Restaurant Server Resume Examples & Templates

There is no standard resume template for a restaurant server resume; you can use any of our templates and customize them for your desired job. 

That said, an effective resume for a restaurant server will look similar to the restaurant server resume example on this page, with clear sections and consistent formatting.   

Explore common restaurant server skills for your resume and include experiences and qualifications you have that align with the requirements of the role you’re applying for. 

See our guide on what a resume should look like for additional design tips from career experts. 

Start by exploring our guide on how to write a resume to learn how to make an effective restaurant server resume. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind while you craft your resume:

• Keep your resume short and to the point. If you have less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is ideal; if you have more than 10 years of experience, then it’s acceptable to have two pages. 
• Ensure your resume is formatted correctly, meaning margins should be 1 inch on all sides and line spacing should be single or 1.5 inches. 
• Only use appropriate fonts, like Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica, in 11-12 points on the body and 14-16 points on headers.
• Proofread your resume more than once before sending it to potential employers.

We recommend using our free ATS resume checker to scan your resume for common errors and receive instant optimization suggestions.  

The resume format you choose will depend on your experience and career goals in the food service industry. 

If you have prior work experience, we recommend a chronological resume, which focuses on your work history and accomplishments. 

If you have a few years of experience and want to stress your full array of skills, a combination resume format is an excellent choice.

If you’re new to the field with limited serving experience, then a functional resume is your best bet. This format focuses on skills such as customer service, communication and multitasking.

If you are writing a restaurant server resume with no experience, we recommend checking out our guide on how to make a resume with no experience for expert tips and tricks. 

You can highlight any past academic or extracurricular activities and experiences that show you are a good fit for the job. For example, if you volunteered at a food bank or helped organize a fundraising event, highlight those experiences and the skills you used.

Include your education, such as your high school diploma or GED, along with any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. If you are currently enrolled in a hospitality or culinary program, be sure to highlight that as well.

There are several things you can do to make your server resume stand out, such as: 

• Showcase your customer service skills: Highlight instances where you went above and beyond to provide exceptional service or resolve customer issues.
• Include relevant certifications: If you have certifications in food safety, responsible alcohol service or any other relevant areas, be sure to mention them.
• Demonstrate your adaptability: Highlight your ability to work effectively in different settings, such as fine dining, casual restaurants or high-volume establishments.
• Show your willingness to learn: Mention any additional training or courses you have completed to enhance your skills as a server.
• Provide references: Consider including references from previous employers or supervisors who can vouch for your work ethic, reliability, and customer service skills.

This is our list of some of the top server resume keywords and how to use them in your resume. Review server resume examples for more ideas.

• Customer service: Highlight your ability to provide exceptional customer service, handle customer inquiries, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Food and beverage knowledge: Emphasize your knowledge of different types of cuisine, menu items, and beverage offerings.
• Order taking and accuracy: Showcase your skills in accurately taking and delivering customer orders, paying attention to special requests and dietary restrictions.
• POS systems: Mention your proficiency in using point-of-sale systems to process orders, handle payments, and generate receipts.
• Upselling: Highlight your ability to suggest additional menu items, promote specials, and increase sales through upselling techniques.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Demonstrate your experience working effectively as part of a team, coordinating with kitchen staff, and maintaining a smooth flow of service.
• Time management: Emphasize your ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Cleanliness and hygiene: Mention your commitment to maintaining a clean and sanitary work area, following food safety regulations, and practicing proper hygiene.

It’s easy to tailor your server resume for your target job if you follow these tips: 

• Review the job description: Carefully read the job posting to identify specific skills, qualifications, and keywords mentioned by the employer.
• Highlight relevant experience: Customize your resume to emphasize experiences that align with the requirements of the job, such as previous experience in a similar establishment or with specific types of cuisine.
• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume to demonstrate that you possess the desired skills and qualifications.
• Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, include specific examples of accomplishments, such as increasing sales, receiving positive customer feedback, or handling a high volume of orders.

When creating a resume for a restaurant server position, it is important to highlight specific skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Here are some key elements to include in your resume:

• Contact information
• Professional summary or objective
• Job-relevant skills
• Work experience
• Education and training
• Certifications

By including these elements in your resume, you can demonstrate your qualifications and stand out as a strong candidate for a restaurant server position. See what to put on a resume for additional guidance.

When summing up server duties in short sentences on a resume, it is important to highlight the most important tasks and responsibilities of the job. Here are some examples of how to describe server duties in short sentences:

• Greeted customers, took orders and provided menu recommendations.
• Maintained knowledge of menu items and daily specials.
• Prepared and served food and drinks in a timely manner.
• Handled cash and credit card transactions using the point-of-sale (POS) system.
• Maintained a clean and organized work area, including tables, chairs and floors.

Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that position.

When adding a server position at a high-end restaurant to your resume, it is important to highlight the unique qualities and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. 

Begin by clearly stating the name and location of the high-end restaurant where you worked as a server. Use descriptive language to highlight the exceptional level of service provided at the restaurant. Mention any awards or accolades that the restaurant has received for its service or cuisine.

In your work history section, provide a brief overview of your duties and responsibilities as a server at the high-end restaurant. Be sure to include any special skills or tasks that are unique to high-end dining, such as wine service or tableside preparation.