Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

Hard skills:

• Knowledge of POS systems: Familiarity with common restaurant software and hardware is crucial.
• Food safety knowledge: Understanding of food handling and sanitation guidelines.
• Menu knowledge: Ability to explain menu items, make recommendations and answer customer queries.

Soft skills:

• Communication: Articulate, clear, and patient communication with guests and team members.
• Multitasking: Managing multiple tasks at once, keeping cool under pressure.
• Conflict resolution: Handling customer complaints and issues calmly and effectively.

Additional qualities:

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in stressful situations.
• Certifications/awards: Any relevant recognitions, such as ServSafe certification or 'Employee of the Month' awards.

• Prior serving experience: This is often the first thing hiring managers look for. Whether it's in a fast food joint, a casual dining establishment or a high-end restaurant. Your ability to handle customers, take orders, serve food, and clear tables efficiently and professionally can significantly boost your chances.
• Customer handling: You should have experience dealing with a variety of customers. This includes handling complaints, providing excellent service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
• Food and drink handling: Experience with handling food and drinks is crucial. This includes knowledge of different types of cuisine, beverages, and the appropriate serving etiquette.
• Menu familiarity: You should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the restaurant's menu, including the ability to make recommendations and answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and dish pairings.
• POS system experience: Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems is often required.
• Knowledge of safety and health guidelines: Understanding and adhering to health and safety guidelines, such as food handling procedures and cleanliness standards, is essential in this role.
• Communication and teamwork skills: These are key in a busy restaurant environment. You must be able to communicate effectively with customers, kitchen staff, and other waitstaff to ensure smooth operations.
• Adaptability: Restaurants are fast-paced environments. Your ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as sudden rushes or unexpected issues, will be highly valued.
• Extended hours capability: The ability to work long hours, often on your feet, is a common requirement in the restaurant industry.
• Personal attributes: Hiring managers also value personal qualities like attentiveness, patience, and a positive attitude. These traits can greatly enhance the dining experience of customers.

• Cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter allows us to gauge your communication skills and understand your motivation for applying to our restaurant. It also shows their knowledge about our establishment, demonstrating their commitment and interest.
• Sample menu: Candidates who provide a sample menu with suggested drinks and dishes demonstrate creativity and an understanding of our cuisine and branding. This could be especially beneficial for restaurants that frequently change menus or have a unique culinary focus.
• Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from previous employers give us insights into their work ethic, reliability, and team spirit. This is crucial in the fast-paced hospitality industry, where teamwork is key.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as food safety or alcohol service training, underscore a candidate's dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
• Additional job experiences: Experiences outside of waitstaff roles, perhaps in customer service, event planning, or even theater (for performance and presentation skills), can bring additional value to their role within our restaurant.
• Availability schedule: A candidate's schedule gives us an idea of their flexibility. In the restaurant industry, the ability to work during peak hours, weekends, and holidays is often a necessity.
• Personal testimonials: Testimonials from previous customers can provide a firsthand account of the candidate's customer service skills, attentiveness, and ability to create a positive dining experience.

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, includes a professional photo, and showcases your skills and experience. Consider asking colleagues or previous employers for recommendations to boost your profile's credibility.
• Network: Reach out to contacts within the hospitality industry. Attend industry events, join online forums or groups related to your profession. Networking can often open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised.
• Research potential employers: Before applying, research each restaurant to understand their style, values, and customer base. This information will help you tailor your applications and prepare for interviews.
• Apply to relevant job opportunities: Use job search engines, industry-specific job boards, and company websites to find suitable opportunities. Don't limit yourself to advertised positions; consider sending speculative applications to restaurants you're interested in.
• Prepare for interviews: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses. Practice makes perfect. Also, think about questions you can ask the interviewer to show your interest in the role.
• Follow-up: After an interview, send a thank you note expressing your continued interest in the role. If you haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, it's acceptable to follow up with a polite inquiry.