to Display OpenTable Skills on Your Resume

3. Customer Service

Customer service, in the context of a restaurant server, involves courteously and efficiently meeting the dining needs of guests, ensuring their satisfaction with food and service.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a restaurant server as it directly impacts the dining experience, influencing customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, thereby determining the restaurant's reputation and success.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a restaurant server, involves enhancing the dining experience by being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Key steps include:

1. Greet Promptly and Warmly: Welcome guests as soon as they arrive. A genuine smile and eye contact go a long way.

2. Know the Menu: Be able to answer questions and make recommendations. Familiarize yourself with daily specials and allergen information.

3. Listen Actively: Pay close attention to your guests' requests and preferences. Repeat orders back to confirm accuracy.

4. Check-In Regularly: Ensure everything is satisfactory throughout the meal without being intrusive.

5. Handle Complaints Gracefully: Address any issues promptly and with a positive attitude. Aim to resolve problems to the guest's satisfaction.

6. Thank Guests: Show appreciation for their visit and invite them to return.

For more detailed guidance, consider exploring these resources:

• The Art of Hosting from Food & Wine offers insights into making guests feel welcome.

• Customer Service Tips for Restaurants by Toast covers essential customer service tips specific to the restaurant industry.

• National Restaurant Association provides industry-specific advice and insights, including how to enhance customer service.

By implementing these strategies, servers can contribute significantly to a positive dining experience, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

4. Upselling Techniques

Upselling techniques for a restaurant server involve suggesting higher-priced items, add-ons, or premium versions of what the customer initially ordered, aiming to enhance their dining experience while increasing the restaurant's revenue. Examples include recommending a specialty drink, suggesting a side dish, or offering a dessert to complete the meal.

Why It's Important

Upselling techniques are important for a restaurant server as they increase the average order value, enhancing revenue and profitability for the restaurant, while also potentially improving the dining experience for the customer by suggesting items that complement their choices.

How to Improve Upselling Techniques Skills

Improving upselling techniques as a restaurant server involves a blend of keen observation, product knowledge, and customer service skills. Here are concise tips to enhance your approach:

1. Know Your Menu Inside Out: Be well-versed with your menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and the best food-beverage pairings. This knowledge enables you to make personalized recommendations.

2. Listen and Observe: Pay close attention to guests' preferences and dietary restrictions. Tailor your suggestions to fit their tastes and needs.

3. Highlight Specials and Recommendations: Emphasize daily specials or chef’s recommendations. Explain what makes these options unique or valuable.

4. Offer Complementary Items: Suggest items that complement the guest's current order, such as a specific wine with their meal or a side that enhances their main course.

5. Practice Descriptive Selling: Use descriptive language to make dishes sound irresistible. Focus on flavors, textures, and the overall dining experience.

6. Create a Sense of Urgency: Mention limited-time offers or dishes that are about to run out to encourage immediate interest.

7. Be Confident and Genuine: Confidence in your recommendations and a genuine desire to enhance the guest's experience can significantly impact your success in upselling.

For further reading and detailed strategies, explore these resources:

• The Art of Upselling offers practical advice on how to effectively upsell, focusing on timing and customer engagement.

• Upselling Techniques That Work dives into techniques specifically tailored for the food service industry, emphasizing the importance of staff training and menu knowledge.

Remember, the key to successful upselling lies in enhancing the guest's dining experience rather than merely increasing the bill.

How to Display Upselling Techniques Skills on Your Resume

5. Time Management

Time management for a restaurant server involves efficiently prioritizing and organizing tasks such as taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, and attending to customer needs, to ensure prompt and satisfactory service within the fast-paced environment of a restaurant.

Why It's Important

Time management is crucial for a restaurant server because it ensures efficient service, maximizes customer satisfaction, and optimizes table turnover, directly impacting the restaurant's reputation and profitability.

How to Improve Time Management Skills

Improving time management as a restaurant server involves prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and communicating effectively. Here are concise tips:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Start by identifying high-priority tasks like taking orders and delivering food. Use the Eisenhower Box technique to categorize tasks by urgency and importance.

2. Stay Organized: Keep your order pad and pen handy, use a digital organizer or app to track orders and tasks, and maintain a clean workspace.

3. Effective Communication: Clearly communicate with the kitchen staff and your fellow servers. Utilize tools like Slack for instant communication.

4. Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to save time. For example, clear multiple tables in one trip back to the kitchen.

5. Learn to Say No: Politely decline additional responsibilities if you're already swamped. Focus on completing current tasks efficiently.

By applying these strategies, you can manage your time more effectively, leading to a smoother service and happier customers.

How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume

6. Multitasking

Multitasking, in the context of a restaurant server, refers to the ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, and interacting with customers, to ensure smooth and prompt service.

Why It's Important

Multitasking is crucial for a restaurant server as it enables them to efficiently handle multiple tables, promptly attend to guests' needs, manage orders and payments, and ensure a smooth dining experience, all while maintaining a high level of customer service.

How to Improve Multitasking Skills

To improve multitasking as a restaurant server, focus on developing these key strategies:

1. Prioritize tasks: Recognize which tasks need immediate attention and which can wait. Time management plays a crucial role.
2. Organize your workflow: Keep a mental or physical list of tasks. Apps like Trello can help manage orders and tasks efficiently.
3. Practice memory exercises: Enhancing your memory can help you remember orders and customer preferences. Simple memory games can be beneficial.
4. Communicate effectively: Clear communication with your team can prevent mistakes and speed up service. Effective communication strategies are vital.
5. Stay calm under pressure: Learning stress management techniques can keep you focused. Techniques like deep breathing exercises are useful.

By honing these skills, you can enhance your multitasking abilities and deliver a better dining experience.

How to Display Multitasking Skills on Your Resume

7. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution, in the context of a restaurant server, involves effectively addressing and resolving disagreements or complaints from customers or between staff members, ensuring a positive dining experience and maintaining a harmonious work environment.

Why It's Important

Conflict resolution is crucial for a restaurant server as it ensures a positive dining experience for customers, maintains a harmonious workplace environment, and helps in retaining customer loyalty by effectively managing and resolving any issues or misunderstandings that arise.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially for a restaurant server, involves developing key skills and strategies. Follow these concise steps:

1. Listen Actively: Ensure you fully understand the customer's issue by listening without interrupting. Active listening is crucial for identifying the root of the problem.

2. Empathize: Show empathy towards the customer's situation. Convey understanding and care in your response. Empathy helps in building a connection and diffusing tension.

3. Apologize Sincerely: When appropriate, offer a sincere apology for any inconvenience caused. It can be a powerful tool in conflict resolution. Apologizing acknowledges the customer's feelings.

4. Find a Solution: Work together with the customer to find a satisfactory solution. Be creative and flexible where possible. Problem-solving skills can help you navigate through conflicts effectively.

5. Follow Up: Ensure the issue has been resolved to the customer's satisfaction and follow up if necessary. This shows commitment to customer service and can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

By incorporating these strategies, a server can effectively manage conflicts, improving customer satisfaction and the overall dining experience.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume

8. Teamwork

Teamwork for a restaurant server involves collaborating effectively with kitchen staff, other servers, and management to ensure prompt, accurate, and high-quality service to customers, aiming to enhance dining experiences and operational efficiency.

Why It's Important

Teamwork is crucial for a restaurant server because it ensures efficient service, enhances communication, and improves the dining experience for customers by coordinating tasks and supporting colleagues to handle orders, deliver meals, and address customer needs promptly and effectively.

How to Improve Teamwork Skills

Improving teamwork, especially for a restaurant server, involves fostering communication, collaboration, and a supportive work environment. Here are concise strategies:

1. Effective Communication: Encourage open and clear communication among team members to ensure smooth operation and customer satisfaction. Toast offers tips on enhancing communication in a restaurant setting.

2. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define each team member's role to prevent overlaps and ensure efficient service. 7shifts provides insights on managing restaurant staff and defining roles.

3. Team Meetings: Regular team meetings can help address issues, share successes, and improve cohesiveness. OpenTable discusses how to conduct effective staff meetings.

4. Feedback System: Implement a system for giving and receiving feedback to improve performance and morale. Gather highlights the importance of feedback in a restaurant environment.

5. Team Building Activities: Engage in activities outside work to build trust and improve relationships among team members. WebstaurantStore lists team-building activities for restaurant staff.

By focusing on these strategies, restaurant servers can enhance teamwork, leading to a more efficient and enjoyable work environment.

How to Display Teamwork Skills on Your Resume

9. Reservation Management

Reservation management, in the context of a restaurant server, involves scheduling, tracking, and coordinating dining reservations to optimize seating arrangements and ensure a smooth service flow.

Why It's Important

Reservation management is crucial for a restaurant server as it helps efficiently organize seating arrangements, ensure timely service for guests, and maximize dining room capacity, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and increased revenue.

How to Improve Reservation Management Skills

Improving reservation management as a restaurant server involves enhancing efficiency, communication, and customer satisfaction. Here are concise strategies:

1. Leverage Technology: Utilize a reservation management system like OpenTable to streamline bookings, manage tables, and monitor customer preferences.

2. Effective Communication: Train staff to communicate effectively with guests and each other, ensuring smooth operation and handling special requests or changes swiftly.

3. Optimize Table Management: Use tools like TableIn to maximize seating efficiency and minimize wait times, adjusting for peak hours and special events.

4. Personalize Guest Experience: Collect and use guest data to personalize experiences, making customers feel valued and encouraging repeat visits.

5. Train Staff: Regularly train your team on the reservation system and customer service best practices to ensure they can handle any situation professionally.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your reservation management, leading to smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction.

How to Display Reservation Management Skills on Your Resume

10. Menu Knowledge

Menu knowledge for a restaurant server refers to their understanding of the restaurant's menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, potential allergens, and any available customization options, enabling them to accurately describe dishes and make recommendations to guests.

Why It's Important

Menu knowledge is crucial for a restaurant server as it enables them to accurately describe dishes, answer guest questions, make recommendations based on preferences and dietary needs, and enhance the overall dining experience, leading to customer satisfaction and potentially larger tips.

How to Improve Menu Knowledge Skills

Improving menu knowledge is crucial for providing excellent service as a restaurant server. Here's a concise guide:

1. Study the Menu: Familiarize yourself with every item, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens. Use Quizlet to create flashcards for memorization.

2. Taste Tests: Participate in staff tasting sessions. If unavailable, try to sample dishes during breaks or with permission. Understanding the flavor profile firsthand improves recommendations.

3. Ask the Chef: Gain insights by asking chefs about dish preparation, special ingredients, or the inspiration behind dishes. This knowledge enhances customer interaction.

4. Stay Updated: Menus can change. Keep up-to-date with daily specials or seasonal changes by regularly checking the restaurant's internal communication tools or notice boards.

5. Role-Play: Practice describing menu items and answering common questions with coworkers. This builds confidence and helps refine your descriptions for clarity and appeal.

6. Feedback Loop: Learn from customer feedback. Note which dishes receive compliments or complaints to guide future recommendations.

7. Online Resources: Utilize online courses on platforms like Udemy that offer specific training on wine pairing, culinary skills, and customer service.

By actively engaging with the menu and seeking out knowledge, you can enhance your service and improve the dining experience for your customers.

How to Display Menu Knowledge Skills on Your Resume

11. Wine Pairing

Wine pairing is the practice of selecting a wine to complement the flavors and characteristics of a dish, enhancing the dining experience for guests.

Why It's Important

Wine pairing enhances the dining experience by complementing the flavors of the food, elevating the taste of both the dish and the wine. For a restaurant server, it's important because it improves customer satisfaction, showcases the restaurant's culinary expertise, and can significantly increase sales by encouraging guests to try premium wines that they might not otherwise consider.

How to Improve Wine Pairing Skills

Improving wine pairing as a restaurant server involves understanding the basic principles of pairing wine with food to enhance the dining experience. Here are concise tips:

1. Learn the Basics: Understand the primary wine types and their characteristics (red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines). Wine Folly offers a great starting point.

2. Match Weight & Intensity: Pair light dishes with light wines and heavy dishes with fuller-bodied wines. This balance ensures one does not overpower the other. Wine Enthusiast provides useful pairing advice.

3. Consider Acidity: Acidic wines go well with fatty and rich foods, as the acidity cuts through the richness. Decanter has insights on this.

4. Balance Sweetness & Spice: Sweet wines can balance out spicy dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Dive into Wine Spectator for spicy pairing ideas.

5. Complement or Contrast: Decide whether to complement the food flavors with similar wine flavors or to go for a contrast, which can highlight unique aspects of both the wine and the dish. MasterClass offers guidance on matching flavors.

6. Practice & Experiment: The more you taste and experiment with pairings, the better you'll understand how different wines interact with various dishes. Encourage tasting sessions with colleagues to discuss and learn from each other.

7. Ask for Customer Preferences: Always consider the customer's personal preferences and any specific requests they may have. This ensures a personalized and satisfactory dining experience.

8. Stay Updated: Wine trends and popular pairings can change. Follow reputable wine websites and magazines to stay informed about new pairing ideas and wine selections.

Incorporating these tips into your service will enhance your ability to recommend the perfect wine pairing, elevating the dining experience for your customers.

How to Display Wine Pairing Skills on Your Resume

12. Cash Handling

Cash handling, for a restaurant server, involves accurately managing and processing all cash transactions received from customers for their orders, ensuring correct change is given, and securely transferring money to the designated cash register or management.

Why It's Important

Cash handling is crucial for a restaurant server as it directly affects the accuracy of transactions, ensures customer trust, maintains financial integrity, and minimizes the risk of theft or errors, ultimately contributing to the restaurant's profitability and reputation.

How to Improve Cash Handling Skills

To improve cash handling as a restaurant server, follow these concise steps:

1. Stay Organized: Use a wallet or envelope system to separate tips, bills, and change. This helps in quick transactions and reduces errors.
2. Double-Check: Always count cash in front of the customer when giving and receiving to ensure accuracy. National Restaurant Association
3. Secure Cash: Immediately drop large bills in a safe or with a manager to minimize loss or theft risks.
4. Accuracy Over Speed: Take your time to ensure the correct change is given. Mistakes can cost more than a few extra seconds.
5. Training: Regularly participate in cash handling training sessions. ServSafe offers courses that can be beneficial.
6. Use Technology: Consider using a POS (Point of Sale) system that tracks transactions and reduces manual cash handling errors.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly improve cash handling efficiency and accuracy in a restaurant setting.

How to Display Cash Handling Skills on Your Resume