How to Get Hired as a Server
For people who like social working environments and have an interest in culinary arts, a job as a restaurant server might be a lucrative and enjoyable career. You don't need any formal education to be a server, and some restaurants may even hire you without experience. Sometimes a friendly personality, neat appearance and willingness to learn is all you need to get hired as a server.
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Instructions
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Compose and print your resume. It's not always required to bring a resume to a server interview, but an organized outline of your background and experience is the first step in conveying your professionalism. Even if you have no previous serving experience, a resume with your past work history---if applicable---can provide sufficient references to interviewer.
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Do your homework. Before your interview, do some light research on the establishment. You may be asked questions like, "Why to you want to work for City Cafe?" and the last answer a potential employer wants to hear is, "Because I need a job." Look the establishment up online, stop in for a meal, explore the menu and history to create some positive feedback. Any aspects of the establishment that appeal to you will be ideal answers to such questions.
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Look the part. You only have one chance to make a first impression, and as a server the way you present yourself is very important. Clean hands and fingernails are most important because servers are required to handle food and drinks. Your hair should be clean, well-kept and neatly pulled back if it's long. Smell clean, but don't overdo it with powerful colognes. Make sure your breath is fresh and clean.
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Dress accordingly to the concept of the restaurant. If you're applying for a fine dining position, conservative business-casual attire is suitable. For a bar and grill position, a more casual---but not over the top---outfit should suffice, such as nice pair of jeans, sneakers and a polo-style shirt. Avoid wearing low-cut blouses, short skirts or shorts, and ripped or stained clothing.
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Show up a few minutes early for your interview. Restaurant workers need time to check in and prepare work stations before receiving customers, and often times are relieving coworkers, so being early is usually a requirement. Showing up about 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time shows potential employers that promptness and reliability are your strong suits.
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Maintain a positive, friendly and confident attitude. In the restaurant industry, your attitude, mannerisms and social skills are almost as important as your serving ability. Servers are required to interact with customers and provide a pleasant and comfortable dining experience. Speak to the hostess, your interviewer, and everyone you come in contact with in a friendly, outgoing and confident manner to showcase your people skills.
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Complete the application in full. Filling out an application is typically a requirement, even with a resume. List all required information---name, address, contact number, work and education history---in the appropriate sections, and don't leave any blanks. If you have a resume, you may present to your interviewer to review while you complete the application.
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Answer all questions definitively. If you have already researched the establishment and outlined your personal and professional background, you should have no problem answering any questions. Speak to your interviewer in a friendly relaxed manner. Though you may pause briefly for consideration, refrain from replying with "Hmmm?" or "Ummm?" and giving one-word answers like "yes" and "no." Respond to inquiries with detailed, confident replies.
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Thank your interviewer for her time. At the conclusion of your interview---whether you are hired on the spot or not---thank the person interviewing you for considering you for the position. You might mention that it was nice meeting them, and you look forward to hearing from them soon.
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Follow up on your interview. If more than three or four days have passed, without a call back, follow up. Call the restaurant during a slower business period, and ask to speak with the your interviewer. If she's available, politely mention that you are still interested and would like to check the status of your application. If unavailable, a friendly email will suffice.
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