How to write a server resume

A server resume is a document that outlines the professional background, skills, and qualifications of an individual seeking employment as a server in the food service industry. It typically includes relevant work experience in restaurants, cafes, or other dining establishments, along with any related skills and certifications. A server resume highlights the applicant's ability to provide excellent customer service, handle food and beverage orders, and maintain a positive and efficient dining experience for patrons.

What should I include in a resume for a server position?

When making a resume for a server job, focus on skills and experiences that matter for the position. Here’s what to include;

Contact Information: At the top, write your full name, phone number, email, and where you live (city and state).

Professional Summary: Write a short summary of your experience in food service, highlighting strengths like customer service, teamwork, and multitasking. If relevant, mention how long you’ve worked in the industry.

Skills: List important skills for a server, such as:

1. Good communication
2. Customer service
3. Time management
4. Attention to detail
5. Ability to multitask in a busy environment
6. Knowledge of food safety
7. Experience with POS (Point of Sale) systems

Work Experience: List your past jobs, starting with the most recent. For each job, include:

1. Job title (e.g., "Server")
2. Name and location of the restaurant
3. Dates you worked there
4. Main responsibilities (e.g., taking orders, serving food, processing payments, helping customers)
5. Any achievements (e.g., improving customer satisfaction, selling more menu items)

Education: If you have relevant education (like a course in hospitality or customer service), include it. If not, list your highest completed education level.

Certifications: Mention any certifications you have, such as food handler's or alcohol service certifications.

Optional Sections

1. Languages: If you know more than one language, include this since it can help with customer service.
2. Volunteer Work: If you have relevant volunteer experience, add this to show a well-rounded background.

How do I write a strong resume for a restaurant server job?

To write a strong resume for a restaurant server job, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Here are some key areas to emphasize;

Relevant Skills

1. Customer service: Emphasize your ability to interact with customers professionally and provide excellent service.
2. Communication: Highlight your strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including active listening and clear articulation.
3. Organization: Show your ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
4. Teamwork: Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive team atmosphere.
5. Product knowledge: If applicable, mention your knowledge of food and beverage items, including menu items, wine pairings, and cocktail recipes.

Experience

1. Restaurant experience: List any previous experience working as a server or in a related role. Highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and the types of restaurants you worked in.
2. Customer service roles: If you have experience in other customer service roles, such as retail or hospitality, mention it and explain how those experiences have prepared you for a server position.

Achievements

1. Quantifiable achievements: List your achievements to make them more impressive. For example, instead of saying "Increased tips," you could say "Increased average tips by 20%."
2. Positive feedback: If you have received positive feedback from customers or managers, include it in your resume.

Professional Summary

1. Concise and impactful: Write a brief professional summary that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.
2. Tailored to the job: Customize your summary to match the specific requirements of the restaurant server job you are applying for.

Formatting

1. Clear and easy to read: Use a clean and professional font and layout.
2. Consistent formatting: Ensure that your resume is consistent in terms of spacing, margins, and headings.
3. Proofread carefully: Check for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

What skills are important to list on a server resume?

When listing skills on a server resume, consider including the following;

1. Customer Service: Ability to provide a positive dining experience and address customer needs.
2. Communication Skills: Clear verbal communication with customers and team members to ensure orders are understood and delivered correctly.
3. Multitasking: Handling multiple tables and tasks simultaneously in a busy environment without compromising service quality.
4. Time Management: Efficiently managing time to serve customers promptly and keep operations running smoothly.
5. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in taking orders and delivering food and drinks as requested.
6. Problem-Solving Skills: Quickly addressing and resolving customer complaints or issues to maintain satisfaction.
7. Teamwork: Collaborating with kitchen staff and other servers to provide seamless service.
8. Knowledge of Food Safety: Understanding and adhering to food safety guidelines and practices.
9. Sales Skills: Upselling menu items and specials to enhance customer experience and increase revenue.
10. POS System Proficiency: Familiarity with Point of Sale systems for processing orders and payments efficiently.

How can I highlight customer service experience on a server resume?

To highlight your customer service experience on a server resume, consider the following strategies;

1. Use Specific Examples: Instead of just stating you have customer service experience, include specific instances where you successfully addressed customer needs, resolved complaints, or enhanced the dining experience.
2. Quantify Achievements: Add numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, mention the number of tables you managed during peak hours or the percentage increase in customer satisfaction ratings you helped achieve.
3. Incorporate Keywords: Use industry-relevant keywords related to customer service in your resume. Phrases like “customer satisfaction,” “issue resolution,” and “positive dining experience” can make your resume more appealing.
4. Highlight Relevant Skills: In your skills section, emphasize abilities that relate to customer service, such as communication, problem-solving, and multitasking.
5. Create a Dedicated Section: If you have extensive customer service experience, consider creating a dedicated section titled “Customer Service Experience” to draw attention to it.
6. Focus on Soft Skills: Highlight soft skills that contribute to effective customer service, such as empathy, patience, and active listening.
7. Describe Your Responsibilities: In the work experience section, detail your responsibilities related to customer service, such as taking orders, addressing customer inquiries, and handling payments.
8. Mention Training and Certifications: If you have received any training related to customer service or hospitality, include that information to show your commitment to professional development.

What is the best format for a server resume?

A well-organized resume for a server job should be clear and easy to read. Here are the main sections to include;

Header:

1. Name
2. Contact details (mobile number, email, LinkedIn profile)

Summary or Objective: A short statement about your experience, skills, and goals as a server.

Skills: List important skills, such as;

1. Customer service
2. Knowledge of food and drinks
3. Communication
4. Teamwork
5. Multitasking
6. Organization

Experience: Detail your employment experience, starting with the most recent role.

1. Job title: Your specific role
2. Company: The name of the restaurant or place you worked
3. Location: The city and state (or country)
4. Dates: When you started and ended each job
5. Key responsibilities: A bullet-point list of your main tasks and achievements

Education: List your education, including:

1. Degree: What you earned
2. Major: Your field of study
3. School: The name of the school
4. Location: The city and state (or country)
5. Graduation date: The year you graduated

Certifications: Include any relevant certifications or licenses, like food safety or alcohol service certifications.

How do I write a resume summary for a server job?

A resume summary is a short introduction to your skills and experience. It should match the job you're applying for and emphasize your most important qualifications.

Here’s an example of a server job at a high-end steakhouse

"Enthusiastic server skilled in providing high-quality service in premium dining establishments. Skilled in recommending wine pairings and handling complex food orders. Dedicated to giving every guest a memorable dining experience."

Key tips for writing a server resume summary

1. Be specific: Use action verbs and mention any accomplishments (e.g., "Increased tips by 20%").
2. Tailor it: Focus on the skills and experiences most important for the restaurant you're applying to.
3. Keep it short: The summary should only be a few sentences.
4. Use keywords: Include words from the job description to help your resume get noticed by hiring systems.

What should be included in a work experience on a server resume?

In the work experience section of a server resume, include the following;

Job Title: Mention the specific position, like “Server” or “Waitstaff.”

Company Name: List the restaurant, bar, or establishment where you worked.

Location: Include the city and state (or country) of the workplace.

Employment Dates: Mention the start and end dates of your job, typically in the format of month and year.

Key Responsibilities: Provide a bullet-point list of your main tasks. These might include:

1. Taking customer orders and serving food and beverages
2. Recommending menu items and specials
3. Handling customer payments and operating the POS system
4. Resolving customer complaints and providing excellent service

Achievements: Highlight any accomplishments, such as:

1. Improving customer satisfaction
2. Increasing sales by upselling
3. Handling high volumes during peak hours
4. Training new staff members

How can I make my server resume stand out to employers?

To make your server resume catch the attention of employers, focus on these points;

Quantify Achievements

1. Instead of just saying you "increased tips," be specific, like "boosted average tips by 35%." This shows clear proof of your success.
2. Mention how many customers you handled, like "served an average of 30 tables per shift."

Highlight Soft Skills

1. Emphasize skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are important for delivering great service in a busy restaurant.

Show Unique Experiences

1. If you've worked in a busy or specialized restaurant (e.g., fine dining, bar, or catering), make sure to mention it.
2. Include any special skills or certifications, like knowledge of wines or cocktails.

Tailor Your Resume

1. Adjust your resume for each job by using keywords from the job description.
2. Focus on the skills and experience that match the restaurant you’re applying to.

Proofread

1. Make sure your resume has no grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.
2. A clean resume shows you're detail-oriented and professional.

Consider a Cover Letter

1. Use it to explain why you want the job and how your skills fit the restaurant's needs.

Should I include tips or sales achievements on a server resume?

Yes, you should add tips or sales achievements to your server resume. These numbers show your ability to boost revenue and offer great customer service. Here’s how to include them;

1. List Your Achievements: Instead of saying "improved sales," you can write like "boosted beverage sales by 20% through effective upselling."
2. Highlight Sales Goals: If you met or passed sales targets, mention and include the exact amounts.
3. Show Upselling Skills: If you were good at upselling food or drinks, give examples and include the results with numbers.
4. Link to Customer Satisfaction: Explain how your sales successes also improved the customer experience.

How do I write an entry-level server resume with no experience?

Crafting an entry-level server resume without experience requires a strategic approach to highlight your transferable skills and potential. Here are some key steps to follow;

Focus on Transferable Skills

1. Customer service: Emphasize your experiences in customer-facing roles, such as retail or hospitality. Highlight instances where you provided excellent service and exceeded customer expectations.
2. Communication: Showcase your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. Discuss situations where you actively listened, provided clear information, and resolved conflicts.
3. Organization: Demonstrate your organizational skills by describing how you manage tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and work efficiently.
4. Teamwork: Highlight your ability to collaborate with others and contribute to a positive team environment. Share examples of working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.

Highlight Academic Achievements

1. Relevant coursework: If you've taken any courses related to hospitality, food service, or business, mention them and how they prepared you for a server role.
2. Academic awards or honors: Showcase any academic achievements, such as Dean's List or scholarships, to demonstrate your dedication and potential.

Emphasize Personal Qualities

1. Positive attitude: Highlight your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry and your willingness to learn and grow.
2. Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and challenges.
3. Problem-solving: Show your problem-solving skills by describing how you've handled difficult situations or overcome obstacles.

Tailor Your Resume

1. Research the restaurant: Learn about the restaurant's culture, values, and expectations.
2. Use keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume to increase your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems.
3. Highlight skills that align with the job: Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the specific server position you're applying for.

Leverage Volunteer or Part-Time Work: Include any volunteer or part-time work experience that demonstrates your customer service skills or ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What are some strong action verbs to add on a server resume?

Here are some strong action verbs you can use on a server resume;

1. Served – for delivering food and drinks to customers.
2. Assisted – for helping customers with orders or special requests.
3. Resolved – for handling customer complaints or issues.
4. Recommended – for suggesting menu items or beverages.
5. Upsold – for promoting additional items to increase sales.
6. Managed – for handling multiple tables or a large volume of customers.
7. Processed – for taking orders or handling payments.
8. Collaborated – for working with team members or kitchen staff.
9. Ensured – for maintaining high standards of service or food quality.
10. Organized – for setting up dining areas or preparing tables for service.

How do I write a resume objective for a server role?

Here are some key elements to consider when writing your resume objective;

1. Be specific: Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
2. Tailor it to the job: Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific restaurant you're applying for.
3. Keep it concise: Aim for a resume objective that is no more than a few sentences long.
4. Use keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems.

Here's an example of a tailored resume objective for a server role;

Dedicated and experienced server seeking a position at ABC restaurant to utilize my expertise in wine pairings and upscale dining etiquette to deliver exceptional service and contribute to the restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence."

How do I format a part-time server resume for full-time opportunities?

Formatting a part-time server resume for full-time roles requires a focused approach to highlight your strengths and show you're ready for more responsibility. Here are key points to consider;

Highlight Key Skills and Achievements

1. Use statistics to show your impact.
2. Focus on skills useful for full-time positions, such as multitasking, problem-solving, and flexibility.
3. Show you can handle busy environments by demonstrating your ability to serve many customers while staying positive and efficient.

Show Your Commitment and Availability

1. Make it clear that you’re looking for full-time work and are ready for a bigger role.
2. Emphasize your reliability and strong attendance record.
3. Mention your flexibility with shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Leverage Your Part-Time Experience

1. Highlight important tasks, focusing on those that match full-time server duties.
2. Show how quickly you learned new procedures, menu items, or technologies.
3. Provide examples of handling customer complaints or going above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience.

Customize Your Resume for Each Job

1. Research the restaurant to understand its values and expectations.
2. Use the specific language of the job advertisement in your resume to improve your chances of being selected by ATS software.
3. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the full-time job you want.

Consider Adding a Cover Letter

1. Use it to explain your goal of moving into a full-time server role and how your part-time work has prepared you.
2. Show your passion for hospitality and your readiness to take on more responsibility.

Should I mention certifications, like food handling, on my server resume?

Yes, you should mention certifications like food handling on your server resume. These certifications show that you have the necessary knowledge and training to safely handle food, which is important in the restaurant industry. Including them can make your resume stand out and show that you’re qualified for the job. Make sure to list them in a Certifications section, along with other relevant credentials like alcohol service certifications, if applicable. This will highlight your commitment to meeting safety standards and following industry regulations.

What certifications should be included in a server resume?

Here are some important certifications to consider including in a server resume:

1. Food Handler Certification: Demonstrates your understanding of safe food handling practices and hygiene.
2. Alcohol Service Certification: Shows your knowledge of responsible alcohol service, including age verification and identifying intoxicated customers.
3. ServSafe Certification: A widely recognized food safety certification that covers various aspects of food handling and safety.
4. TIPS Certification (Training for Intervention Procedures): Focuses on responsible alcohol service and helping prevent intoxication and underage drinking.
5. CPR/First Aid Certification: Indicates your ability to respond to medical emergencies, which can be a valuable skill in the hospitality industry.
6. Customer Service Training: Any certifications or courses that emphasize customer service skills can also be beneficial.
7. Culinary Certifications: If you have taken any culinary courses or received certifications in food preparation or cooking, these can add value to your resume.

How can I showcase multitasking abilities on a server resume?

To showcase your multitasking abilities on a server resume, consider the following strategies;

1. Use Specific Examples: Include detailed instances where you successfully managed multiple tasks at once. For example, mention times you handled several tables simultaneously during peak hours.
2. Quantify Your Experience: Provide numbers to illustrate your multitasking skills.
3. Highlight Relevant Skills: In your skills section, explicitly list "multitasking" and other related skills, such as time management and organization.
4. Describe Responsibilities: In the work experience section, detail your duties that require multitasking. For example, you might mention taking orders, serving food, and processing payments all while ensuring customer satisfaction.
5. Showcase Team Collaboration: If applicable, describe how you coordinated with kitchen staff or other servers to manage tasks during busy periods.
6. Include Soft Skills: Mention soft skills that support multitasking, such as adaptability, stress management, and effective communication, in your resume summary or skills section.

What education details are important for a server resume?

For a server resume, the most important education details to include are;

1. Highest Level of Education: List the highest degree or diploma you've earned, such as a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree.
2. School Name and Location: Include the name of the school or institution and the city and state.
3. Graduation Date: Add the month and year of graduation, or if you're still studying, you can mention "expected graduation" with the future date.
4. Relevant Courses or Training: If you've taken any courses related to hospitality, customer service, or communication, it’s good to include them. For example, any coursework that helped develop your interpersonal or problem-solving skills.
5. Certifications: If your education includes any special certifications, like food safety or alcohol service training, list them under education or in a separate certification section.

How do I tailor my resume for a specific restaurant server job?

To boost your chances of getting a restaurant server job, it’s important to tailor your resume to the role and the specific restaurant. Here are some tips;

Use Keywords

1. Research: Find key skills and qualities in the job description that the restaurant is looking for.
2. Include: Use these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and experience sections.

Focus on Relevant Experience

1. Quantify: Add numbers to highlight your impact like "Served 20 tables per shift" or "Increased tips by 15% through great service."
2. Show Skills: Highlight abilities like upselling, using POS systems, and working well in a team.
3. Adapt: If your experience is from another industry, focus on transferable skills like customer service, communication, and problem-solving.

Personalize Your Summary

1. Tailor It: Write a short summary that directly addresses the restaurant’s needs.
2. Highlight: Mention your relevant experience and skills that make you a great fit for the job.

Show Your Personality

1. Positive Tone: Use upbeat language to show your excitement for the job.
2. Examples: Include examples of positive customer interactions or times you went the extra mile.

Make It Easy to Read

1. Organize: Break your resume into clear sections like Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education.
2. Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to make your experience and achievements easy to scan.

What is the ideal length for a server resume?

The ideal length for a server resume is one page. This keeps it concise and ensures that hiring managers can quickly review your qualifications. Since server roles don't require extensive experience or complex technical skills, a single page is usually enough to highlight your relevant experience, skills, certifications, and education. Keep the information focused and avoid including unnecessary details. Use bullet points and clear sections to organize your resume, ensuring that the most important information stands out.