Server Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

You juggle trays, charm guests, and keep calm when the kitchen’s in chaos—but writing a server resume? That’s a whole different shift.

Don’t sweat it. With expert tips, polished server resume examples, and the best server skills for resume success, I’ll help you build a resume that serves up interviews fast. Let’s begin!

Top Article Insights:

• Server resume example & template to copy & paste
• More resume examples for restaurant servers, waitresses, etc. 
• Step-by-step guide on how to write a server resume

Server Resume Example

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Server Resume Template to Copy & Paste (Text Version)

Waitress Resume Example

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What Do I Think About This Example? (Expert Tips)

There’s a lot to like about this template for a waitress resume. The bold name in the header gives it a confident, modern feel, while the two-column layout makes everything from skills to certifications easy to find. I find the overall structure very practical—it keeps work experience clear and achievements visible, which is key in customer-facing roles. It’s a smart, professional design that helps service industry candidates stand out.

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Hostess Resume Example

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What Do I Think About This Example? (Expert Tips)

This layout works beautifully for a hostess resume. What stands out to me is how the clean, column-based structure keeps everything in order without feeling crowded. I especially like how the skills and certifications are tucked neatly to the side, while the main content area lets achievements in guest service and reservation handling take center stage. It’s polished, professional, and makes a great first impression—just like a good food service professional should.

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Food Service Resume Example

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What Do I Think About This Example? (Expert Tips)

This template has a clean, vertical timeline structure that works really well for a food service role. What I like most is how the left-hand side tracks experience clearly by date, making it easy to follow a candidate’s progression. The right column does a great job organizing skills, certifications, and achievements without clutter. It’s simple, efficient, and reflects exactly the kind of professionalism I’d want to convey in a food service resume.

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Hospitality Resume Example

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What Do I Think About This Example? (Expert Tips)

This template is a great fit for someone working in hospitality. I really like how the left-hand sidebar keeps things tidy—skills, certifications, and contact details are all easy to spot at a glance. The main content area flows nicely, with space to highlight achievements in guest service and event coordination. It’s a smart, modern design that reflects the professionalism and adaptability needed in fast-paced hospitality environments.

Find out more about: Hospitality Resume Example

Restaurant Server Resume Example

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What Do I Think About This Example? (Expert Tips)

This resume template is a solid pick for a server role. What stands out to me is the balanced two-column layout—the timeline on the left keeps the job history clear and easy to follow, while the right-hand column makes skills and certifications pop. I also like how the structure supports short, impactful achievement statements. It’s efficient, polished, and a great fit for showcasing service experience in a fast-paced environment.

Find out more about: Restaurant Server Resume Example

Looking for different server resume samples or other related resume-writing guides? Check these out:

• Waiter Resume
• Fine Dining Resume
• Banquet Server Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Bar Manager Resume
• Catering Resume
• Chef Resume
• Restaurant Resume

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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How to Write a Server Resume?

If the resume examples above aren’t quite enough, check out my expert tips for creating a job-winning resume for server jobs, with real examples included. But first, let’s look at some key server resume statistics from the Zety builder:

1. Format Your Server Resume Template Properly

Before hiring managers even read a word of your resume, they’ll judge it by its layout. That’s right—presentation matters just as much as content. A clean, organized server resume template shows that you can stay professional under pressure. The format must make it easy to spot your strengths at a glance.

How to format your server resume template:

• Choose the right resume format: Go with the reverse-chronological format to put your most recent and relevant serving experience front and center.
• Stick to readable fonts: Use clean, professional typefaces like Calibri, Georgia, or Arial.
• Mind spacing: Set it between 1.0 and 1.15 to keep your resume tidy and legible.
• Size your text wisely: Use 11–12 points for the body text and bump up section headings slightly to 13–14 points so they stand out.
• Keep resume margins consistent: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Save in the right format: Save your resume as a PDF unless the job posting asks for something different. This ensures your layout stays exactly how you designed it.

A well-formatted server resume doesn’t just look good—it shows you’re organized, detail-oriented, and ready to deliver great service from the first glance.

Pro Tip: To avoid the hassle of resume formatting, use a modern resume template that will take the guesswork out of making your resume look professional.

2. Add Experience to Your Server Resume

In a field that employs over 15 million people and accounts for 10% of the U.S. workforce, competition for server roles is fierce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for waiters and waitresses is projected to grow just 1% between 2023 and 2033, making it more important than ever to stand out. 

Your resume’s work experience section is the heart of your application—the place to show employers you can thrive in a fast-paced environment, deliver top-notch customer service, and juggle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat.

Here’s how to structure the work experience section:

• Use reverse chronological order: Begin with your most recent job and work backward.
• Provide essential details: Include your job title, employer’s name, location, and employment dates.
• Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements: Highlight your skills and accomplishments.
• Quantify your professional achievements: Use numbers when possible (e.g., Served 150+ customers per shift, Increased sales by 20% through upselling).

Pro Tip: Tailor each of your past server job descriptions on a resume to match the skills listed in the job ad. Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent customer service and contribute to the establishment’s success.

3. Polish Your Education Section to Perfection

The education section of your server resume may not be as extensive as other parts, but it’s still essential to present it effectively. Employers want to see that you have a basic educational background, especially if the role involves handling payments, communicating with customers, or adhering to safety standards.

What to include in your education section:

• Degree or Qualification: such as a High School Diploma, GED, or college degree.
• School Name & Location
• Graduation Date: Provide the month and year of graduation. If you are still studying, mention your expected graduation date.
• Relevant Coursework (Optional): It’s a good idea to include any hospitality or food safety-related courses you have completed.

Pro Tip: If you have completed specialized training relevant to server roles, such as food safety certification or customer service workshops, mention them here or under a dedicated certifications section.

4. Pick Relevant Server Skills for Your Resume

The skills section is a crucial part of your server resume, showcasing your ability to deliver excellent service, multitask, and handle various responsibilities efficiently. Employers seek candidates with a blend of technical and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive dining experience.

Take a look at these examples of the key server resume skills:

Pro Tip: Don’t just list every skill you’ve picked up—tailor your server resume skills section to match each job posting. Highlight the specific abilities the employer is looking for, like banquet service, upselling, or handling POS systems. Customizing your skills shows you’re a perfect fit, not just a good one.

5. Include Extra Sections to Strengthen Your Server's Resume

Adding extra sections can enhance your resume, whether you are applying for an entry-level server position or aiming for a more senior role.

Take a look at the sample server resume bonus sections you can include:

• Certifications: Listing relevant certifications shows your commitment to meeting industry standards.
• Professional Development: Mention relevant courses or workshops, especially if you’ve completed training related to customer service, food safety, or POS systems.
• Awards & Recognitions: Highlighting achievements can differentiate you from other applicants.
• Volunteer Experience: Including volunteer work can be especially helpful for entry-level server resumes or if you’re transitioning to a new role.

Pro Tip: Customize your extra sections to match the server skills mentioned in the job description. Employers appreciate it when candidates highlight their qualifications in a way that addresses the specific requirements of the role.

6. Write a Server Resume Summary or Objective

An effective resume profile offers a brief overview of your server qualifications, highlighting your skills and career achievements in just a few sentences. Creating a compelling resume profile is one of the best ways to capture and maintain an employer’s attention.

Tips for writing an engaging resume profile:

1. Begin with a descriptive adjective (e.g., attentive, personable).
2. Include yourjob title (e.g., Restaurant Server).
3. Mention your years of experience.
4. Highlight a key achievement, such as excellent customer service or high sales performance.
5. Conclude with how you can enhance the restaurant’s guest experience.

Pro Tip: To make the most impact, tailor your resume profile to your level of experience as a server. If you’re new to the industry, start with a resume objective. If you have at least two years of experience, opt for a resume summary instead for a stronger impression.

7. Create a Professional Server Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter to accompany your server’s resume can set you apart from other candidates. It provides an opportunity to highlight your communication skills, enthusiasm, and suitability for the role.

How to write an effective server cover letter:

1. Start with a professional greeting: If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a safe option.
2. Craft an engaging cover letter introduction: Mention the role you’re applying for and why you’re excited about the opportunity.
3. Highlight your skills and experience: Provide specific examples of your relevant skills, such as customer service, multitasking, and upselling.
4. Showcase your enthusiasm: Explain why you are passionate about working in the restaurant industry and how you can contribute to the establishment.
5. End with a call to action: Express your interest in discussing your application further during an interview.

Example opening paragraph:

Pro Tip: Tailor your cover letter to the specific job description and emphasize your most relevant qualifications. Mention the restaurant by name to show genuine interest.

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.

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Waiters and Waitresses: Occupational Outlook Handbook"
• National Restaurant Association, "Restaurant Employee Demographics: Data Brief April 2024"