Restaurant Shift Leader Resume Example

Kellie Hanna, CPRW
By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: March 13, 2023
  • 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
  • 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

Whether you're hunting for a new shift leader job or hoping to make the move to a more senior position, you need to make sure that your resume is in tip-top shape. Your resume is the hiring manager's first introduction to you as a potential employee, and you put your best foot forward. Reviewing the job description and the company's website should provide you some good insight on what to highlight in your job history.

Your shift leader resume should, of course, highlight your experience in supervisory positions and your ability to lead a team. You will, however, also want to include earlier experience in direct service positions.  If you started as a server or busser, the employer will see your capacity for growth and be confident that you can step in to any role as needed.  

Our shift leader resume template will give you some great ideas for how to structure your resume and the kind of information that you should include.

 

Restaurant Shift Leader Resume Questions

1. What format should your shift leader resume be in?

If the hiring manager requests a specific format for your resume, use what he or she asks for. Most companies expect to receive .doc files, so default to this type of file if there is no specification. It might be a good idea to keep a .txt file of your resume as well because some systems will ask you to copy and paste it without formatting.

Even if you use a .doc, avoid too much formatting. Many larger companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems to pick up on keywords in resumes and filter out unqualified candidates. If your resume has unusual formatting, the ATS may not pick up on the correct keywords, meaning a live person will never see your document.

2. How do you describe achievements on your shift leader resume?

When describing your achievements on your resume, use as much quantifiable information as possible. For example, the applicant in the shift leader resume sample stated that he learned how to do every job in his restaurant within six months. This shows he's a fast learner and strives to help where needed.

When listing awards or accolades, mention any prestigious ones in your professional summary, or add them to your work experience section. It is also important to point out problems you solved, such as lowering customer wait times or saving the company money at a previous job.

3. How do you highlight soft skills on a shift leader resume?

Soft skills are especially important if you want to become a shift leader, so you should list them in your skills and qualifications section. However, don't put them at the top of the list. Your skill sets regarding using customer management software, taking inventory, and running other aspects of the store will probably be more important to an interviewer.

Save skills such as communication, flexibility, and dependability for the bottom of the list. You can also use them to show you worked well in teams at previous jobs. Notice how the applicant in the shift leader resume sample mentioned training employees, which shows communication and leadership abilities.

4. Should you include references on a shift leader resume?

Including references on your shift leader resume will likely cause it to be too long, which means the reader may skip it altogether. In fact, it is no longer common practice to even provide a blurb at the bottom that says you have references available upon request. Use that space to display your employable assets.

Type a list of your references and their contact information on a separate piece of paper to take with you to interviews. The interviewer will ask for it if he or she wants it. Remember to alert people if you use them as references so they know to expect a call.

5. How do you list schools on a shift leader resume?

Although the shift leader resume sample doesn't list education, you may want to include this section in your own resume. List your most recent degree first and any others in reverse chronological order. Only provide high school information if you did not attend college.

Wouldn't it be great to have a resume with no writing needed? Our resume builder can help you create one.

 

Go the extra mile and pair your standout resume with an equally strong Shift Leader cover letter. Our cover letter samples offer you easy-to-follow formats.

Show Resume Text

Resume Text

Nathan Cook

123 Fake Street
City, State, Zip Code
Cell: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com

Summary

Reliable and enthusiastic Shift Leader with deep background in fast food restaurants. Expertise in leading high-performing teams in fast-paced, challenging environments. Friendly and energetic with exceptional communication, organization, and time management abilities.

Highlights

  • California Food Handler's Card
  • Scheduling
  • Cash handling
  • Detail-oriented
  • People person
  • Physically fit
  • Excellent multi-tasker
  • Flexible schedule
  • Planning and prioritizing
  • Dependable

Experience

November 2010 to Current
Company Name City, State
Shift Leader

  • Check supplies, restock main customer and kitchen stations, and request order changes based on need.
  • Train and mentor new employees to bring up to speed and work with established employees to improve performance.
  • Monitor customer and kitchen areas and reallocate staff duties to maximize coverage, efficiency, and customer service.
  • Answer customer questions and resolve issues promptly.
  • Post open positions on job boards and social media sites.
  • Screen resumes and recommend candidates.

January 2007 to October 2010
Company Name City, State
Shift Leader

  • Developed procedural manual for store closing to improve cleanliness and readiness for next opening.
  • Managed recruitment and completed preliminary interviews.
  • Scheduled employees and checked clocked employee hours vs. shift records.
  • Filled in for non-English speaking management as needed by placing orders, submitting payroll, and coordinating maintenance needs.
  • Secured favorable local news piece highlighting quality food, superior health department scores, and high customer satisfaction.

February 2006 to December 2007
Company Name City, State
Cashier

  • Learned every role in restaurant in first six months.
  • Frequently praised and twice rewarded with merit-based raises for performance and operational improvement recommendations.
  • Maintained error rate of zero on cash drawer and received consistent high marks from customers for service.
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