Creating a new server resume requires an understanding of key skills, industry standards, and effective formatting. Hospitality employers seek candidates who demonstrate strong communication and multitasking abilities. A well-crafted resume highlights relevant experience and showcases customer service excellence, which are essential for success in this competitive field. Tailoring your application to reflect the demands of the restaurant environment will significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview.
Source resumethatworks.com
Crafting the Perfect Resume for New Servers
So, you’re diving into the world of serving tables and bringing joy to diners! It’s exciting, but before you can showcase your hospitality skills, you need a killer resume to get your foot in the door. Let’s break down the best structure for a new server resume that will stand out and get you hired!
1. Contact Information
Your resume starts with your contact info—this is how potential employers will reach you, so make it clear and easy to find.
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (optional)
- Current Address (optional, but sometimes a good idea)
2. Objective Statement
This is where you tell them who you are and what you’re looking for. Keep it short and sweet—think 1-2 sentences. Highlight your enthusiasm for the job and any relevant experience.
For example: “Enthusiastic and dedicated waiter with a passion for excellent customer service, seeking a position at [Restaurant Name] to enhance the dining experience for guests and contribute to a dynamic team.”
3. Skills Section
Next up is your skills section! This is the time to shine and showcase any talents that make you a great server. Focus on both hard skills (like point-of-sale systems) and soft skills (like communication). Here’s a quick list of skills to consider:
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Knowledge of Food Safety
- Basic Math Skills (handling cash and making change)
- Problem Solving
4. Work Experience
For new servers, this section is crucial. If you have past experience in food service, absolutely include it! List your jobs in reverse chronological order—that means your most recent job goes first.
| Job Title | Company Name | Location | Dates Employed | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Runner | Busy Bistro | City, State | June 2022 – August 2023 | Assisted servers by delivering food promptly and ensuring guest satisfaction. |
| Host | Charming Café | City, State | January 2021 – May 2022 | Greeted guests, managed reservations, and liaised between service and kitchen staff. |
5. Education
If you’ve got any relevant education, include it here. Even if it isn’t directly related to serving, mentioning your high school diploma or any hospitality courses can show you have a commitment to learning.
- High School Diploma – [Your School], Year
- ServSafe Certification (if applicable)
- Any relevant courses or workshops
6. Additional Sections
Lastly, you can include any extra sections that might help your application stand out. Think about:
- Volunteer Work: A great way to show leadership and community involvement.
- Languages: Being bilingual can be super helpful in busy restaurants.
- Hobbies: If they relate to food or hospitality, it’s a nice touch!
Remember to keep everything concise, focused, and tailored for the serving job you’re applying for. Make sure your format is neat and easy to read—you want to make it super simple for hiring managers to scan through your resume quickly. Good luck with your serving journey!
Sample Resumes for New Servers
Entry-Level Server Resume for a Restaurant Chain
This resume is tailored for an individual seeking their first role as a server at a popular restaurant chain, emphasizing customer service skills and a willingness to learn.
- Name: Jane Doe
- Contact: [email protected] | (123) 456-7890
- Objective: Enthusiastic high school graduate eager to bring exceptional customer service skills and a strong work ethic to a dynamic restaurant team.
- Skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Basic food safety knowledge
- Experience:
- Volunteer at Local Food Bank – Assisted with meal service and customer interactions.
- Babysitting – Managed multiple children’s requests while providing attentive care.
- Education: High School Diploma – Generic High School, Graduated June 2023
Server Resume for Transitioning to a Higher-End Restaurant
This resume focuses on an experienced server aiming to transition from casual dining to a higher-end establishment, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Name: John Smith
- Contact: [email protected] | (321) 654-0987
- Objective: Experienced server with 3 years in casual dining seeking a position at a fine dining restaurant to utilize my exceptional service skills and wine knowledge.
- Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of wine and food pairings
- Strong upselling skills
- Exceptional multi-tasking abilities
- Experience in handling difficult customer situations
- Experience:
- Server – Casual Dining Restaurant, 2020-Present
- Barista – Coffee Shop, 2019-2020
- Education: Certificate in Hospitality Management – Local Community College, 2022
Server Resume for a College Student with a Busy Schedule
This resume is created for a college student who requires a flexible schedule but wishes to gain experience in the service industry.
- Name: Maria Johnson
- Contact: [email protected] | (123) 789-4560
- Objective: Motivated college student seeking a part-time server position that offers flexible hours and growth opportunities within the food industry.
- Skills:
- Strong time management skills
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
- Adaptability in high-pressure situations
- Inclusive and welcoming demeanor
- Experience:
- Hostess – Local Café, 2022-Present
- Retail Associate – Clothing Store, 2021-Present
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Business – State University, Expected Graduation 2025
Resume for a Server with Previous Hospitality Experience
This sample highlights a candidate with prior experience in hospitality but new to serving, showcasing transferable skills.
- Name: Felix Garcia
- Contact: [email protected] | (987) 654-3210
- Objective: Dedicated hospitality professional transitioning to a server position to apply my knowledge of customer engagement and service excellence.
- Skills:
- Strong customer relationship management
- Proficient in restaurant software
- Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and safety
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt
- Experience:
- Front Desk Associate – Luxury Hotel, 2021-2023
- Event Coordinator – Local Events Venue, 2020-2021
- Education: Associate Degree in Hospitality Management – Community College, 2021
Server Resume for a Retired Professional Seeking a Second Career
This sample is crafted for a retired individual looking to enter the service industry, emphasizing maturity and strong interpersonal skills.
- Name: Alice Thompson
- Contact: [email protected] | (456) 789-1230
- Objective: Energetic and friendly retired professional seeking a serving position to engage with people and provide exceptional dining experiences.
- Skills:
- Vast life and work experience, able to connect with diverse clientele
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Patient and attentive to customer needs
- Ability to manage stress in high-demand situations
- Experience:
- Nonprofit Volunteer Coordinator, 2015-2023
- Industry Consultant, 2005-2015
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – University of Example, 1978
Server Resume for a Candidate with Customer Service Background
This resume showcases a candidate with a strong customer service background and highlights their desire to transition into the restaurant industry.
- Name: Kevin Lee
- Contact: [email protected] | (741) 852-9630
- Objective: Customer service-oriented individual seeking a server role to leverage my extensive experience in delivering outstanding service and enhancing guest experiences.
- Skills:
- Exceptional verbal communication and listening skills
- Ability to work as part of a team to achieve common goals
- Proficient with cash handling and payment processing
- Knowledge of food handling and safety protocols
- Experience:
- Customer Service Representative – Retail Store, 2020-Present
- Intern – Local Marketing Firm, 2019-2020
- Education: Certificate in Customer Service – Online University, 2022
What key skills should be highlighted on a new server resume?
A new server resume should prominently feature skills that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform effectively in a restaurant setting. Essential skills include communication, which facilitates interaction with customers and team members; time management, which enables efficient service during busy shifts; and multitasking, which allows servers to handle multiple tables simultaneously. Furthermore, a strong customer service orientation is crucial, as it helps in satisfying client needs and ensuring repeat business. Knowledge of food and beverage pairing enhances a server’s ability to make recommendations, leading to increased sales. Finally, familiarity with point-of-sale systems is valuable, as it shows technical proficiency that can streamline order processing and payment handling.
How should a new server structure their resume to appeal to employers?
A new server should structure their resume to maximize clarity and impact. The format should follow a clear layout, starting with a professional summary that offers a brief overview of the candidate’s experience and skills. Following this, a section dedicated to skills should list both hard and soft skills relevant to serving. Next, an experience section should chronologically highlight any previous work in food service or related fields, emphasizing roles and responsibilities. If applicable, a section on education and relevant certifications—such as food safety training—should also be included. Lastly, a section on references or an offer to provide references upon request can be added to foster credibility.
What is the importance of including specific achievements on a new server resume?
Including specific achievements on a new server resume is important for differentiating the candidate from their peers. Achievements provide tangible evidence of a candidate’s contributions and effectiveness in their previous roles. For instance, mentioning a significant increase in sales due to upselling techniques demonstrates proactive initiative and sales acumen. Similarly, highlighting positive customer feedback or commendations showcases a commitment to service excellence. Specific achievements also illustrate teamwork and collaboration, which are critical in high-pressure environments like restaurants. Overall, this information enhances the resume’s impact by presenting the candidate as a results-oriented professional who can add value to potential employers.
Thanks for hanging out with me and diving into the world of crafting a standout server resume! I hope you picked up some helpful tips that make your job hunt a little smoother. Remember, putting your best foot forward on paper can open up awesome opportunities, so give it your all. Don’t be a stranger—swing by again soon for more insights and advice! Happy job hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
