Menu Tiger featured image

7 Essential Elements of a Winning Busser Job Description 

Last Updated: May 14, 2024

What do you think makes your restaurant busser job description appealing? 

It could be your title, the company introduction you add, or the job summary that makes it easier for potential applicants to comprehend. 

These are some of the important elements that you should focus on when drafting one so that you can make the best job posting out there and attract the top talents in your town. 

Now, when we say “appealing,” it doesn’t always have to connote the visual appeal of your job postings, but how clearly these elements are curated that can be easily understood by your target audience. 

In this article, we shall discuss the elements that can make your job busser job description solid, including the benefits and ways to effectively advertise your job postings using technology like a digital menu QR code, online job boards, and social networks. 

7 elements to consider in your job description for a busser 

Getting the dirty dishes
A busser cleaning the table

Attention-grabbing title

Writing a job description is just like writing a mini headline—it has to be clear, catchy, and informative all at once. 

The very first step to do that is to ditch the generic approach job postings usually have. 

How? Consider creating titles that highlight exciting aspects of the role you’re offering. Do you have a fast-paced environment where teamwork is being emphasized? Then you can have a title like “Restaurant Ninja: Keep Our Tables Turning With Your Skills!” that might pique the interest of energetic applicants. 

You can also tailor it to target the specific skills you’re looking for. 

If you are looking for someone who can work under pressure, “Fast-paced Pro Needed: A Busser with a Hustle” might be the way to go. 

Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your titles. This can impact your restaurant's personality and show potential applicants that you have a comfortable place to work. 

Just keep in mind that you should make it concise, relevant to your brand voice, and packed with keywords that will help your job description get noticed. 

Company introduction

When making an introduction to your business, aim to paint a vivid picture of your restaurant that resonates with your potential candidates. 

Here’s how you can do it: 

  • Start with a hook. Grab your reader’s attention through a captivating sentence that projects your restaurant’s unique selling point. Are you known for innovative dishes? Then mention it! Do you have a lively atmosphere perfect for extroverts? Express that! 
  • Focus on the vibe. Instead of having a list of what you have, describe the overall atmosphere of your restaurant: is it casual and family-friendly, or upscale and trendy? Do you have live music nights or a bustling bar scene? Highlighting the ambiance or the restaurant themes of your place allows potential candidates to see if they’d thrive in your environment. 
  • Mention specialties. Though this is optional, you can include your specific culinary focus, like authentic Italian fare or mouthwatering steaks. This may encourage candidates who are passionate about a particular dish to apply. 
  • End with a transition.  Conclude your introduction by smoothly going over the job vacancy you're looking for. For example, “If you're looking to join a team that values hard work, teamwork, and a lot of fun, then keep reading to learn more about our Busser position!”

Job summary

You must provide a clear overview of the busser's responsibilities and what they are about.

This will help applicants evaluate their capabilities and skills for the job, making it easier for you and them during the hiring process. 

You don’t have to list everything; just give brief and concise information about the job you're offering. 

Qualifications of a busser 

List the essential skills and qualities you seek in a busser.  

These may include: 

  • Physical stamina. This job position often involves long hours of standing and carrying heavy trays or bus tubs, it is very important that they are physically fit and have the endurance for this work. 
  • Attention to detail. A busser has to pay attention to every detail in the dining area to ensure that the tables are cleaned thoroughly before the next guests come.
  • Teamwork skills. The ability to work well as part of the team is essential for a smooth workflow from the kitchen to the customer’s tables. 
  • Customer service skills.  While bussers don’t have to interact with guests as much as servers do, they still need to establish a good rapport and be professional when there is an opportunity for them to interact with customers. 
  • Time management. Time management skills are vital for bussers to keep up with the fast-paced environment of your business, as they frequently have several tables to clear and reset in a short period of time. 
  • Communication skills. Clear communication with servers and kitchen staff is important to ensure that the tables are turned over efficiently and that any special requests or needs from guests are addressed promptly. 
  • Basic knowledge of food safety. Understanding the importance of food safety principles, such as proper food handling of dirty dishes and sanitation procedures, is crucial to preventing foodborne illness and contamination. 
  • Age requirements. Depending on local regulations, there may be a minimum age set to work as a Busser, typically around 16 or 18 years old. 

Benefits and busser salary 

Indicate the compensation package and the expected salary they’ll get when they work for you. 

This way, it strengthens the possibility of potential applicants to apply.

For the salary, make sure that it aligns with the regulations in your locality to avoid any legal issues.

Additionally, for your benefits package, you may include flexible scheduling for your part-time students to accommodate what fits their schedule. 

You can also have complimentary meals during their shifts to keep them fueled and ready to tackle any task. 

In addition to these benefits, foster a positive and supportive work environment, where they’ll work alongside a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about creating a memorable dining experience for guests. 

Disclose free training programs

Training opportunity for new hires
Senior staff giving lessons to new hires

Let your applicant know what kind of training you’ll be offering. 

This sets their expectations and a peek into what they’re about to experience during their training period as bussers. 

Upon joining the restaurant team, they typically undergo an orientation program under the restaurant training manual you have, which introduces them to your restaurant’s layout, policies, and expectations.

This orientation provides an overview of the establishment’s various dining areas, kitchen facilities, and restroom locations. 

It also helps them familiarize themselves with the basic equipment and tools they use in their daily tasks, such as bus tubs, trays, and cleaning supplies. 

Most importantly, the fundamental aspect of busser training is learning the proper techniques for setting and clearing tables, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tidy and inviting dining space throughout service. 

Call to action 

Clearly state how applicants should apply.  Include various options that potential applicants can submit application forms. 

You can have them apply online by visiting your website and navigating to the “Careers”   or “Join Our Team” section to access the online application portal. 

If you don’t have these sections, you can use a QR code printed on your job posters, which they scan through their smartphones and direct them to the online forms. 

They can also apply in person by visiting your restaurant during regular business hours and inquire about current job openings. 

Another option is to send it through your work email, which they can send directly to you. 

Just make sure that your CTAs are clear and easy to follow in order to have a smooth flow during the hiring period. 

List of benefits of having a well-written restaurant busser job description

Attracts qualified candidates

 A well-written busser or restaurant manager job description these positions holds the power to attract qualified candidates due to its ability to provide clear expectations. 

By outlining the specific responsibilities and duties associated with the role, candidates can gain a comprehensive understanding of what the position entails. 

This clarity ensures that the applicants who apply are genuinely interested and capable of fulfilling the job requirements. 

Reduces hire time

It will be easier for applicants to self-select based on their suitability and interest when it makes an explicit description of the duties, requirements, and expectations of the position. 

With that, it helps hiring managers concentrate their time on assessing applications from individuals who truly fit the role and are qualified rather than wasting time on applicants who might not fulfill the requirements. 

Improves employer branding 

This can significantly improve your branding by effectively communicating your restaurant’s values, culture, and commitment to employee satisfaction. 

Your job description serves as an avenue for you to showcase what you have as an employer and differentiate it from the competitors in the eyes of potential candidates.

Also, it can provide a glimpse into your business’s culture and work environment, allowing candidates to envision themselves as part of the team. 

By emphasizing the aspect of a collaborative work culture, opportunities for growth and development, and a supportive leadership style, your job posting can attract candidates who are not only fit for the role but also share similar values and aspirations as yours. 

Sets expectations

Clear expectations are beneficial for you as the employer and possible candidates. 

As for you, it helps to establish the parameters of the position that include specific tasks for which a busser will be responsible. 

This clarity ensures that you can maximize team productivity and efficiency by managing the workload and assigning duties appropriately. 

For potential candidates, the job description serves as a roadmap for understanding what the position entails and assessing whether it aligns with their skills, experience, and career aspirations. 

This kind of transparency facilitates a smooth hiring process and assists in establishing a solid foundation for the employer-employee relationship. 

Reduces turnover costs 

Turnover costs are significant concerns for employers, as high turnover rates can lead to increased expenses associated with recruitment, hiring, and training.

But having a well-curated table busser job description can mitigate these costs by attracting candidates who are a good fit for the business. 

All you need to do is outline everything you need for a busser, from requirements to expectations. 

5 effective ways to advertise your busser job description 

Job description vacancy
Busser job poster

Online job boards 

Leveraging popular online job boards is a good strategy to get your job postings in front of a qualified pool of candidates. 

Some of the platforms that offer immense reach and allow you to target your search effectively are Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor. 

To maximize your online job board presence, here are a few things to remember: 

  • Target the right audience

These platforms let you specify locations during the posting process. 

So, make sure to do that so you can reach potential applicants within your city or region, reducing the chances of unqualified leads from faraway locations. 

  • Filter by skills

As you post your job vacancy, filter applicants based on the specific skills you're looking for. 

Include relevant keywords like “attention to detail,” “teamwork,” can work under pressure,” and “willing to be trained.” With this, you can automatically shortlist candidates who possess the skills you are seeking. 

  • Optimize keywords

Beyond including them in the job description itself, optimize your listing title with relevant keywords like “busser,” “restaurant,” and city /region. 

This will increase the visibility of your job posting in search results, making it easier for applicants to find your listing. 

  • Stand out from the crowd

While online job boards offer numerous candidates, it can also be a competitive landscape.

To make your job description stand out, consider including a brief and captivating introduction about your restaurant that highlights your unique aspects. 

This will give job seekers a sense of company culture and entice those who resonate with your job posting to apply. 

Social media platforms 

Social media for restaurants is an impactful tool for getting your message out there.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to leverage your social media platforms to attract top talent for your busser position. 

The first thing you need to do is to create catchy content as people scroll through social media feeds quickly.

Ditch the plain text job descriptions and create eye-catching visuals to accompany your job posting. It can be through infographics or engaging videos. 

Next, highlight the perks: may it be a flexible work schedule, complimentary meals, or competitive wages—everyone loves perks!

Keep in mind that your approach should suit each social media platform. While the core message remains the same, you just have to tweak it in a way that aligns with the platform’s structure. 

For example, on Facebook, a more detailed post about the job might work since it lets you share lengthy content. For Instagram, it’s more about the images and videos, which you can use by showcasing a day in the life of a busser. 

Lastly, don’t leave your applicants hanging. Clearly state how they can apply for the position by including the link to the full job description on your website or a direct message prompt to encourage them to reach out. 

Employee referrals

Your current staff is a valuable asset when it comes to recruiting new talents. 

Since they have a firsthand understanding of the role, your company culture, and the daily work environment, they are an excellent source for finding qualified and compatible candidates for the position. 

Of course, it’s a give-and-take approach. You can incentivize your staff to refer candidates who they think are fit for the job. 

This could involve offering cash bonuses for success referrals, extra paid time off, or even gift certificates for local businesses just to give them the motivation. 

With this, you can encourage your employees to actively spread the word and recommend the position to potential candidates who might be a good addition to the team. 

But don’t make them jump through hoops to refer someone. You have to provide them with clear instructions and easy-to-use tools for submitting referrals. 

This could be through referral forms they can fill out or a referral QR code that they can scan through their mobile phones, making the referral process manageable. 

Career fairs and events

Participate in job fairs, career expos, and hospitality industry events to expand your network of prospective applicants and advertise your vacant position. 

Set up a booth or table with informational materials about your restaurant and the job opportunity you are offering.

Make sure to engage with attendees and collect resumes from interested candidates to follow up with later. 

Through these venues, you’ll be able to have face-to-face interaction with people and convey your purpose of looking for a talent that will be a great asset to your business. 

Print or in-store signages with a digital restaurant menu QR code 

Online advertising reigns supreme in reaching a wider audience, placing flyers and signages with a digital menu QR code in your local community for them to know further what exactly your restaurant is all about and what unique selling point you have. 

Just like having your job postings online, you have to keep your materials clear and concise with information for individuals to comprehend right away. 

As they scan it, it will automatically direct them to your website, where all other details about your specialties, workflow, and various aspects of your business are available. 

Consider placing them in community centers, local colleges, high schools (with permission, of course!), libraries, or even bulletin boards in your locality. These locations are where your target audience is—students or individuals seeking part-time jobs—making them ideal spots. 

MENU TIGER: How this digital restaurant menu QR code software helps you find your busser 

interactive restaurant menu software
MENU TIGER digital menu homepage

Although MENU TIGER isn’t directly designed to help you find bussers that best fit your restaurant’s needs, it can indirectly contribute to your recruitment efforts in a couple of ways: 

Improved customer experience

A streamlined and user-friendly QR code menu system can enhance the overall customer experience at your restaurant. 

Guests can order and pay by just scanning a QR code through their devices, eliminating the hassle of waiting in line or errors on the orders. 

This, in turn, can lead to better online reviews and a more positive reputation for your business.

So, having a positive employer brand can greatly attract potential candidates who are looking for a workplace with a good reputation for customer service. 

Efficiency and technology focus

Having this smart restaurant technology demonstrates your commitment to embracing technology and the drive for efficient workflow. 

This can be appealing to bussers, particularly younger generations who are comfortable using technology in the workplace. 

Adding this to your job description might resonate with tech-savvy applicants seeking an innovative work environment. 

Potential cost savings 

Using MENU TIGER eliminates the need for physical menus, which can save money on printing and design costs. 

These cost savings can be reinvested in your staff, potentially allowing you to offer even more competitive wages or additional benefits for bussers, making your position even more attractive to candidates. 

Let’s find the perfect busser for your restaurant with a QR code menu software 

Finding the right person for a restaurant job is crucial for you to have a smooth operation and seamless dining experience for your guests. 

The first step you should do is to make your busser job description clear with all the details applicants need to know and can attract them to apply. 

One piece of information you can add to your postings is the tools you have to run your business, such as innovative solutions like MENU TIGER QR code menu software. 

Though it can’t directly lead you to your ideal candidate, this smart menu software can definitely contribute to your recruitment efforts. 

Are you ready to create a winning combination? Take the first step by visiting the MENU TIGER website and attract the perfect addition to your team with a thriving work environment. 

FAQs

Chevy

Before joining MENU TIGER's Content Team, Chevy has been dabbling in literary arts for five years, specifically creative writing in a theatre company. She loves exploring her creativity through painting, photography, and contemporary dancing.