10 Must-Have Qualities to Look for When Hiring Waitstaff in Canada

Finding and hiring the right waitstaff is crucial for the success of any restaurant in Canada. An outstanding front-of-house team can set the tone, represent your brand, and directly impact the overall customer experience. However, identifying candidates with the ideal mix of skills and qualities can be challenging. This comprehensive guide will explore 10 essential qualities to look for when hiring waitstaff to help streamline your restaurant’s recruitment process.

1. A Warm, Welcoming Attitude

Having a friendly, positive attitude is arguably the most important quality in a great server. Guests want to feel welcomed and appreciated from the moment they walk through the door. A server’s warm demeanor, genuine smile, and ability to make guests feel comfortable can significantly influence their dining experience.

When evaluating candidates, pay attention to their:

• Body language and eye contact during the interview
• Tone of voice and overall approachability
• Ability to engage in pleasant, natural conversation

A server’s attitude sets the tone for the entire dining experience, so prioritize candidates who exude warmth and positivity.

2. Great Waiters Are Also Great Communicators

Clear and effective communication is vital in the fast-paced restaurant environment. Servers must be able to:

• Accurately relay orders to the kitchen staff
• Clearly explain menu items and specials to guests
• Ask clarifying questions to ensure orders are correct
• Listen actively to guests’ requests and dietary needs

During the interview process, assess candidates’ verbal communication skills and their ability to listen attentively. Role-playing exercises can be helpful in evaluating these critical skills.

3. Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Servers

Working in the service industry can be stressful, with servers frequently facing challenging situations and demanding guests. Patience and emotional intelligence are crucial for maintaining professionalism and providing excellent service, even in difficult circumstances.

Emotionally intelligent servers:

• Remain calm and level-headed under pressure
• Have empathy and can read social cues
• Manage their own emotions effectively
• Know how to diffuse tense situations with tact

Look for candidates who demonstrate self-awareness, emotional control, and the ability to handle criticism or complaints gracefully.

4. Top Servers Have Eyes in the Back of Their Heads

Attentiveness and keen observation skills are hallmarks of exceptional servers. The best servers can:

• Anticipate guests’ needs before they ask
• Notice small details, like when a water glass needs refilling
• Remember guests’ preferences or dietary restrictions

During working interviews or role-playing exercises, observe how well candidates pick up on subtle cues and respond accordingly.

5. The Importance of Waitstaff Who Work as a Team

Providing seamless service requires teamwork and collaboration among the entire waitstaff. Servers must be able to:

• Communicate effectively with other staff members
• Jump in to assist colleagues during busy periods
• Prioritize the overall guest experience over individual tasks

Look for candidates who exhibit a team-player mentality and can work well with others under pressure. Behavioral-based interview questions can help identify those with strong collaboration skills.

6. A Knowledgeable Server is Invaluable

In-depth knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and food preparation methods is invaluable for servers. Knowledgeable servers can:

• Confidently explain dishes and make recommendations
• Suggest food and beverage pairings
• Answer guests’ questions about ingredients or dietary restrictions

While menu knowledge can be taught through training, look for candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in the culinary aspects of the job.

7. Hiring Waiters with Energy and Endurance

Working as a server is physically demanding, with long hours spent on one’s feet and intense periods of high-volume service. Stamina and a hard-working, energetic attitude are essential qualities to seek in candidates.

During interviews, assess candidates’:

• Physical ability to handle the job’s demands
• Enthusiasm and high-energy levels
• Willingness to go the extra mile for great service

Consider role-playing exercises or working interviews to gauge their endurance and hustle in a realistic setting.

8. Why Accuracy is Critical for Servers

Attention to detail and accuracy are paramount in the server role. Even small mistakes, like:

• Entering orders incorrectly
• Miscalculating bills or providing incorrect change
• Forgetting to communicate dietary restrictions

can negatively impact operations and guest satisfaction. Evaluate candidates’ attention to detail through exercises like reciting orders back or handling mock transactions.

9. Don’t Overlook Grooming When Interviewing Waitstaff

A server’s appearance and professionalism directly reflect your restaurant’s brand and image. Well-groomed servers who exhibit:

• Neat, clean attire appropriate for the role
• Polished, professional demeanor and body language
• Good hygiene practices

create a positive first impression for guests. Observe candidates closely from the moment they arrive for the interview.

10. Valuing Reliable Servers with Flex Schedules

In the restaurant industry, staffing needs can vary widely depending on shifts and peak periods. Reliable servers who are:

• Available to work a flexible schedule
• Consistently punctual and committed to their shifts
• Respectful about providing advance notice for time off

are invaluable assets. Thoroughly check references and work history to assess candidates’ dependability.

Talent Employment Inc – Let a Staffing Pro Handle the Vetting Process

While assessing candidates for all these essential qualities can be time-consuming, partnering with a respected hospitality staffing agency like Talent Employment Inc. can streamline the process. As Canada’s premier waitstaff staffing provider, Talent Employment Inc. has a rigorous screening process that evaluates candidates based on the exact qualities covered here.

Their comprehensive vetting includes assessing:

• Friendly, positive attitude and emotional intelligence
• Communication and teamwork abilities
• Menu knowledge and service skills
• Physical stamina and commitment to excellence
• Grooming standards and professional demeanor
• Reliability and schedule flexibility

By leveraging Talent Employment Inc.’s deep talent pool of pre-qualified, highly trained waitstaff, restaurants can feel confident they are accessing top-notch candidates perfectly suited for their needs.

Conclusion

Hiring exceptional waitstaff who embody the 10 qualities outlined above requires effort, but the payoff in outstanding service and enhanced guest experiences makes it well worth the investment. Don’t settle when building your front-of-house team – be selective and bring on servers who will represent your restaurant brand with poise, professionalism, and a true passion for hospitality.

Ready to start your search for Canada’s top waitstaff talent? Implement these criteria into your interview process today, or partner with the staffing experts at Talent Employment Inc. to gain access to a pool of pre-vetted, highly qualified candidates. With the right waitstaff in place, you’ll be setting your restaurant up for service excellence and success.