Hire Crew Members

Hire Crew Members

A restaurant must run like a well-oiled machine. Daily operations must be smooth and customers satisfied. A crew member is a junior member of the team, who is nevertheless important to a restaurant’s success. 

Hiring a crew member begins with drafting a compelling job description that inspires potential job seekers to apply. It is best to write a job description that is clear, concise, and detailed. Are you looking for candidates who live near the restaurant? What is the schedule? Is prior restaurant experience a must or a plus? Outline the responsibilities and requirements clearly. To make it appealing, be sure to include special details about your restaurant’s culture and values. How long has the restaurant been around? Does it specialize in a particular cuisine? These details will help candidates picture themselves working in your restaurant. 

In addition to general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on industry-specific job boards, online groups, and in local community groups as well. Incentivize your staff to submit referrals, as this is one of the best ways to find a crew member who is a great fit for your team. 

Crew Member Responsibilities 

A crew member in a restaurant has a variety of responsibilities with the goal of creating a positive dining experience for customers. Greeting customers with a friendly demeanor, taking their orders, and serving meals in a timely manner are primary responsibilities. A crew member may also assist customers in food selection and answer questions as needed.  

When not directly serving customers, a crew member may clean tables, remove used dishes, and sweep or mop floors. During busy times, a crew member may assist in other areas of the restaurant by washing dishes and alerting the manager of any guest concerns. 

Crew Member Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate for a crew member works well in a fast-paced restaurant environment while maintaining a calm and friendly attitude. 

Some restaurants require a high school diploma or GED, and further certifications in food safety training may also be required. Regarding work background, proven customer service experience in a restaurant setting is a plus but is usually not required. Most restaurants are willing to train their staff for this role.  

The candidate should be able to meet the physical demands of the job, being able to stand for long periods of time and carry heavy trays with food and beverages. Lastly, the ideal candidate should be available to work in shifts, on weekends, and on holidays.