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Server: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Servers work in restaurants, bars and coffee shops. They take customers’ orders.
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Easy Reading Job Profiles

New

Server

Help or serve people

Other names for this job

  • Food and Beverage Server
  • Waiter or Waitress

Word Meanings

Do you see red words on this page? Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

What do servers do?

Servers work in restaurants, bars and coffee shops. They take customers’ orders. They serve food and drinks to customers. Many servers work part time.

iStock-000010609862

Meet a server

Mark is a server. He works in a restaurant at a mall.

Here are things that Mark does:

  • He puts glasses and cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) on each table.
  • He makes sure there are lots of glasses, cups and cutlery at the service area.
  • The cook and servers work together as a team. For example, Mark asks the cook about the food specials for that day. The special is a turkey sandwich. It costs 75 cents less than the regular price.
  • Mark gives menus to the customers. He tells them about the food specials. He answers their questions.
  • He takes customers’ orders. He enters customers’ orders on a computer.
  • He gets the food and drinks. He takes them to the customers.
  • He asks customers, “How is your meal?” If there is a problem, Mark tries to fix it.
  • Mark asks when customers are finished. He takes away their dirty dishes.
  • He asks if they want anything more. For example, dessert or coffee.
  • When customers are finished, Mark prints their bill.
  • Customers pay Mark with cash, credit cards or debit cards. Mark uses a credit card machine or a cash register to take payment.
  • Mark clears the table and cleans it. He then prepares it for the next customers.
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

What is a server’s work like?

Mark works a split shift. He works from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is very busy at those times.

Mark’s job can be stressful. He needs to work quickly. He needs to be careful. It’s not good to drop things are spill things.

Mark stands and walks a lot. He eats his meals when the restaurant is not busy.

Do you want to be a server?

  • You need to be healthy.
  • You need to be clean. For example, your hands and fingernails must be clean. Your hair must be clean and tidy.
  • You need to work well with coworkers. For example, with the cook and the other servers.
  • You must work well under pressure. For example, sometimes Mark is very busy. He has to decide what to do first.
  • You must be patient, cheerful and polite.
  • You must be good at speaking with customers. Sometimes they get upset. For example, if they have small children or if their food isn’t right. You need to understand the customers.

What education do servers need?

  • Servers often learn on the job. Some people work as kitchen helpers or food service helpers (buspersons). Then they may become servers.
  • Servers don’t need a high school diploma. Sometimes they have special training. For example, they take food safety courses.
  • Servers who serve liquor must be at least 18 years old. They must have special training.
  • In formal restaurants, servers must know special rules about serving food. For example, they must know about different wines.

What can servers do in the future?

Servers with experience can change jobs. For example, they can work in fancy restaurants. Then they may get more money in tips. Some servers become supervisors.

How much does a server make?

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

Other jobs to think about

Food and Beverage Server

Food and Beverage Server

Are you patient and naturally cheerful? Are you interested in the food services industry? Do you like working in a fast-paced environment? Then you may want to place your order for a career as a food and beverage server.
Outlook
above
avg
Avg. Wage
$15.67
Min. Education
Varies
Bartender

Bartender

Do you enjoy being surrounded by people? Are you a good listener? Do you have a decent memory and an interest in mixing and serving drinks in a bar or restaurant? Then you may want to see if work as a bartender serves your career interests.
Outlook
above
avg
Avg. Wage
$15.78
Min. Education
Varies
Food Service Helper

Food Service Helper

Do you get satisfaction from helping people? Are you interested in learning about the food services industry? Do you like having clear duties and working on a team? Then becoming a food service helper may set the table for your career.
Outlook
above
avg
Avg. Wage
$16.05
Min. Education
Varies
New
©
iStock-000009558714

Kitchen Helper

Kitchen helpers clean kitchens and prepare food. 

Starting Avg. Wage
$13.00
Strength
Lift up to 20 kg

You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like server.

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.

You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

For career advisors

Updated Oct 15, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.

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