How to Become a Restaurant Server
Looking to pick up work in food service? In this blog, we're going to focus on the "restaurant server" position in food service, also known as waitstaff (waiters and waitresses). Here's everything you need to know, from age restrictions and qualifications to the kind of restaurant server training that might be required in your area and potential future career paths.
How to Get a Job as a Waiter
Not everyone starts as a waiter. Some begin food service through limited-service restaurants (i.e., fast food with no table service) or through a non-server position like dishwashing or bussing tables.
However, if you want to work as a waiter or server, here’s what you should know:
What Are the Restaurant Server Age Requirements?
It's hard to make a broad statement about the minimum age for becoming a restaurant server, because it depends on where you live. Federal law restricts employment for 14- and 15-year-olds, so most employers prefer you're at least 16 when the limitations loosen up.
But state and local laws might be stricter. Some locations require work permits for minors, and some limit the number of hours worked until you're 18. Check state, county, and municipal ("city") laws where you live to find out what rules apply to you.
The other factor is whether the restaurant where you're applying serves alcohol. Alcohol service laws also vary by location. In most states, you can serve alcohol at 18. However, states like Iowa, Maine, and Michigan allow minors to serve alcohol under supervision, while a handful of states make you wait until 19 or 21.
Can You Become a Waiter or Waitress With No Experience?
Absolutely! The ability to land a job with no experience is why food service is often the first job for many people.
Will every restaurant hire you to start from scratch? No. Highbrow establishments expect experience from most employees. And, like any job, a worker with experience will have a better chance of getting hired. But many restaurants are willing to hire people with no experience, especially if they're short-staffed.
If the job market in your area is tough (or if you're below the age employers prefer), you'll have better luck getting your foot in the door as a dishwasher, busser, or hostess. If you do well, you might end up with a "battlefield promotion." But even if that's not in the cards, you'll have experience to show prospective employers in the future.
What Kind of Education Do You Need to Be a Restaurant Server?
Most server jobs don't have any educational requirements. Some businesses prefer you have a high school diploma (or the equivalent), but it's not usually required.
So, What Qualifications Do You Need?
Customer service skills and a friendly attitude are the most important qualifications. If you have a knack for handling people regardless of their mood, you'll probably excel at the job. People skills will also come in handy with your coworkers. Waiting tables is a team sport.
Physical stamina is a must. You'll be standing and walking for long hours, carrying heavy trays, and sometimes moving heavy inventory. There will be times when the pace is demanding and conditions are hectic—being able to handle that with grace will be a plus.
You should try to prove yourself reliable and responsible, particularly in your early days on the job. Show up on time, don't skip out on shifts, and do the best job you can. Food service jobs tend to be "easy come, easy go." Make a bad first impression, and they might just say, "Next!"
What Format Does Restaurant Server Training Follow?
Most restaurants provide some degree of "on-the-job" training for new employees. Even if you have experience, they'll at least want to make sure you know their menu and their policies.
The type of training will depend on the size of the business (mom 'n pop vs a national chain), the type of restaurant (fast food vs casual sit-down vs formal dining), and the management's preferences.
Training could be self-study (with handbooks, online courses, or video), "classroom" instruction, demonstration and supervised practice ("shadowing"), or some combination of the three.
Topics usually include store policies, customer service skills, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety. But training will vary from business to business because your expected duties will also vary.
What Kind of Restaurant Server Training Do I Need?
In addition to business-specific training, some states, counties, or municipalities require a more formalized training process to make sure you know the relevant laws and safety practices for your job. In other states, training is optional but increases your odds of getting hired.
1. Food Handler Certificate / "Food Handler Card" Training
Food handler training covers information to help you serve food safely to the public. That typically includes:
- Symptoms and causes of common foodborne illnesses
- What causes food spoilage, and how to recognize it
- Time and Temperature Control to prevent the growth of dangerous microbes
- Types of contamination and how to avoid them
- Personal hygiene when handling food, including what to do when you're sick
- Safe food receiving and storage
- Cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Recognizing and eradicating pests
- State, county, or municipal laws you're expected to follow
Fortunately, you can take food handler training online in most jurisdictions. It's usually a 2-hour course with a short quiz.
2. Alcohol Server Certificate / "Bar Card" Training
If your establishment serves alcohol, you may also be required to complete alcohol safety training. Sometimes referred to as getting a "bar card," the training focuses on local laws that apply to alcohol service and how to follow them. This could include:
- The effects of alcohol and of mixing alcohol with other drugs
- Blood Alcohol Concentration and how it's calculated
- Recognizing intoxicated individuals
- How to check ID and recognize fake IDs
- Avoiding second-party sales
- How to refuse a sale and handle alcohol-related disturbances
- Your responsibilities and obligations under local law
Restaurant Server Training With Learn2serve by 360training
The National Restaurant Association reports that 9 in 10 restaurant managers started in entry-level positions, as did 8 in 10 restaurant owners. So, there are opportunities for advancement in the restaurant industry; you just must take the first step.
Start your journey with Learn2Serve by 360training. Our state-approved alcohol server training helps you gain the knowledge and credentials you need to serve responsibly, meet employer requirements, and build a successful career in hospitality.
Start today!
