Restaurant Server Test

Restaurant server tests are designed to evaluate whether job candidates have the core skills and essential traits to be effective restaurant servers.

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What is a restaurant server test?

A restaurant server is the first and continuous point of contact a customer will have whilst visiting a restaurant. It's their job to ensure customers have a positive experience throughout; they bridge the gap between the kitchen and diners.

The restaurant server test determines the trainability of a candidate, and how well they would fit into your restaurant's working culture and standards. This test is best used by employers in the early stages of the recruitment process, to ensure the most promising front-of-house candidates are selected.

Evaluated using a series of multiple-choice questions, the test highlights candidates who are most likely to quickly pick up training, those with keen attention to detail to support their role, as well as good communication skills for the customer-facing element.

Performing well on this test demonstrates a candidate would be able to adhere to training standards whilst adapting to customer needs throughout a shift.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a restaurant server test?
  2. Why should you use a restaurant server test for recruiting?
  3. How our test assesses restaurant service skills
  4. Restaurant Server Test FAQs

About the Restaurant Server Test

A restaurant server is responsible for creating an exceptional dining experience. From greeting guests to seating and taking their orders, a restaurant server will be with a customer from the beginning to the end of their dining experience. This means they need to be personable, efficient and driven to exceed diners' expectations.

The hospitality industry is known for having a high turnover of staff. This test will also identify candidates' resilience and personal traits, which helps to select appropriate fits for hospitality culture, minimising the risk of short tenure.

Why should you use a restaurant server test for recruiting?

Clearly, you only want to shortlist the most suitable candidates for your server position. However, this type of role tends to attract those new to the workplace and with little direct experience, so identifying them based on their resume alone can be challenging, particularly as it is a soft skill-focused role.

A restaurant server test removes this uncertainty and gives companies the ability to administer skills tests to large numbers of candidates. The comparative data you receive will give an unbiased insight into how well suited each candidate is to the role, streamlining the hiring process.

The test will highlight each applicant's strongest communication styles, how well they handle customers, their attention to detail, and adaptability. It will also measure additional basic skills like simple numeracy.

Applicants that meet the requirements of the role can be shortlisted, while those who do not demonstrate the necessary skillset can be excluded.

A restaurant server test could be useful for the following roles:

  • Waiting Staff
  • Host/Hostess
  • Food Server
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Barista
  • Bartender
  • Busser
  • Bar Manager
  • Catering Manager

View a sample report

Results for the Restaurant Server Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

Download sample report
App screenshot

How our test assesses restaurant service skills

Candidates will need to answer a range of questions that measure industry-specific technical skills where applicable, soft skills (e.g. teamwork), aptitude (e.g. error checking) and relevant personality dimensions (e.g. stress tolerance). The results present a holistic view of how well suited each candidate is for the job at hand, using a data-driven approach.

The format varies by type of question, including multiple-choice for aptitude and technical skills, situational judgement for soft skills and agreement on a Likert scale for the personality dimensions. This approach ensures candidates are being assessed in an accurate and fair manner, and that results reflect the true underlying qualities of each candidate.

The characteristics, abilities and knowledge necessary to be a restaurant server were identified using the US Department of Labor's comprehensive O*NET database. O*NET is the leading source of occupational information that is constantly updated by collecting data from employees in specific job roles.

During the development process, test questions were rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. They were created by our team of I/O psychologists and psychometricians – who collaborated with subject-matter-experts – and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of expertise.

Our restaurant server test is monitored to ensure it is up-to-date and optimised for performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key skills for a restaurant server?

The key skills required to be successful in a restaurant server role include:

  • Outstanding customer service and verbal communication
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexible and adaptable work ethic
  • Good attitude towards teamwork
  • Willingness to take initiative
  • Basic numeracy skills
Is a restaurant server test difficult?

The test assesses an intermediate level of knowledge and skill in staffing and waiting tables; it has a range of easy to difficult questions. This helps distinguish between candidates' abilities.

What is the cost for Neuroworx's restaurant server test?

Neuroworx operates on a monthly or annual subscription basis. We have several plans to suit your hiring needs, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss a custom plan.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we'll give you unlimited access for seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won't be charged a penny.

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