Restaurant Server - Full Time (PM) O'Malley's Pub - Holiday Inn Dulles - starting at $11/hr

As a Restaurant Server at O'Malley's Pub, you will be responsible for preparing and serving food and beverages to guests, ensuring exceptional service from start to finish, and adhering to health regulations and local liquor laws. You'll take orders, suggest specials, and create a warm atmosphere for our guests while also attending to side work that includes cleaning and maintaining the restaurant area. Your role is crucial in enhancing guest satisfaction and ensuring that our high standards are consistently met.

To qualify for the Restaurant Server position at O'Malley's Pub, applicants should possess a high school diploma or GED along with at least one year of guest service experience. Experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment is preferred, while TIPS or CARE beverage service certification is desired. Strong communication skills in English and the ability to manage physical demands such as lifting up to 50 pounds are also essential for excelling in this role.

As a Restaurant Server at O'Malley's Pub, you will have evening availability, as the majority of shifts will occur during PM hours. Because the schedule can fluctuate based on business needs, flexibility will be key. Team members are expected to work collaboratively and support each other, ensuring excellent coverage during peak dining times.

O'Malley's Pub ensures top guest experiences by empowering servers to deliver friendly, prompt service while actively listening to guest feedback to enhance satisfaction. The restaurant follows a guest service recovery program, encourages upselling menu items, and fosters a culture of collaboration among team members to elevate the dining experience as a whole. Regular training and team meetings also help maintain high standards and promote exceptional service.

Essential skills for success as a Restaurant Server at O'Malley's Pub include exemplary customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both guests and team members. Adaptability in a fast-paced environment is crucial, along with a strong work ethic and the physical stamina to manage the demands of the job. A positive attitude and a proactive approach to guest interactions will be highly valued.

In your response, highlight specific roles where you've been responsible for direct customer interactions, emphasizing any experience in fast-paced environments. Discuss how you handled challenges, such as difficult customers or high-pressure dining periods, and illustrate your commitment to providing outstanding service.

To answer effectively, demonstrate your ability to stay organized and focused during peak times. Explain your personal strategies for managing time, such as creating a mental checklist of duties, staying in constant communication with the kitchen staff, and requesting help when needed. Use examples to show how you maintain high service standards without compromising quality.

Show your understanding of sales techniques and customer engagement by discussing how you assess guests’ needs and preferences. Provide examples of how you share your knowledge of menu items, recommend pairings, and highlight specials that may interest the guests based on their order.

Express the importance of active listening and remaining calm in the face of complaints. Detail the steps you take to address issues, such as empathizing with the guest, resolving the problem efficiently, and communicating with the management team if necessary. Sharing a specific example of a past experience can illustrate your conflict resolution skills.

Use this opportunity to showcase your familiarity with O'Malley’s Pub and its reputation in the hospitality industry. Discuss why you appreciate the company culture, commitment to guest satisfaction, and the importance of teamwork, tying it back to your career goals and values in customer service.

Highlight your knowledge of safety regulations and hygiene standards relevant to the food service industry. Discuss protocols you follow to ensure cleanliness, from proper handwashing to regular cleaning schedules, and emphasize your role in contributing to a safe diner experience.

Share techniques that work for you, whether it’s writing down orders immediately, repeating them back to guests for confirmation, or using mnemonic devices for larger tables. Highlight your attention to detail and the importance you place on accuracy to enhance guest satisfaction.

Offer a thoughtful definition that reflects your understanding of the nuance of hospitality. Discuss aspects such as anticipating needs, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and delivering timely, professional service. Provide examples from your experiences to back up your definition.

Discuss specific challenges such as managing difficult guests, high volume shifts, or team dynamics. Illustrate your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience in tackling these challenges while maintaining a positive environment.

Your response should touch on intrinsic motivation, like passion for the hospitality industry and a desire to contribute positively to guests' experiences. Bring in external motivators, such as the satisfaction of receiving positive feedback, tips based on great service, and the joy of being part of a team.