Seasonal Ice Cream Server - East Village

As a Seasonal Ice Cream Server at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, your key responsibilities will include preparing and serving a variety of ice cream flavors and menu items, processing guest transactions accurately at the register, maintaining cleanliness and adherence to sanitation guidelines, and delivering exceptional guest service. You’ll also be involved in some inventory tasks and ensure deliveries are stored properly. It’s all about creating a delightful experience for our customers!

To qualify for the Seasonal Ice Cream Server position at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a local Department of Health Food Handlers License. You should be able to work a minimum of three shifts per week, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and lift up to 50 lbs. while engaging positively with customers. Relevant experience, like having a food handlers certificate or barista experience, is a plus!

As a Seasonal Ice Cream Server at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, you can expect to earn a starting hourly wage of $16.50, along with the opportunity to earn additional income through tips, which can average up to $7 extra per hour. Your earnings can significantly increase based on customer interactions and the quality of service you provide!

The work schedule for a Seasonal Ice Cream Server at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream requires availability for at least three shifts per week, with shifts running late into the evening, often past 1am. Flexibility is key as you could be asked to cover various shifts throughout the busy summer season when customer demand is at its peak.

While the Seasonal Ice Cream Server position at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is primarily designed for the summer months, exceptional performance and demonstrated passion for our brand can lead to future opportunities! Many team members transition into full-time roles or continue with us for subsequent seasons, depending on our staffing needs.

To thrive as a Seasonal Ice Cream Server at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, you should possess a genuine love for ice cream, excellent communication skills, and a friendly demeanor. Being a self-starter who can work well both independently and with a team is essential. Additionally, energy and enthusiasm, especially during busy shifts, will greatly contribute to providing exceptional customer service.

When facing a difficult customer as a Seasonal Ice Cream Server at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the key is to remain calm and empathetic. Acknowledge their concerns, listen actively, and offer solutions where possible. It’s important to maintain professionalism while ensuring the customer feels valued and heard, as this approach helps in turning their experience around.

In your response, draw from your previous experiences, ideally in food service or retail, highlighting specific instances where teamwork played a crucial role. Discuss how you supported fellow team members during busy periods, shared responsibilities, and contributed to a positive team dynamic. Emphasize the importance of collaboration in achieving exceptional service.

Discuss any prior experience you have with cash handling, customer transactions, and operating a POS system. If you haven’t used a specific system before, express your willingness and ability to learn quickly. Mention your attention to detail and accuracy to assure the interviewer of your proficiency in handling financial transactions.

Outline your understanding of cleanliness and sanitation practices crucial in food service, like regularly washing your hands, keeping surfaces sanitized, and adhering to food safety guidelines. Share any personal practices you follow, as well as your commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment at all times.

Emphasize the importance of connection and hospitality in crafting positive customer experiences. Discuss how greeting customers warmly, engaging in friendly conversation, and remembering returning guests' preferences can enhance their visit. Additionally, highlight how a smile and enthusiasm for the products can turn first-time visitors into loyal customers.

Here, you can showcase skills such as customer service expertise, teamwork, resilience in fast-paced environments, and a passion for ice cream and the brand. Discuss any relevant experience that has helped you develop these skills, providing the interviewer with a well-rounded idea of what you can bring to the team.

Talk about your approach to staying organized under pressure, such as prioritizing tasks, maintaining a clear workspace, and communicating effectively with teammates. Mention any specific techniques you use, such as checklists or time management skills, to ensure that all aspects of service run smoothly during busy times.

Share your personal motivations for working in food service, particularly your love for creating enjoyable experiences for customers. Connect this motivation to the unique aspects of the ice cream industry, such as the joy of serving others, creativity in flavor combinations, and the happiness ice cream brings to people's lives.

Express your enthusiasm for the Van Leeuwen brand, its commitment to quality, and its mission to spread happiness through ice cream. Discuss any personal experiences with the product, your alignment with their values on community and creativity, and your desire to be part of a dedicated team that prioritizes customer satisfaction.