Landing a great serving job in the competitive restaurant industry requires more than just a friendly smile and excellent customer service. Your resume is your first impression, and it needs to showcase your skills and experience effectively. As a legal and business writer with over a decade of experience crafting templates for professionals, I've seen firsthand what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to resumes. This guide, paired with our free downloadable resume template, will help you create a standout resume for a restaurant server that gets you noticed. We'll cover everything from crafting a compelling resume profile to highlighting your key server resume skills and providing food server resume examples to inspire you.
This article is packed with actionable advice, including resume description for server roles, how to describe serving on a resume, and even resume objective for server positions. We'll also explore best server resumes and provide resume samples to help you tailor your application. Let's get started!
The restaurant industry is known for its high turnover rate. This means opportunities are frequent, but competition is fierce. A well-crafted resume isn't just a formality; it's your ticket to an interview. Hiring managers often spend just seconds initially scanning a resume, so you need to make those seconds count. Your resume needs to immediately demonstrate that you possess the essential qualities of a successful server: attentiveness, efficiency, communication skills, and a positive attitude. Think of it as your personal marketing document – showcasing why you are the best candidate.
Before we dive into the details, let's get you the tool you need. Download our free, professionally designed server resume template here! This template is fully customizable and includes sections for your contact information, summary/objective, experience, skills, and education. It's designed to be ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System), meaning it can be easily scanned by the software many restaurants use to filter applications.
This is your "elevator pitch." A resume profile (summary) is best for experienced servers, while a resume objective is suitable for entry-level candidates or those changing careers.
Example Resume Profile (Experienced Server): "Highly motivated and experienced server with 5+ years of providing exceptional customer service in fast-paced fine dining environments. Proven ability to upsell menu items, manage multiple tables efficiently, and resolve customer concerns effectively. Seeking a challenging server position at [Restaurant Name] where I can leverage my skills to enhance the dining experience and contribute to team success."
Example Resume Objective (Entry-Level): "Enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual seeking an entry-level server position at [Restaurant Name]. Eager to learn and contribute to a positive team environment while providing friendly and efficient service to guests. Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations."
This is the heart of your resume. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable results whenever possible.
Example Work Experience Entry:
| Restaurant Name | Server | City, State | Dates of Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Restaurant Name] | Server | [City, State] | [Dates of Employment] |
|
Key Action Verbs to Use: Served, Assisted, Managed, Handled, Resolved, Upsold, Processed, Maintained, Collaborated, Communicated, Prepared, Delivered, Ensured.
List both hard and soft skills relevant to the server position. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements of the job description.
Consider creating separate categories like "Customer Service Skills" and "Technical Skills" for better organization.
Don't just list your duties; highlight your accomplishments and the value you brought to each role. Use strong action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible. Instead of saying "Took orders," say "Accurately took orders from an average of 20 tables per shift, ensuring timely and accurate delivery."
While you shouldn't copy these verbatim, these server resume samples provide a good starting point for crafting your own resume:
Sample 1 (Focus on Upselling): "Dedicated server with a proven track record of increasing sales through effective upselling techniques. Consistently exceeded sales goals by an average of 10% per month by recommending appetizers, desserts, and premium beverages. Exceptional customer service skills and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences."
Sample 2 (Focus on Teamwork): "Reliable and collaborative server with experience working in a fast-paced team environment. Effectively communicated with kitchen staff and bartenders to ensure efficient order fulfillment and maintain a smooth service flow. Dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and contributing to a positive team atmosphere."
This is crucial! Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, tailor your resume to highlight those specific areas. Use the same keywords and phrases used in the job description. This will increase your chances of getting past the ATS and catching the hiring manager's eye.
As a server, you're likely to receive tips, which are taxable income. The IRS requires you to report all tips received on your tax return. You can estimate your tips if you don't keep a precise record. Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses, is often used to document these expenses and tips. For more information, visit IRS.gov and search for "tips" or "Form 2106." Properly reporting your income is essential to avoid penalties.
Creating a compelling resume for a restaurant server takes time and effort, but it's an investment that can pay off significantly. By following the tips and using our free template, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience and helps you land your dream serving job. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application and always proofread carefully. Good luck!
Disclaimer: This article and the accompanying resume template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Consult with a qualified legal or career professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. The IRS website (IRS.gov) is the official source for tax information.