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.
Most Popular Food Service Resumes
Resort Food Service Resume Example
Why this resort food service resume example is strong:
This resume stands out due to the candidate’s clear expertise in managing resort hospitality. It effectively demonstrates a progression from a server to an assistant restaurant manager, showcasing leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills. The mention of coordinating between front and back-of-house staff highlights strong communication abilities, while certifications like ServSafe enhance the candidate’s credibility in food safety. The blend of technical and soft skills makes this resume well-rounded for managerial roles in the hospitality industry. For more guidance on organizing your resume sections, read our guide on resume formats.
Catering Food Service Resume Example
Why this catering food service resume example is strong:
This resume effectively showcases the candidate’s strengths in event planning and catering operations. Moving from a banquet server to a catering coordinator, it highlights critical leadership skills like vendor negotiations and staff management. With experience running large-scale events and coordinating logistics, the candidate demonstrates versatility and attention to detail. Skills in conflict resolution and menu planning further enhance the candidate’s suitability for leadership roles in catering. To help structure your resume’s skill section, learn more about resume skills.
Food Service Leader Resume Example
Why this food service leader resume example is strong:
This resume demonstrates strong leadership experience in food service operations, especially in managing large teams and improving profitability. The candidate’s ability to implement cost-saving measures and streamline operations, as well as their success in training and motivating staff, positions them as a highly effective manager. Showcasing a track record of increasing restaurant profit margins and driving customer satisfaction, this resume is well-suited for higher-level management roles. Read our guide to resume summaries for tips on writing a compelling profile like this one.
Busser Food Service Resume Example
Why this busser food service resume example is strong:
Despite being an entry-level role, this resume effectively highlights the candidate’s commitment to providing excellent service. By showcasing attention to cleanliness, efficiency, and teamwork, the candidate demonstrates qualities that are essential in a fast-paced food service environment. The progression from a fast-food worker to a restaurant busser indicates career growth and reliability. For candidates seeking their first or second job, learn about how to make a resume to ensure your entry-level skills shine.
Catering Manager Resume Example
Why this catering manager resume example is strong:
This resume showcases the candidate’s strength in managing both the operational and sales aspects of a catering business. With significant experience in leading teams to plan and execute events, the candidate has proven abilities in client relations and account management. Their ability to close new business and exceed sales targets shows a strong focus on growth and profitability. To organize your own experience effectively, read our guide on resume formats for more tips on structuring your resume.
Catering Director Resume Example
Why this catering director resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s extensive experience in overseeing large-scale corporate events and managing a team of 30+ staff members. With a focus on business development and client retention, the candidate has driven substantial annual revenue for their organization. Achievements like reducing operational expenses and executing high-profile events demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership. To learn how to craft an engaging profile like this, check out our guide on resume summaries.
Food Service Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Food Service Resume
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.
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.
Should my food service resume be one or two pages?-
Your food service resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume can be effective for seasoned professionals with a longer track record if it highlights accomplishments and skills directly relevant to the job. Every detail should add value and strengthen your candidacy.
Limit your work experience to the past 10 to 15 years, unless earlier positions are highly relevant. Keeping your resume concise and targeted will make a strong and memorable impression on potential employers.
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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.
