15 Room Service Server Skills for Your Career and Resume

Room service servers provide a unique and convenient service to hotel guests by delivering food and beverages to their rooms. Room service servers must have excellent customer service skills to ensure that guests have a positive experience. They must also be able to lift heavy trays and navigate through busy hotel corridors. If you are interested in becoming a room service server, developing these skills can help you succeed in this role.

Food & Beverage Knowledge

Room service servers often work with food and beverage managers to ensure that they have the knowledge necessary to serve customers. This includes knowing how to prepare various dishes, beverages and other items on a room service menu. It’s also important for room service servers to know what ingredients are in each dish so they can answer any questions their guests may have about them.

Order Taking

Room service servers take orders from customers over the phone or in person. They need to be able to listen carefully and remember details about each order, such as what food items a customer ordered, any special instructions they may have and how the food should be prepared. Room service servers also use their organizational skills when taking orders because they often record them on paper or an electronic device so that they can relay the information accurately to kitchen staff.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Room service servers often communicate with kitchen staff, managers and guests. They must be able to explain food orders, answer questions about menu items and relay messages from guests to other employees. Strong communication skills can help a room service server build rapport with their coworkers and customers alike.

Product Presentation

Room service servers often present food and drink to guests. They must be able to describe the menu items accurately, so they can answer any questions about the food or drinks. Room service servers also need to know how to set tables for different types of meals, such as breakfast, lunch or dinner. This includes knowing which utensils to use with each meal.

Patience

Room service servers often work with a tight schedule, so it’s important for them to have patience. They need to be able to remain calm and composed when they’re under pressure from customers or managers. Patience also helps room service servers stay focused on their tasks and complete them in a timely manner.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job well. Room service servers must be able to accurately record orders, prepare food and deliver it to the correct room. You may also need to remember details about guests’ preferences or past orders so you can provide them with exceptional service.

Upselling

Upselling is the process of suggesting an additional product or service to a customer. Room service servers often use upselling skills when working with customers who have already ordered food and drink. For example, if a customer orders coffee but doesn’t ask for any extras, you can suggest adding flavored syrups or whipped cream to their order. This may encourage them to spend more money on their original order, which benefits you as well as your employer.

Stock Management

Room service servers often manage their own stock, which means they need to know how to track and replenish supplies. For example, if you work in a hotel, you may be responsible for ordering food and cleaning supplies. You also need to keep track of your inventory so that you don’t run out of necessary items. This is especially important when working with expensive or perishable goods like meat or dairy products.

Teamwork

Room service servers often work in teams with kitchen staff to prepare and deliver food. They also work as a team with other room service servers to ensure all guests receive their orders promptly. Room service servers should be able to communicate effectively with their coworkers, listen to instructions from supervisors and follow through on tasks they agree to complete.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for room service servers because they allow you to provide a positive experience for your customers. You should be friendly and welcoming when interacting with guests, as this can help build trust and ensure that the guest enjoys their time at the hotel. It’s also important to remember details about your guests’ orders so you can deliver food quickly and accurately.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Room service servers often have a busy schedule, so it’s important for them to be organized in order to complete their work on time. This skill also helps room service servers remember details about customers’ orders, allowing them to provide excellent customer service.

Table Service

A room service server needs to be able to provide guests with the correct food and drink orders. They also need to know how to set up a table, including placing linens on tables and setting out silverware, plates and glasses. Room service servers may also have to clean tables after they’ve served guests.

Multi-tasking

Room service servers often have multiple tasks to complete at any given time. For example, they may be preparing food in the kitchen while also taking orders from customers and delivering meals to tables. Being able to multi-task can help you stay focused on your duties as a room service server and ensure that all of your guests’ needs are met quickly.

Cash Handling

Cash handling is the ability to accept and process payments for goods or services. Room service servers often handle cash when accepting payment from customers, so it’s important that they have a firm understanding of how to use currency and operate an automated teller machine. Cash handling also includes counting money accurately and maintaining accurate records of transactions.

Cross-Selling

Room service servers often have to cross-sell products and services. For example, if a customer orders breakfast, you might suggest they add an appetizer or dessert to their order for free. This can help increase your restaurant’s sales and make customers more likely to return in the future. You also may need to recommend additional food items when a customer asks for substitutions.

How Can I Learn These Room Service Server Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to be a room service server. One way is to take a food and beverage knowledge course, which will teach you about different types of food and drink and how to properly present and serve them. Another way is to take an order taking course, which will teach you how to take orders from customers and communicate them to the kitchen staff. Finally, you can also take a table service course, which will teach you how to properly set up and maintain a dining room, as well as how to serve customers.