How To Write a Food Service Resume
During your job search, a standout resume can be the secret ingredient that propels you toward success. Crafting an outstanding food service resume that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the industry. Learn expert advice, tips, and real food service resume examples. We’ll lead you through creating an impactful resume that opens doors to exciting opportunities in the world of culinary arts and hospitality.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Summarize your food service qualifications in a dynamic profile
A robust resume profile is essential to making a lasting impression on potential employers. Use two to three sentences to highlight your most impressive experience, skills, and accomplishments. To make it specific to the position, pull keywords from the job description that reflect the qualities and requirements the organization is looking for.
Feature your expertise in food preparation, menu development, or compliance with health and safety regulations. Emphasize your ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences, handle high-volume service, and ensure customer satisfaction. Your resume profile should hook readers and entice them to continue exploring your professional background.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Skilled food service leader with over eight years of experience. Committed to driving gains in both guest satisfaction and restaurant profitability. Demonstrated success managing and motivating a more than 30-member team.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Motivated food service professional specializing in resort hospitality.
2. Create a powerful list of your food service experience
This section of your resume is essential for showcasing the impact and value you’ve brought to your roles. One of the best ways to approach writing this section is to highlight your accomplishments instead of just listing responsibilities. Quantify what you did in previous positions to provide context for readers. Incorporate specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to illustrate your contributions and achievements tangibly.
For example, mention the number of customers served per shift, the average order accuracy rate, or the increase in customer satisfaction scores during your tenure. Another strategy is to use action verbs to begin each bullet point. These words add a dynamic element and bring your accomplishments to life, showing readers how you executed your duties and achieved results.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
General Manager of Food Service, Buc-ee’s, Austin, TX | June 2018 to present
- Oversee food prep methods, portions, and presentation
- Train and supervise employees to ensure optimal efficiency and service quality
- Manage budgeting and payroll operations
- Ensure employees comply with all health and food safety standards
- Set schedules and assign duties for over five employees per week
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Server, Green Bay Resort, Green Bay, WI | April 2018 to July 2020
- Served up to 10 tables at a time
- Familiarized guests with menu and daily specials
- Helped customers with food allergies and diet restrictions in selecting meals
- Recorded food and drink orders accurately
3. List any education and certifications relevant to food service
In the competitive world of food service, including relevant education, coursework, and certifications on your resume demonstrates your specialized knowledge and expertise in the industry. Your culinary degrees, hospitality courses, or nutrition certifications provide potential employers with valuable insights into your foundational skills. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
With certifications like ServSafe, Allergen Awareness, or specialized training programs, you convey your dedication to maintaining high-quality standards, safety, and customer satisfaction. Hiring managers value candidates who continuously invest in their education and possess the qualifications to excel. Create another section and format it similarly, providing the certificate name, issuing organization, and date received.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Associate of Science in Food Service Management
- Madison Community College, Madison, WI | June 2020
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- ServSafe Food Safety Manager | 2018
- ServSafe Food Handler | 2018
4. Outline your most useful food service skills and proficiencies
One of the critical components of a standout resume is a key skill section. This list is a powerful testament to your ability to thrive in a fast-paced and customer-oriented environment. When incorporating a key skills section into your resume, focus on those directly applicable to the food service industry and the position you’re applying for. Highlighting these proficiencies will draw readers to your culinary expertise and versatility. Here’s a list of skills you could use on your food service resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol safety | Bartending |
| Bussing | Cash handling |
| Cooking | Customer service |
| Flexibility | Food preparation |
| Food presentation | Food safety and sanitation |
| Inventory monitoring | Menu development |
| Microsoft Office Suite | Multitasking |
| Organization | Point-of-sale systems |
| Problem-solving | Product sales and promotions |
| Quality control and assurance | Teamwork |
How To Pick the Best Food Service Resume Template
Before you assemble your resume, you’ll need to select a template. This document is the framework and foundation for your resume content, so choose wisely. The best resume template for a food service professional is clean, organized, and effectively showcases your most relevant professional accomplishments and skills.
Consider those with a clear and easy-to-read format with all the basic sections. Keep the fonts and style simple, and avoid overly decorative designs. Ensure your template balances professionalism and visual appeal, ultimately presenting you as a standout candidate in the competitive job market.
Food Service Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Charlotte Cardoza
512 Brewer Street, Hartford, CT 86106 | [email protected] | (860) 888-8888
Profile
Enthusiastic Food Service Professional & Leader with demonstrated success running large events.
Professional Experience
Catering Coordinator, Extreme Cuisine Catering, Hartford, CT | March 2019 to Present
- Use scheduling software to book catering events and confirm with clients
- Coordinate and oversee event infrastructure, set-up, and breakdown
- Liaise and negotiate with various vendors
- Schedule and oversee 15-20 catering and kitchen staff
- Help managers set and execute food and decor budget
Lead Banquet Server, Urban Taste, Springfield, MA | September 2016 to February 2019
- Prepared and double-checked each banquet for accuracy, making additions as needed
- Supervised all servers on the floor throughout each function
- Inspected all aspects of table place settings, including silverware, china, glass, and condiments for correct placement by servers
- Prepared tables, action stations, buffets, service carts, dessert table/carts, and cordial carts
- Informed kitchen staff of any food allergies, dietary needs, or special requests
Banquet Server, Black Dog Catering, New Haven, CT | June 2013 to August 2016
- Served plated dinners to guests, and responded to requests for beverages or appetizers
- Helped prepare food and tables before each event
- Set up buffets in accordance with food safety and presentation standards
- Opened wine and took drink orders
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Food Industry Management, Arizona State University, online | 2020
Key Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Inventory Management
- Menu Planning & Development
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Payroll Processing & Review
- Multi-Course Meal Running
- Supply Management
- Team Supervision
Certification
ServSafe Food Manager | 2019
Frequently Asked Questions: Food Service Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for food service resumes?-
Crafting the professional experience section of a resume can sometimes leave you searching for the right words. It's common to feel like you've exhausted your vocabulary when describing your responsibilities.
Consider using some of these carefully selected words on your food service resume to articulate your accomplishments with precision and impact:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Adapt | Assist |
| Clean | Cook |
| Coordinate | Develop |
| Enhance | Implement |
| Manage | Monitor |
| Organize | Prepare |
| Process | Replenish |
| Resolve | Serve |
| Stock | Store |
| Supervise | Welcome |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
The food and beverage services industry is expected to see a faster-than-average growth of 9% between 2021 and 2031. Over the decade, over 370,000 new jobs are projected to enter the workforce. As applicants work to fill these new positions, you'll need a standout resume to land the job you want.
Customizing your resume for the targeted job will increase your chances of standing out as a strong candidate. To do this effectively, carefully review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and requirements sought by the employer. Then, align your resume by highlighting your relevant experience and emphasizing the specific skills and accomplishments that match the job requirements.
What is the best food service resume format?-
The most suitable resume format for food services often depends on your specific circumstances and career progression. For most food service professionals, we generally recommend the chronological resume format.
This format showcases your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting your career advancement and demonstrating your continuous experience in the industry. Chronological resumes are an excellent option for professionals with a record of stable and long-standing positions.
However, there are instances when alternative formats may be appropriate. The functional resume format focuses on skills and abilities rather than the chronological timeline. This format can be beneficial if you're transitioning into the food service industry or have gaps in your work history. Alternatively, the combination resume format blends elements of both chronological and functional.
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Increase your chances of securing an interview by writing a compelling cover letter. The best approach for creating your cover letter is to customize it for the establishment you're applying to. Learn how to create your own with our comprehensive food service cover letter guide. You can also explore our server and bartender cover letter guides for other relevant examples.
