How To Write a Catering Resume
As a catering professional, it’s best to highlight accomplishments demonstrating your hospitality industry expertise. Showcasing your event management knowledge and ability to lead diverse teams is crucial for these roles. Also, provide examples of your ability to develop and nurture client relationships — reputation means everything within the hospitality space. This guide provides expert tips to help you craft an accomplishment-driven resume.
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your catering qualifications
Making a strong first impression is essential for generating interview opportunities during the job search. Hiring managers often have limited bandwidth to review each document in-depth, so lead your resume with a compelling snapshot of your professional career. Start with an opening sentence that lists your job title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that match the job posting.
Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with servers, kitchen staff, and event planners. Emphasize your background cultivating relationships with clients to maximize business opportunities. Feature your culinary expertise and food safety knowledge. Display specific aspects of your catering career that align with the position you’re applying for.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A Catering Director with 10+ years of experience specializing in hospitality management, client relations, account management, and business development. A strong history of planning and executing large events for corporate clients with up to 800 guests. Adept at building and leading high-performance teams and developing long-term relationships with customer accounts.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A Catering Sales Assistant with entry-level experience specializing in customer service, hospitality, event planning, and logistics. Adept at coordinating logistics, menus, and food preparation to execute client catering events and ensure customer satisfaction.
2. Showcase your catering experience
Leveraging numbers and metrics from your career can significantly enhance the impact of your bullet points and grab the hiring manager’s attention. Companies are interested in candidates who can provide tangible results showing their ability to drive new business, improve operations, and create value for their organizations.
For example, you could establish a sense of scope by specifying the average value of your client accounts. If you successfully reduced labor or food costs, you could include a metric or monetary figure to quantify the achievement. Demonstrating your proven track record of success will greatly increase your odds of landing your next interview.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Catering Director, Premiere Caterers, Nashville, TN
May 2016 – Present
- Oversee 80+ active clients and corporate accounts generating over $2.5M in annual revenue, execute corporate events with up to 800 attendees, build and develop client relationships, and lead initiatives to close new business and expand territory growth
- Manage a catering team of 30+ servers and provide training in customer service techniques, client relations, and food safety protocols
- Identify opportunities to reduce operational expenses and food costs by 10% for events by enhancing resource allocation and performing vendor negotiations
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Catering Sales Assistant, Luigi’s Catering Services, Philadelphia, PA
May 2021 – Present
- Coordinate catering orders valued at $600-$3K for small and large events, fielded event inquiries to secure new business, and conducted follow-up calls with prospects
- Develop a portfolio of clients through inbound and outbound leads, including networking, cold calling, referrals, and industry research
- Manage RFPs, contracts, and client accounts using Salesforce and Flex Catering software
- Coordinate with internal kitchen teams and catering servers to plan and execute events, including food preparation, transportation, and event setup
3. Include catering-related education and certifications
In addition to your education, feature certifications within the hospitality and food service industry. While these credentials won’t guarantee a job, they can improve your chances of landing the interview. Most companies and clients will want you to have a ServSafe certification. Consider also obtaining a Certified Food Manager (CFM) or a Certified Professional-Food Safety (CP-FS) credential to demonstrate your knowledge of food handling procedures further.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Tourism & Hospitality
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN | 2020
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- CFM, Food Manager USA, 2022
- ServSafe Certification, 2020
4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to catering
To generate traction during your job search, you’ll need to ensure your document meets the requirements of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Employers use this software to audit your resume for specific keywords. If you fail to use certain words and phrases, your application may be rejected before it reaches the hiring manager. To mitigate this risk, incorporate as many key terms as possible into your document. Below, you’ll find a list of potential keywords you may encounter during the job hunt:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Account management | Budget management |
| Catering services | Client relations |
| Customer service | Event management |
| Event planning | Food and beverage |
| Guest relations | Hospitality |
| Logistics | Menu development |
| Operations management | Process improvement |
| Salesforce | ServSafe |
| Strategic planning | Strategic selling |
| Team leadership | Upselling |
| Vendor management | |
1. What are the most in-demand skills for catering that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -
Catering uses a variety of skills. While all of these skills are not required, these are some hard and soft skills that you may want to mention on your resume.
Hard Skills
- Exceptional culinary knowledge: To ensure quality and make informed decisions.
- Experience in menu planning: For creating diverse and appealing menus.
- Budgeting skills: Essential for cost management and profitability.
- Knowledge of POS software: For efficient order management and billing.
- Understanding of food regulations: Ensuring compliance and safety.
- Event planning experience: Critical for successful execution of catered events.
- Vendor management: To handle suppliers effectively.
- Knowledge of dietary restrictions: To accommodate all guests' needs.
- Wine and beverage knowledge: To pair beverages with meals effectively.
- Experience with catering software: For efficient planning and execution of events.
- Familiarity with event themes and styles: To match the event's ambiance.
- Experience in staff training and supervision: To ensure top-notch service.
- Knowledge of table setting and decor: To create an appealing dining environment.
- Experience in cost control: To maximize profitability.
- Knowledge of current food trends: To keep the menu up-to-date.
- Experience in high-volume catering: Demonstrates ability to handle large-scale events.
Soft Skills
- Effective communication: Essential for coordinating with staff and client interactions.
- Multitasking ability: Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Exceptional customer service: To ensure client satisfaction.
- Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with diverse teams.
- Problem-solving skills: To address issues efficiently and effectively.
- Creativity: Brings innovation to menu creation and event planning.
- Leadership: Ability to guide and motivate the team.
- Attention to detail: Ensures high standards are met in every task.
- Stress management: Ability to perform well under pressure.
- Flexibility: Can adapt to changing circumstances and demands.
- Time management: Ensures timely preparation and service.
- Negotiation skills: Useful for dealing with vendors and clients.
- Decision-making ability: Makes informed choices quickly.
- Empathy: Understands and caters to clients' needs and emotions.
- Initiative: Proactively addresses tasks and challenges.
- Conflict resolution: Handles disputes calmly and effectively.
- Patience: Maintains composure in challenging situations.
- Dedication: Committed to providing exceptional service.
- Resilience: Bounces back from setbacks.
- Passion for the Industry: Love for food and service enhances performance.
2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers seeking in a catering employee?-
Include any of the following experiences and accomplishments you have.
- Experience in high-volume catering: The candidate should have experience managing large-scale events, demonstrating their ability to handle high-pressure situations.
- Track record in leading teams: We want to see evidence of successfully leading a team, improving staff performance, and maintaining high morale.
- Successful budget management: We value candidates who can provide examples of effective budget management, showing how they've improved profitability.
- Proven customer satisfaction: Testimonials or data indicating high levels of customer satisfaction would be an advantage.
- Innovation in menu creation: Examples of creativity and innovation in menu planning, particularly for high-profile events, will be highly regarded.
Additionally, include the following information where it applies.
- Types of events catered: Experience in various events (corporate, weddings, large-scale public events) will be beneficial.
- Budget ranges catered to: Candidates who have worked with diverse budgets, from low-cost to high-end, will have an advantage as it demonstrates versatility.
- Geographic locations catered: Familiarity with different geographic locations and their respective food regulations and preferences could be a plus.
3. What else should a catering candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers besides a resume?-
- Cover letter: A well-written cover letter can help you stand out. It lets you express your passion for the hospitality industry and explain why you fit the role perfectly.
- Portfolio of work: A portfolio showcasing your previous work is crucial in the hospitality industry. This could include menus you've designed, photos of events you've managed, or any other evidence of your culinary and organizational skills.
- Testimonials and references: Positive feedback from previous employers, clients, or colleagues can significantly enhance credibility. Be sure to include contact information for your references.
- Certifications: Any relevant certifications, such as food safety or management qualifications, should be presented. These demonstrate your commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
4. What advice would you give a catering candidate about their job search? -
- Tailor your application: Every company and role is unique, so ensure your resume and cover letter are customized for each application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description.
- Showcase your expertise: Use niche-specific language to demonstrate your industry knowledge. For instance, discuss your experience in menu planning, cost control, staff training, or event coordination.
- Leverage your network: Many opportunities in the hospitality industry come through word-of-mouth. Reach out to your contacts, attend industry events, and consider joining professional organizations.
- Use testimonials: If you have positive feedback from previous employers, clients, or colleagues, include these in your application or portfolio. They can significantly enhance your credibility.
- Focus on solutions: Hiring managers are looking for problem-solvers. Be ready to share examples of challenges you've overcome, solutions you've implemented, and the positive results you achieved.
- Emphasize your experience: In the hospitality industry, hands-on experience often speaks louder than qualifications. Highlight your practical experience in your application and during interviews.
- Stay current: The hospitality industry evolves quickly, so staying informed about the latest trends and best practices is essential. This knowledge can give you an edge over other candidates.
- Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use statistics to illustrate your accomplishments. Did you increase event bookings by 20%? Reduce food waste by 15%? These numbers can make your achievements more tangible and impressive.
How To Pick the Best Catering Resume Template
When selecting your template, always prioritize structure, organization, and readability over aesthetics. Limited visual elements are appropriate, but avoid flashy colors, bulky graphics, and overly decorative fonts, which can often distract the reader from your content. Choose a simple, elegant design with a single-column format that allows the hiring manager to easily scan your resume for key qualifications and information.
Catering Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Allison Rosenberg
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345
Profile
A Catering Manager with five years of experience within the hospitality industry, specializing in event management, team leadership, sales, and catering services. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to grow client accounts and close new business. Adept at leading catering teams to plan and execute special events with up to 400 attendees.
Professional Experience
Catering Manager, Salvatore’s Catering, Boston, MA
May 2019 – Present
- Manage, develop, and retain 40+ active client accounts for catering services valued at $50K-$150K, prospect new business, build client relationships, and identify opportunities to cross-sell services and maximize account profitability
- Coordinate with the Catering Director to develop territory strategy and marketing plans to exceed annual sales goals by 50%-130% YOY
- Lead teams of 15+ servers, event coordinators, and kitchen personnel to plan and execute specialty events with up to 400+ attendees, including company events and weddings
Catering Manager, Elevate Catering Services, Boston, MA
May 2017 – May 2019
- Served as the point of contact for 25+ active customer accounts valued at $20K-$50K, fielded inquiries, conducted prospecting to drive business, and coordinated planning and logistics variety of catering events with 150-200 attendees
- Oversee catering and event teams of up to 10 personnel, coordinated food supplies, event equipment, and decorations, and ensured high-quality service of food and beverages in compliance with dietary needs and restrictions
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Tourism & Hospitality
Boston College, Boston, MA, September 2013 – May 2017
Key Skills
- Account Management
- Catering Services
- Event Management
- Client Relations
- Hospitality Management
Certifications
- ServSafe Certification, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions: Catering Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for catering resumes?-
When building your resume, it’s easy to run short on action verbs. You may find a limited number of verbs to describe your professional experience accurately. Diversifying your usage of action verbs can help improve the readability and presentation of your document. We’ve compiled a list to keep your content fresh and compelling:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Collaborated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Created | Delivered |
| Developed | Drove |
| Enhanced | Evaluated |
| Implemented | Improved |
| Led | Managed |
| Negotiated | Oversaw |
| Performed | Planned |
| Resolved | Supported |
How do you align your resume with a catering job description?-
Tailoring your content to the job description is the most important aspect of the resume-building process. It’s important to understand that a resume is a marketing document at its core. Employers don’t want to read a vague resume filled with generic job responsibilities. They prefer to see a professional document customized to the individual needs of their organization.
For example, if you’re pursuing a catering manager position heavily focused on account management and sales, highlight specific accomplishments demonstrating your ability to build client relationships and maximize revenue growth. If a company is looking for a candidate who excels in staff development, provide insights into your managerial style and showcase examples of your training and mentoring team members. By aligning your resume with the job description, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your next interview.
What is the best catering resume format?-
The best catering resume format is the reverse chronological approach. This ensures your most recent and relevant experience is featured towards the top of your document. It also allows you to display your career progression within the industry. If you’re at the entry level, a combination approach may be the better option, enabling you to feature relevant skills and certifications above your professional experience.
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Once you’re finished with your resume, an effective step before sending it off to your prospective employer is to add a cover letter. A cover letter is a great opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Remember, a cover should be fairly succinct. Never exceed more than 400 words — 250 to 300 is ideal. For more information and ideas, view our restaurant manager cover letter examples.
