Server Resume Examples Guide [20+ Tips]

Server Resume Examples Guide [20+ Tips] Servers provide patrons with the best possible dining experience. They take orders, serve food and beverages, and answer questions regarding the menu. A perfect server resume covers relevant experience in the dining industry as well as skills such as active listening, problem-solving, and stress tolerance.Sounds like carrying three plates on one arm?True??the servers job is demanding.But you can do all these with your eyes shut.How to prove it to your future employer?Write a job-winning server resume. The one that shows your achievements and impeccable customer service skills.Were here to help.This article will show you:A server resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.How to write a server resume that will land you more interviews.Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a server resume.How to describe your experience on a resume for a server to get any job you want.Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its f ast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample Server ResumeSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowTargeting other jobs in the food industry? Look at our dedicated guides:Banquet Server ResumeBarista ResumeBartender ResumeBar Manager ResumeBarback ResumeBusser ResumeCatering ResumeChef ResumeFast Food ResumeMcDonald's ResumeLine Cook ResumeRestaurant ResumeEvent Manager ResumeEvent Planner ResumeRestaurant Manager ResumeWaitstaff ResumeAlso, make sure to see a server cover letter sample here: Server Cover Letter1Choose the Best Format for Your Server ResumeAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for server jobs in the US will grow by 7% between 2016 and 2026.From bars and eateries to fine dining restaura nts, servers are needed everywhere.What does it mean to you as a candidate?Many job opportunities. Buts also??a lot of competition.To win this contest, you need a well-composed restaurant server resume. A list of server duties scribbled on a cocktail napkin wont do the job.How to satisfy the recruiters taste?Begin with the professional resume format.The reverse-chronological resume is your best choice. It leads the hiring manager through your restaurant job history step by step, and it promotes your recent achievements.Other benefits of the rev-chron resume? Most hiring managers are familiar with its layout. Its easy to read and scan?.A chronological resume will also help you pass the ATS test (many restaurant chains today use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to pre-select candidates).How about a server resume template?It needs to be elegant and easy to navigate, like the menu in a fancy restaurant. So divide your document into clear resume sections, pick the best resume fonts, a nd leave enough white space.Finally, save your resume as a PDF, unless the employer asks for an MS Word file specifically.Pro Tip: Writing a server resume with no serving experience? Still, go for a chronological resume format. However, put more focus on the skills that you can transfer from your other jobs.Not sure about your resume format choice? See our guide: Resume Format: Samples and Templates for all Types of Resumes (10+)2Write a Fine Server Resume Objective or SummaryAs a restaurant server, you know the importance of the first impression.Charisma plus a smile??And your guests feel you care for them from the very first minute.Your server resume needs to work the same way because it makes for the recruiters first impression about you.How to grab the hiring managers attention right away?Write a professional profile, a short introductory paragraph that sums up your best career moments you put at the top of your catering server resume.It can be either a resume summary or resume objective.Heres the difference between the two:A resume summary works best for experienced candidates. It concentrates on your key achievements and best serving gigs.A resume objective is a good choice for entry-level positions. It highlights the skills and describes your motivation to work at this particular place.Take a look at the examples below:Server Resume SummaryRightCustomer-focused server with 5+ years of experience serving guests at New Yorks Senses and Tastes. Catered to up to 50 guests per night and ensured all meals are served on time. Handled the restaurants payment transactions with 99% accuracy.Thats a first-class server resume summary.Why?Its short and to the point. It shows facts and numbers. It paints an overall picture of the candidates experience.WrongFriendly server with plenty of restaurant experience. Always kind to diners, knows how to advise customers and solve problematic issues. Dealt both with orders and payments.Friendly server with plenty of experience ?Unfortunately, this could be anyone.Avoid resume cliches. Instead, name achievements and quantify them.Now for those less experienced in the food and beverage serving industry?a sample objective.Server Resume ObjectiveRightWell-organized college student with 2+ years experience as a weekend barista. Accustomed to a fast-paced environment and accurate with bills (98% correct cash transactions). Earned the Barista of the Month award in 2017. Eager to support your wait staff team at The Tasty. Wrong Hard-working server-to-be. Interested in your opening for a serving position at The Tasty. Previous experience includes bartending.WrongHard-working server-to-be. Interested in your opening for a serving position at The Tasty. Previous experience includes bartending.The first objective?Although the candidate doesnt have any serving experience, they show transferable skills from other positions.The second one?Without any facts and numbers, its not going to convince any recruiter.Pro Tip: Wr ite your server resume summary or objective once you finish writing all the other sections. It will be much easier to collect the best material this way.Still not sure how to start your resume to grab the recruiters attention? Check out our guide: How to Start a Resume: A Complete Guide With Tips 15+ Examples3Create the Perfect Restaurant Server Job Description for a ResumeWhether youve served at an upscale restaurant or in the local bar?How you describe your work experience on a resume matters.Your description of server responsibilities must treat the restaurant managers.How to make this happen?Find out exactly what theyre looking for and tailor your restaurant server job description to the job ad.Pick the most relevant achievements and describe them using resume action verbs, such as managed, ensured, coordinated, catered to, etc.Always quantify your accomplishments. This way, you will help the hiring manager assess your work capacities.Take a look at these sample server resume j ob descriptions:Food Server Job Description for a ResumeRightHead ServerJanuary 2016?December 2018Moi Italian Restaurant, New York, NYKey responsibilities:Ensured quality service of up to 50 guests per night with no order mistakes.Provided weekly menu items training to waitresses, waiters, and bartenders.Mediated problematic situations and managed to solve all issues of this kind.Coordinated the kitchen-service flow of orders and constantly monitored clients satisfaction.Key achievements:Designed a task management system that helped to speed up workflow by 20%.Reduced diners wait time by 15% thanks to a new table placement proposal.WrongHead ServerJanuary 2016?December 2018Moi Italian Restaurant, New York, NYKey responsibilities:Provided daily quality service to guests.Coordinated the kitchen-service flow of orders.Monitored clients satisfaction.Managed the staff tasks.Whats the difference between these two?The wrong example is a boring list of duties. The right one shows both dutie s and achievements and backs them up with numbers.Entry-Level Banquet Server Resume?Job DescriptionAnd what if you havent worked as a catering server before?List all related jobs on your resume. Heres how:RightBaristaJuly 2015?April 2016North Cafe, New York, NYKey responsibilities:Advised customers on coffee choices on the basis of their personal tastes.Assessed personal satisfaction by performing weekly surveys (maintained 98% customer satisfaction score).Provided tutoring sessions for fresher baristas.Managed coffee orders and order payments.Key achievement:Supported the cafe manager with financial operations and helped to reduce monthly costs by $1500 thanks to well-estimated coffee grains demand.See?This former barista makes for a great future restaurant server.Pro Tip: Make sure your experience bullets refer to both your hard skills and soft skills.Trying to tailor your resume job description to the job ad? Read our dedicated guide: 6 Tips on How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (Examples)4Make Your Banquet Server Resume Education Section ShineTo become a server, you dont need any formal education. Most of the restaurants provide on-the-job training.However, any academic track record may boost your chances of winning that dream job.Other requirements for a server job?Some restaurants ask for a food handler card or a special permit to work as a server. But these are usually sponsored by the employer.Regardless of the education that you have?the education section on a resume does matter.Heres how to do it right.A degree on your server resume:Right2008 Diploma in Restaurant HospitalityInstitute of Culinary Schooling, New York, NY3.7 GPAYour university degree is still in progress? Dont worry:RightDiploma in Restaurant HospitalityInstitute of Culinary Schooling, New York, NYExpected Graduation in 2019And finally, a high school diploma:RightVictoria and Albert High School, New York, NYGraduated: 2012General tips:Candidates with more than five years of professional experience should stick to listing their degree, school name and location, and graduation year.Less experienced candidates may also add their GPA (if upwards of 3.5), extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, and relevant coursework.Dont add a high school entry if you finished college.Need more details regarding a resume education section? Youll find them here: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips Examples]5Highlight Your Server SkillsAll right. You have your professional profile and server job description ready.ButRecruiters are hungry for more!Satisfy their appetites with a server skills list that proves you know how to serve plates and how to talk to guests.Your server resume skills section needs to combine soft skills and technical abilities.Use the list below to pick out skills for your resume:Server Resume Skills?ExamplesPOS (Point of Sale) systemsDining room setupCash and credit transactionsDrink dispenser useFood safety proceduresRestaurant IntercomPolitenessEnergyDetail-orientedService-orientedReading comprehensionCommunicationStress toleranceActive listeningActive learningNegotiationCoordinatedSocial perceptivenessMonitoring self-performanceDecision makingPersuasionTime managementCollaboration and teamworkCritical thinkingDecision makingLeadershipProblem-solvingTime managementBut dont clutter your resume skill list with every single skill you can think of. Go back to the job ad to see what skills are mentioned there.For instance:Food and Beverage Server Job AdWere looking for someone to serve food and drinks to guests with our new delivery system.Responsibilities include: greeting guests, answering their questions, advising on food and drinks options, interacting with patrons, and ensuring a friendly atmosphere. Other duties: taking orders to the service bar and kitchen via the register system, responding to guest requests immediately, taking payments, making correct change, clearing and resetting dining tables.Your custom-selected skills:Excellent customer serviceCommunicationCollaboration and teamworkRestaurant register systemsTime managementPerceptivenessFast countingTable setupThats how you do it!Pro Tip: Working in a fast-paced environment requires perfect time management and flexibility. If you consider a servers job, but you feel it may be too fast for you, dont worry. There are ways to improve your time management.Looking for more skills examples? Check out this guide: 99 Key Skills for a Resume (Best List of Examples for All Types of Jobs)When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.6Add Other Sections to Your Server ResumeExtra sections on a restaurant server resume work just like a dessert course. They trick the recruiters brain into wanting more.You can surely add:Language skillsAchievements and awardsVolunteer experienceHobbies and interestsBut remember, pick the skills relevant to a server job.Say, achievements.Maybe you maintained the highest client satisfaction rate or were named The Friendliest Host of 2019? Show it on your resume.Here are some tips for other sections:Hobbies and interests:Passionate culinary blogger: [blog address]Trained mixologistCertifications:Food Safety Food Handler Certification (2020 expiration)Certified Food Manager (2019)Certified Food Executive (2018)Pro Tip: If youre looking for opportunities to get certified in the food serving industry, visit The National Restaurant Association website.Want to list your server certifications on a resume, but youre not sure how? More info here: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide (+20 Examples)7Attach a Server Resume Cover LetterDo you need a cover letter for a server position?Quick answer?You do. About 50% of recruiters expect your application to incl ude a cover letter. Thats a lot.So writing a good server cover letter can really boost your chances of getting this restaurant job.How to create a gourmet server cover letter in no time?Choose the right cover letter format.Set the right tone in your cover letter intro.Make an offer to the employer. Say how you can help them.Include a call to action in your cover letter conclusion.Pro Tip: Follow up on your job application. This will show the recruiter you really care.Wondering what the best cover letter length is? Find out in our guide: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? [Ideal Word Length Page Count]Key TakeawayHeres how to write your server resume:Use the best format for your restaurant server resume. A reverse-chronological resume layout will help you promote your accomplishments.Quantify your achievements and paint a compelling picture of your server work history in the experience section of your resume.Tailor your server skills list to the job ad. Youll find the skills theyre after in...the job offer itself.Add a cherry on top by putting extra sections on your resume.And, complement your resume with a mouth-watering cover letter for a server job.And thats how you write a winning server resume!Are you writing a server resume for the first time? Or perhaps youre a seasoned pro eager to help someone get the Michelin star? Wed love to hear from you, leave your comment below!