Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: The resume uses quantifiable metrics like a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and 10% sales growth, illustrating the candidate’s tangible impact on business performance.
- Showcases career progression: Career progression is well-demonstrated by advancing from food server to restaurant server, with increasing responsibilities such as training new servers and managing numerous tables per shift.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs like ‘managed,’ ‘increased,’ and ‘trained’ effectively convey an active role in various tasks, making the candidate’s contributions clear and engaging.
More Restaurant Server Resume Examples
Check out our restaurant server resume examples to learn how to showcase your customer service skills, efficiency, and multitasking abilities. These samples offer a solid base for crafting a resume that stands out in the hospitality industry.
Entry-level Restaurant Server
Why this resume works
- Features education section: The education section is clearly formatted, highlighting academic achievements such as graduating with honors, which underscores the candidate’s dedication and strong performance early in their career.
- Mentions awards: Awards like ‘Employee of the Month’ validate the job seeker’s exceptional performance and contributions in the food and beverage industry.
- Shows digital literacy: Impressive computer skills are shown through proficiency with Point of Sale (POS) systems, demonstrating readiness for modern workplace technology requirements in hospitality.
Mid-level Restaurant Server
Why this resume works
- Includes mix of soft and hard skills: The resume reflects a balanced skill set by detailing both technical achievements like sales increase and interpersonal abilities such as customer satisfaction improvement.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language proficiency is clearly highlighted, showcasing the candidate’s ability to communicate in English, Spanish, and French, essential for cross-cultural interactions.
- Displays technical expertise: Technical expertise is demonstrated through industry-specific certifications like ServSafe Food Handler and TIPS Alcohol Server, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Experienced Restaurant Server
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The resume effectively demonstrates senior-level impact by detailing significant achievements like sales increases, new server training, and high customer satisfaction rates.
- Focuses on work history: A chronological format emphasizes a robust work history, showcasing the progression from food server to restaurant server over more than a decade.
- Sections are well-organized: Clear headers and bullet points make each section easy to scan, highlighting key responsibilities and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader.
Restaurant Server Resume Template (Text Version)
Yuki Kim
Riverside, CA 92513
(555)555-5555
Yuki.Kim@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced restaurant server with 9 years in customer service and hospitality. Proven track record of increasing sales by 15% and maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rating. Skilled in upselling, event coordination, and team collaboration.
Work History
Restaurant Server
The Urban Fork – Riverside, CA
March 2022 – March 2025
- Managed up to 20 tables per shift
- Increased customer satisfaction by 15%
- Trained 5 new servers monthly
Waitstaff
Harborview Bistro – Riverside, CA
February 2017 – February 2022
- Handled POS systems for billing
- Improved sales by 10% via upselling
- Coordinated private events up to 50 guests
Food Server
Maple Leaf Dining – Los Angeles, CA
March 2015 – January 2017
- Served 50+ customers daily
- Maintained sanitization standards
- Reduced order errors by 20%
Languages
- English – Beginner (A1)
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Customer Service
- Food Safety
- Time Management
- POS Systems
- Team Collaboration
- Upselling Techniques
- Event Coordination
- Multi-Tasking
Certifications
- Certified Food Handler – ServSafe
- First Aid Certification – American Red Cross
Education
Bachelor’s Degree Hospitality Management
University of Washington Seattle, Washington
June 2014
Associate’s Degree Culinary Arts
Seattle Central College Seattle, Washington
June 2010
Popular Skills for a Restaurant Server Resume
A strong resume skills section is essential for showcasing the diverse abilities required to thrive as a restaurant server, combining technical expertise in order taking and food safety with soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Below are a few of the top soft skills frequently listed on restaurant server resumes.
| Soft Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Organization | 48.72% |
| Customer satisfaction | 46.15% |
| Guest service | 40.93% |
| Order taking | 34.08% |
| Communication | 22.45% |
Here are a few examples of hard skills frequently included on restaurant server resumes.
| Hard Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Cash handling | 24.30% |
| POS system operation | 23.31% |
| Cleaning and sanitizing | 16.78% |
| Customer service | 15.79% |
| Safe food handling | 15.38% |
Advice for Writing Your Restaurant Server Resume
Trying to get a restaurant server job? I’ve got you! Let’s go over how to make a resume that really shows off your experience, customer service skills, and ability to work on a team. A few simple tweaks can help you stand out and land the job you want. Let’s get started!
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a concise statement at the top of your resume that emphasizes your key skills and experiences. For a restaurant server, it should highlight your ability to deliver excellent customer service, manage tasks efficiently in a fast-paced setting, and collaborate well with team members. This section helps create a strong first impression by immediately demonstrating why you are an ideal candidate.
If you have extensive experience as a restaurant server, use a resume summary to underscore your expertise and major accomplishments. If you’re new or have limited experience, use a resume objective to outline your career goals and what you aim to contribute. Use action-oriented language such as “managed,” “delivered,” and “assisted” to highlight your contributions and their impact. Clearly list relevant skills like multitasking, communication, and problem-solving within this section to capture attention swiftly.
Restaurant server resume summary examples
Entry-Level
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented recent graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management, seeking to launch a career as a restaurant server. Certified in food safety and customer service excellence. Possesses strong communication skills and a passion for providing outstanding dining experiences. Eager to learn and contribute to a dynamic team.
Mid-Career
Customer-focused restaurant server with over 5 years of experience in high-volume dining establishments. Proven track record of delivering exceptional service, upselling menu items, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Adept at handling customer inquiries, managing reservations, and working efficiently under pressure. Committed to enhancing guest satisfaction and fostering repeat business.
Experienced
Seasoned restaurant server with 10+ years of experience in fine dining and casual settings. Expertise in team leadership, training new staff, and delivering top-tier service that consistently exceeds guest expectations. Recognized for outstanding multitasking abilities, extensive wine knowledge, and ability to manage large parties seamlessly. Dedicated to driving sales growth through personalized recommendations and exceptional hospitality.
Restaurant server resume objective examples
Recent Graduate
Energetic and detail-oriented recent hospitality management graduate seeking to start a career as a restaurant server. Eager to apply strong customer service skills, teamwork, and food safety knowledge to contribute to a dynamic dining environment and ensure an exceptional guest experience.
Career Changer
Customer-focused professional transitioning from retail to the restaurant industry, with a proven track record in delivering excellent service and enhancing customer satisfaction. Excited to bring strong communication skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm to a restaurant server role while learning and growing within the hospitality field.
Specialized Training
Certified Food Handler with extensive training in food safety and sanitation practices seeking an entry-level position as a restaurant server. Passionate about providing top-notch dining experiences through attentive service, menu knowledge, and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency.
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Include relevant certifications and training
Listing credentials such as certifications, licenses, and specialized training is crucial for a restaurant server. It shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. Certifications can set you apart from others by proving you are committed to professional development.
Create a dedicated “Certifications” section on your resume. List any relevant credentials prominently under this section to make them easy to find. Here are a handful we see most often on restaurant server resumes:
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification
- TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification (FPMC)
- Alcohol Server Certification (varies by state)
- CPR and First Aid Certification
Be sure to list each certification with its full name and the date it was obtained. If applicable, also mention the certifying body or organization. Organize this section in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent certification first. This way, potential employers can quickly see your latest qualifications relevant to the restaurant server role.
Let’s see what this section looks like in practice.
Example of a certifications section
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
Issued by: National Restaurant Association
Issued 2023
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS)
Issued by: Health Communications, Inc. (HCI)
Expires 2025
Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP)
Issued by: American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
Issued 2022
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Issued by: American Red Cross
Expires 2024
Alcohol Seller/Server Certification
Issued by: Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP)
Issued 2021
If a job requires specific certifications, a combination resume helps you highlight them right away while also showcasing your skills and experience. This format ensures employers see your qualifications without overlooking your work history.
Showcase your work experience
Highlighting your work experience as a restaurant server on your resume is essential as it showcases your abilities and dependability in a dynamic environment. Employers look for evidence of prior success in similar roles to gain confidence in your capability.
To format your work experience, arrange jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, employer’s name, location, and employment dates. Use clear, action-oriented language in bullet points to outline your responsibilities and achievements.
Detail core duties like greeting customers, accurately taking orders, promptly delivering food, managing payments, and maintaining cleanliness. Mention any special skills such as upselling menu items or effectively handling customer complaints.
By adhering to these guidelines and providing specific examples of accomplishments and skills, you can craft an impressive work experience section that attracts potential employers.
5 restaurant server work history bullet points
- Efficiently managed up to 15 tables during peak hours, ensuring timely service and high customer satisfaction.
- Increased daily sales by 20% through effective upselling of menu items and promotions.
- Streamlined the order-taking process, reducing wait times by 10% and enhancing overall dining experience.
- Trained and mentored 5 new servers, improving team performance and service quality.
- Implemented a new inventory tracking system, cutting waste by 25% and reducing costs.
Make your resume shine! Use keywords from the job ad to pass ATS and catch recruiters’ eyes.
Match your resume with the job description
Customizing your resume to align with the job description for a restaurant server is crucial as it helps you stand out to hiring managers and pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS scans resumes for specific keywords and phrases from the job posting, increasing the chances of your resume being viewed by a human recruiter if these terms are included.
Begin by identifying keywords and phrases in the job listing, focusing on skills, duties, and qualifications that are mentioned repeatedly or emphasized. For instance, if “customer service,” “food safety,” or “teamwork” are highlighted, ensure these words are present on your resume.
Then, seamlessly weave these terms into your resume bullet points. For example, if the job description states “Provide excellent customer service,” rephrase this into a bullet point like: “Delivered exceptional customer service to guests, ensuring a positive dining experience.” This not only matches their language but also shows relevant experience.
Organize sections logically with headers such as “Skills” and “Experience” to facilitate easy navigation for both ATS and recruiters. Highlight achievements with specific examples like “Increased guest satisfaction scores by 15% through attentive service.” Adopting this approach makes your resume more appealing and targeted for the restaurant server role. For additional tips on creating an ATS-friendly resume or how to customize your resume, refer to these resources.
Use our ATS Resume Checker to make your resume better! It scans your resume and gives quick tips to help you get noticed by job recruiters.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my restaurant server resume?
While not always mandatory, attaching a cover letter to your restaurant server resume can help you stand out.
Cover letters offer an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the particular restaurant and align your experience with their requirements. Mentioning skills such as managing high-volume shifts, upselling menu items, or handling challenging customer situations can demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Additionally, it’s a great way to showcase your personality and excitement, which are crucial in customer service positions. If the job listing doesn’t specify that a cover letter is optional, including one could give you an advantage over others who omit it.
For a leg up in crafting your cover letter, check out our Cover Letter Generator and cover letter examples.
How long should a restaurant server’s resume be?
A restaurant server’s resume length should be concise, ideally fitting on a single page, to allow for quick review by hiring managers.
By keeping it to one page, you ensure the most important information is showcased without overwhelming the reader. However, if you have extensive experience and qualifications, consider expanding to a two-page resume to comprehensively cover all pertinent details.
How do you write a restaurant server resume with no experience?
If you’re starting with no experience as a restaurant server, your resume should highlight your transferable skills, education, and any informal experience that showcases your abilities resume with no experience.
Begin with a compelling summary statement at the top of your resume, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role and any customer service or teamwork skills you have. For example: “Friendly and motivated individual with excellent communication skills eager to provide exceptional service in a fast-paced restaurant environment.”
Next, emphasize your education. If you’ve taken any relevant courses or workshops (such as food safety or hospitality), make sure to include those.
Then, highlight any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that involved customer interaction or multitasking. For instance, if you volunteered at community events or participated in school clubs where you had responsibilities similar to serving, list these experiences and detail what you did.
Finally, stress soft skills like communication, organization, and ability to work under pressure. Even without formal experience, showing that you have the right attitude and transferable skills can make all the difference resume with no experience.
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Restaurant Server
Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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