How To Write a Server Resume
When creating a server resume, your aim is to demonstrate how your skills and experience can contribute towards the goals of the restaurant you’re applying to. This could be in the form of improving guest satisfaction or reducing table turnaround times. Consider your resume as an initial opportunity to impress the hiring manager. Showcase your professionalism, emphasize your expertise in the industry, and demonstrate how you can contribute as a valuable team member. Here are some tips and examples on writing a tailored server resume that can help you get an interview and maybe even an offer.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
While it may seem counter-intuitive, your profile section shouldn’t be all about you or what you’re looking for in a job. Instead, you want to focus on providing the hiring manager with a short summary that shows how hiring you will benefit the restaurant. Use keywords from the job description, such as a POS system you’re familiar with, to grab the reader’s attention quickly and show them you’re a good fit. Limit the use of “I,” “me,” or “my,” and instead, use shorter sentences that start with action verbs for more punch.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Professional Server with over 17 years’ experience serving over 100,000 hungry diners while providing a positive dining experience for customers. Practices safe food handling techniques while using interpersonal skills to ensure customer service is positive for guests.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Server with one year of experience in food service, providing a friendly, upbeat customer experience. Ensured prompt service by maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm for customer service. Led the team in the use of new technology when the company’s new POS system was introduced and built team spirit by helping others on the team become comfortable with the use of the latest technology.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
When working on the professional experience section of your resume, you want to use action verbs and specifics to deliver the most impact in a small space. For example, discuss which POS systems you used and how many guests you served on a Friday evening. If you have to include something more generic such as “cashed out checks,” try to relate it to a customer-service benefit: “cashed out customers at the table so they were able to remain seated to improve their dining experience.” This shows why this skill is important and how it aligns with the restaurant’s goals.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Server
Starlight Cuisine, Dryden, GA | May 2003 – July 2013
- Enhanced an upscale dining experience by quickly greeting customers and offering to take an order or check back
- Entered orders into Xonos POS system to ensure accuracy
- Confirmed accuracy of orders and customer satisfaction with food by checking back frequently
- Offered upsell suggestions to customers, including appetizers, beverage upgrades, and dessert ideas
- Cashed out customers at the table so they were able to remain seated to improve their dining experience
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Server
Jenny’s Fine Food, Clayton, GA | January 2019 – January 2020
- Enhanced customer experiences by actively listening to customer needs and orders
- Accurately recorded orders on the Xonos POS system
- Led the team by supporting and encouraging others when new technology was introduced by management
- Exhibited a positive, friendly attitude at all times
- Cashed out customers after the meal while ensuring the accuracy of the bills
3. Include relevant education and certifications
While some server jobs are entry-level, positions at high-end restaurants may require specific certifications or knowledge. It’s always a plus to demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and improve your skills, even if the job posting does not list it.
Most server certifications center around safe food handling, such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or the Certified Food Manager (CFM) program. If you graduated from a bartending school or took any culinary classes, these are also good things to include because it shows you have an interest in the industry and additional experience to offer guests. Here’s an example of how to highlight your education or certifications on your resume.
Certifications
Template:
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- ServSafe Food Handler, National Restaurant Association, 2020
Education
Template:
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example:
- Food Service Certificate and High School Diploma
- Pioneer JVS, Shelby, OH – June 2012
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
A major part of making your resume offer-worthy is including your relevant professional skills, and restaurant hiring managers are usually looking for specific proficiencies. Don’t assume that everyone knows what a server does or use blanket statements like “served customers.” Your resume is just as much an opportunity to show off your industry knowledge as it is a place to list your job duties. Here are some common skills managers look for when hiring a server that you may want to add to your resume.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Ability to multitask | Active listening |
| Adaptability | Attention to detail |
| Cash handling | Compliance with health and safety regulations |
| Conflict resolution | Customer service |
| Dependability | Flexibility |
| Menu knowledge | Positive attitude |
| POS system proficiency | Problem-solving |
| Professionalism | Salesmanship |
| Stress management | Table maintenance |
| Teamwork | Time management |
How to Pick the Best Server Resume Template
When looking at resume templates, narrow your choices down to simple, clean designs. Look for options that let you provide a strong work history with specific data points, such as how many tables your section included and how many guests you served in an average shift. It’s also a good idea to have a section that lets you list professional skills and certifications, so a hiring manager can quickly scan your resume to see if you meet the hiring criteria.
Server Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Danny Banks
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 54 Blevins Road, Catstown, MI 15842
Profile
Energetic and prompt Server with a year of experience at an upscale restaurant. Fast learner who adapts readily to new work challenges and conditions.
Key Skills
- Customer Relations & Service
- Meal Order & Bill Accuracy
- Point-of-Sale (POS) System Operation
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Time Management
Professional Experience
Server, Jenny’s Fine Food, Clayton, GA | January 2022 to Present
- Optimize service quality by actively listening and responding to customer requests
- Accurately record orders on Xonos POS system and cash out customers after each meal
- Facilitated launch of a new POS system delivering better efficiency and team communications
- Won “Employee of the Month” for outstanding service in March and July 2022
Receptionist, LMN Incorporated, Clayton, GA | Summers 2019 and 2021
- Consistently praised for strong efficiency and customer relations in a fast-paced environment
Education
Graduate, Colonel Crawford High School, Jones, TX | 2022
Class Valedictorian | Honor Society President
Janie Halstead
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 1759 Evans Lane, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Profile
Skilled and courteous Server with 8+ years of experience. Committed to accuracy in entering, serving, and billing customers’ food orders. Quickly gain and apply proficiency in new POS systems. Calm, professional, and focused on solutions in dynamic and fast-paced settings.
Professional Experience
Server, Cocoa Barn Dessert Shoppe, Cleveland, OH | August 2016 to present
- Greet customers and offer seating options
- Provide menu and recommend food and drink options based on customer queries
- Accurately record and submit orders to kitchen area
- Promptly serve food orders and various hot and cold beverages to customers
- Check back to ensure customers are satisfied with all food items
- Process customer payments
Waitress, Devon’s on the Hill, Charm, OH | May 2014 to August 2016
- Member of 10-person team serving customers at this upscale restaurant
- Described daily specials and recommended popular dishes on request
- Consistently ranked in top 3 of team for overall efficiency and service quality
Education
Graduate, Westview High, Charm, OH
Key Skills
- Active Listening
- Cash Register Operation
- Customer Relations & Service
- Efficiency Improvement
- Guest Receipt Preparation
- Point-of-Sale (POS) System Entry
- Process Streamlining
- Team Collaboration
Credentials
Safe Food Handling; Service Certificate, Pioneer Joint Vocational School
Monica Cousins
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 765 Berry Lane, Evans, IL 90876
Profile
Professional Server who has provided courteous, quality service to 100K+ customers over 17+ years of experience. Practice safe food handling methods while ensuring positive service experiences for all guests.
Professional Experience
Server, Chewie’s, Danville, OH | July 2013 to Present
- Deliver menus to guests on arrival, take drink orders, and offer appetizer suggestions
- Accurately record and submit each guest’s food order to the kitchen staff
- Deliver meals to table promptly to ensure all food is served hot
- Check salad bar temperatures, and rotate cold foods to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations
Waitress, Starlight Cuisine, Dryden, GA | May 2007 to July 2013
- Greeted customers and offered to take an order or check back
- Accurately entered orders into Xonos POS system
- Checked on each table regularly to ensure order accuracy and customer satisfaction
- Offered upsell suggestions and ideas for appetizers, beverages, and desserts
Education
Associate of Business Management, NC State College, Mansfield, OH
Key Skills
- Customer Relations & Satisfaction
- Efficiency Improvement
- Meal Order & Bill Accuracy
- Task Prioritization
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Frequently Asked Questions: Server Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for server resumes?+
Writing the professional experience section of your resume doesn’t have to take forever, but it’s important to make every word count. Using action verbs helps you show your experience and skills in an impactful way and can help your resume make it past applicant tracking software. If you’re running out of action verbs to describe your previous job duties and qualifications, check out this list for some fresh ideas:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Accommodate | Clear |
| Collaborate | Communicate |
| Coordinate | Deliver |
| Explain | Greet |
| Interact | Manage |
| Monitor | Organize |
| Present | Recommend |
| Reset | Resolve |
| Respond | Seat |
| Suggest | Upsell |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
Even though serving jobs appear to be similar, it is still important to tailor your resume to the job that you are applying for. Each restaurant has a different target clientele and atmosphere, and this can change what language is the best to use. A job posting for a server is also likely to get a high number of applications because it’s usually an entry-level position and is more accessible to new job seekers. If the hiring manager is using applicant tracking software, having relevant keywords and phrases from the job posting in your resume may increase the chances of your resume getting in front of human eyes. However, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts faster-than-average job growth for servers, and more open jobs than job seekers could make it easier to get hired.
What is the best server resume format?+
The best server resume format depends on your skills and previous restaurant experience. A reverse chronological resume may be the best choice if you’ve held multiple server positions, or similar jobs, such as a hostess or bartender. Start with your most recent position and work backward. Keep in mind that you don’t need to have an exhaustive list. If you’ve been in the industry for several years and held many positions, you can only include the last five years of your job history or focus on the jobs most similar to the one you’re applying for.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Don’t forget to add a cover letter to your resume. In the restaurant industry, these are usually short and sweet. Focus on how you can help the team achieve their goals, and use this server cover letter example to guide your own letter.