What does a server in a restaurant do?

I'm thinking of getting a part-time job as a server in a restaurant to save up for college. What are the main duties and skills I would need, and is it a good job for teens?

Working as a server in a restaurant involves a variety of tasks, chief among them being providing excellent customer service. Main duties include:

-Taking orders: You would be responsible for taking food and drink orders from customers, often memorizing them or jotting them down to pass on to the kitchen.

-Serving customers: You'll bring the prepared food and drinks from the kitchen to the customers' tables.

-Addressing customer needs and complaints: This could be anything from refilling their drinks and providing item suggestions based on their preferences, to resolving any issues they may have with their order or experience at the restaurant.

-Cleaning tables: After the customers have left, you'll usually be required to clean the tables and prepare them for future customers.

In terms of skills, good communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you'd be interacting with people constantly. You'd also need to be able to handle stressful situations with a calm demeanor, especially during busy times.

Also, a good memory is useful for remembering orders, and physical stamina is important since you'll be on your feet most of the time. Lastly, having attention to detail ensures that you can meet the specific needs of customers and avoid errors in orders.

As to whether it's a good job for teens - that largely depends on your personal abilities and situation. Some enjoy the social nature of the job and the tip-based pay can be lucrative depending on the establishment and your service quality. However, the hours can be long and might require weekend or evening shifts which could conflict with other commitments like school or extra-curricular activities.

So, it's a job that can teach you valuable communication and customer service skills, enhance your multitasking abilities, and help you save up for college. Just make sure to balance it with other responsibilities you may have.