Crafting a Standout Restaurant Server Resume

Dreaming of landing that perfect restaurant server position? Your journey starts with crafting an outstanding restaurant server resume. In this article, discover expert tips, tricks, and restaurant server resume examples that will help you stand out in the bustling hospitality industry. From showcasing your customer service skills to highlighting your multitasking abilities, we've got you covered!

This guide will show you:

• A restaurant server resume example that’s better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a restaurant server resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a restaurant server resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a restaurant server to get any job you want.

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Want to check more samples related to restaurant server? Here you go:

• Banquet Server Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Bar Manager Resume
• Catering Resume
• Chef Resume
• Restaurant Resume
• Restaurant Manager Resume
• Waitress Resume
• Food Service Resume
• Restaurant Server Resume

Restaurant Server Resume Sample

That’s one of those delicious restaurant server resume examples that wins the job. Here’s how to write your own.

1. Format Your Restaurant Server Resume Correctly

Creating a compelling restaurant server resume is similar to taking a complex order from a family table. It requires great attention to design. The hospitality sector is competitive, and you need to catch the eye of hiring managers. What helps you achieve that? A well-organized resume format.

Here’s how to take care of that:

• Start with a resume header with your full name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile.
• Omit your street address but do include your city if it matches the restaurant’s location.
• Write a reverse-chronological resume, which recruiters consider to be easier to browse.
• Select a clean resume font like Calibri or Arial, 
• Keep the ideal font size ranging from 10 to 12 points.
• Mind resume margins and line spacing.
• Stick to the recommended resume length, which is a one-page resume for most applicants. However, those with extensive experience may extend it to two pages.
• Name your resume correctly. Your name, followed by your job title, followed by the word “resume” will always do the trick.
• Save your resume as a PDF to keep the resume layout intact.
• Stick to the recommended resume length is one page for most applicants. However, those with extensive experience may extend to two pages.

Read more: One Page Resume Templates

2. Customize Your Restaurant Server Job Description

Why is it important to know how to tailor a resume to a specific job? Generic resume experience sections often fall flat. When a hiring manager reads your resume, they want to see how well you fit the role, not just a list of previous jobs and duties.

Here's how to do it right:

• Use the job title from the job listing, which helps you create a more ATS-friendly resume.
• Listing the company name and employment dates.
• Focus on the most relevant experience.
• Create each entry from 3–6 bullet points. 
• Focus on recent roles with more detail.
• Highlight how you applied relevant skills by detailing relevant accomplishments. 
• Quantify your achievements whenever you can.
• Open bullet points with resume action verbs like served, assisted, and handled.

Restaurant Server Responsibilities for a Resume - Example

• Greet and seat guests, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Provide detailed menu information and make personalized recommendations.
• Accurately take and relay food and beverage orders to kitchen staff.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly while ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Manage transactions using the restaurant’s POS system, ensuring accuracy.
• Address customer concerns and resolve issues promptly and courteously.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas and dining tables.

Remember to use action verbs that convey your responsibilities and achievements effectively. Here are some action verbs for a restaurant server:

Restaurant Server Resume Action Verbs - Example

• Greeted
• Served
• Assisted
• Delivered
• Managed
• Coordinated
• Facilitated
• Suggested
• Resolved
• Maintained

Pro Tip: Always try to focus more on your achievements than on your duties. Every server has duties. The best ones have achievements to show.

3. Make Your Education Section Count

Simply listing your degree, institution, and dates can fall short. Whether you’re putting an unfinished college on a resume or a master’s degree, always leverage your education to highlight additional skills and experiences that can boost your chances of landing interviews.

Follow these steps to make it right:

• Place your education section underneath your work history unless you’re writing a resume with no experience.
• Incorporate relevant coursework and extracurricular activities to showcase your skills effectively, especially if you’re just starting your career.
• If you have notable academic achievements, such as a fellowship or scholarship, or held a leadership position, include these as bullet points.
• Include your GPA only if it’s equal to or higher than 3.5.

Still learning? Read our guide: How to Include an Ongoing Education on a Resume

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4. Prove the Restaurant Server Skills the Company Wants

Around 1,172,600 openings for food and beverage serving and related workers are projected each year. Don’t miss a single one by not including your key skills on your resume. However, rather than listing random abilities, focus on those that match the job description.

Here's how to enhance your resume with the right skills:

• Identify the skills mentioned in the job ad, as they are crucial resume keywords. Include them prominently in your skills section.
• Mix your hard skills with your soft skills for a complete picture of your abilities.
• Avoid overwhelming your resume with too many skills. Concentrate on those that align with the job requirements.
• Integrate these skills into your job and education descriptions to create a cohesive narrative.

Restaurant Server Resume Skills

• Customer Service
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems
• Menu Memorization
• Food Safety Knowledge
• Teamwork Skills
• Collaboration Skills
• Multitasking Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Verbal Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Stress Management
• Adaptability Skills
• Conflict Resolution

Read more: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

5. Add Other Sections to Your Restaurant Server Resume

Hiring managers are always interested in learning more about your personality and potential as a team member. After all, that’s how they can make sure you’ll be the right fit. Add extra sections to your restaurant server resume to highlight your strengths and show you're an outstanding candidate.

Here are some additions that can enhance your resume:

• Include relevant certifications such as a food handler's certificate.
• List publications on a resume to demonstrate your expertise.
• Mention any professional associations you're a part of; they indicate engagement in your field.
• Showcase volunteer work that highlights your hospitality skills.
• Highlight your language skills to emphasize your ability to communicate with a diverse clientele. 
• Show your hobbies and interests if they are relevant to the job you’re after or if they can probe your soft skills.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Introduction

6. Write a Restaurant Server Resume Summary or Resume Objective

To capture a hiring manager's attention quickly, you need to introduce yourself on a resume with a perfectly written resume profile. It serves as a brief but impactful description of your experience and skills.

There are two types of resume profiles:

• If you have a year or more of experience, make sure to mention it. State your job title, how you can benefit the company, and include a couple of significant accomplishments. This is known as a resume professional summary and should be placed at the top of your resume.
• If you're new to the workforce and wondering how to write a resume with no experience, use an objective statement. Here, you should focus on achievements from school or personal projects demonstrating your potential.

Pro Tip: Although your resume profile goes at the very top of your resume, write it last. Everything you need to put there is already included in the section I mentioned earlier. That way, you won’t face writer’s block.

7. Write a Cover Letter for Your Restaurant Server Resume

Crafting a cover letter is essential in your market since there are over 2.2 million restaurant servers in the USA. The competition seems fierce, but with the right cover letter, you can land an interview for the job you’re after with ease.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a server resume:

• Follow a professional cover letter structure that complements your resume.
• Keep it concise, with 3–5 paragraphs, and ensure it stays under a page.
• Address your cover letter directly to the person who will read it. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” like fire.
• Start with a strong cover letter opening with the job title and an engaging hook.
• Use the body to expand on key achievements that align with the role.
• End your cover letter by emphasizing your skills and requesting an opportunity to discuss your fit for the job.
• Add a professional sign-off.
• Don't forget to follow up on your application with a brief email, attaching your resume and cover letter.

Read more: How to Write a Server Cover Letter

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

To all aspiring restaurant servers, remember that your resume is your first opportunity to impress potential employers. Craft it thoughtfully, and you'll be one step closer to securing your dream job in the hospitality industry. Thank you for reading, and feel free to leave any questions about creating your restaurant server resume in the comments below.

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Sources

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers
• Statista: Number of food service employees in the United States from 2022 to 2023, by occupation.