Being a food service worker is a rewarding and challenging job. It requires a professional who is able to prepare food, maintain a clean and safe kitchen and dining area, and follow strict rules set by managers to ensure customer satisfaction. Food service workers can be found in coffee shops, supermarkets, food courts, universities, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Food service workers come in many different forms, such as waiters, waitresses, fast food workers, kitchen assistants, and more.
They are responsible for taking customer orders, serving food and beverages, writing customer checks, and sometimes accepting payments. The duties of a food service worker can vary greatly depending on the type of establishment they work in. In the United States alone, there are over 12.5 million people employed in the food preparation and service industry. The responsibilities of a food service worker require skills such as tray line operation, portion control, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) knowledge, and steam table operation.
Working conditions have improved significantly over the years due to the modernization of restaurants and the introduction of labor-saving techniques. An associate food scientist is primarily responsible for developing new recipes for a company while ensuring quality and marketability. While some food service workers may have college degrees, it is possible to succeed in this profession with just a high school diploma. Many resumes show that the skills required for this job include having a positive attitude, providing excellent customer service, sales experience, and portion control knowledge.
For example, one food service worker was able to maintain composure and a positive attitude while working at multiple food preparation stations in fast-paced environments. The skills needed for each job may vary depending on the employer's needs. For instance, some employers may require knowledge of sanitation rules, steam tables, kitchen utensils, or portion control. According to our research, half of all food service workers do not have college degrees. All of these titles generally describe someone who helps out in the dining environment of a coffee shop or restaurant.
Although salaries may differ between positions, there are some common skills required for both food service workers and kitchen staff. When looking for employment as a food service worker, it is important to know which companies are hiring. Depending on the employer's needs, a food service worker may be asked to perform various tasks.
