When crafting a server resume, it’s essential to highlight relevant skills, work experience, and education. Strong communication skills enable servers to interact effectively with customers and team members. Previous work experience in the food service industry significantly enhances a candidate’s appeal to potential employers. Certifications in food safety and customer service boost a server’s qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to professional standards. Finally, listing specific achievements, like exemplary customer feedback or upselling success, can set a server apart in a competitive job market.
Source resume.io
What To Put On A Server Resume
Crafting a server resume can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t stress too much! We’re going to break it down into straightforward sections that’ll help you showcase your skills and experience. Whether you’re applying at a cozy café or a bustling restaurant, having the right information in the right structure makes a world of difference. Here’s a handy guide on what to include in your server resume.
1. Contact Information
Your contact information is like a greeting card—it’s the first thing employers see. Make sure it’s clear and easy to find.
- Name: Use your full name.
- Phone Number: Provide a number where you can be easily reached.
- Email Address: Use a professional email (avoid silly nicknames).
- LinkedIn or Personal Website: If you have one, include it to show more about you.
2. Objective or Summary
This is a brief statement at the top of your resume that gives a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. It’s your chance to make a good first impression!
Here’s how to write it:
- Keep it 1-2 sentences long.
- Focus on your best skills and what you aim to contribute to the restaurant.
- Example: “Friendly and dedicated server with 3+ years in high-paced restaurants, looking to leverage great customer service skills.”
3. Work Experience
Your work experience is crucial—this is where you show what you’ve done! List your jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). For each job, include:
- Job Title: Be specific, like “Server” or “Lead Server.”
- Restaurant Name: Include the name and location.
- Dates of Employment: Month and year that you started and ended each position.
- Key Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points for readability!
Here’s a quick layout:
| Job Title | Company Name, Location | Dates | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server | Pizza Palace, New York, NY | June 2020 – Present |
|
| Lead Server | Café Delight, Brooklyn, NY | May 2018 – May 2020 |
|
4. Skills
This section is a great way to highlight your specific abilities that are relevant to serving. Think about both hard skills (like ordering systems) and soft skills (like communication).
- Customer service skills
- Multitasking
- Cash handling
- Knowledge of food safety
- POS (Point of Sale) systems experience
5. Education
This section shows your educational background but doesn’t have to be extensive. If you’ve taken courses relevant to the food industry or hospitality, include it. Also, if you have certifications like a food handler’s permit, that’s worth mentioning too!
| Degree/Certification | Institution Name | Year Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Brooklyn High School, Brooklyn, NY | 2018 |
| Food Handler’s Permit | City of New York | 2021 |
6. Additional Sections
If you’ve got space and relevant details to share, consider adding extra sections like:
- References: You can list people who can vouch for your work ethic, but it’s common to write “Available upon request.”
- Awards: Any employee of the month recognitions or customer appreciation awards?
- Languages: If you speak multiple languages, it’s a plus in a diverse restaurant setting!
With all these components, you’re ready to create a killer server resume! Just remember to keep it neat and concise, and let your personality shine through! Good luck out there!
Essentials for Crafting an Impressive Server Resume
1. Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
As a server, your primary responsibility is to provide excellent customer service. It’s essential to showcase relevant skills that demonstrate your ability to work well with customers and ensure their dining experience is enjoyable.
- Active listening to understand customer needs
- Conflict resolution skills for handling complaints
- Empathy and patience in high-pressure situations
- Positive and approachable demeanor
2. Include Your Experience with Food Safety Practices
Employers value servers who understand food safety as it impacts their restaurant’s reputation. This is especially important in environments where food hygiene is critical.
- Knowledge of food storage protocols
- Experience with sanitization and cleanliness standards
- Understanding of allergen management
- Certification in food handler safety (if applicable)
3. Mention Any Technical Skills
In today’s digital age, being tech-savvy can give you an edge over other candidates. Highlighting experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems or other technology used in the restaurant industry can set you apart.
- Experience with specific POS systems (e.g., Square, Toast)
- Familiarity with restaurant reservation software
- Proficiency in using online ordering platforms
- Ability to use inventory management software
4. List Your Teamwork Experience
Working as a server often requires collaboration with kitchen staff and other servers. Demonstrating your ability to work as part of a team is crucial for potential employers.
- Experience working in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
- Ability to assist colleagues during busy shifts
- Participation in team meetings and training sessions
- Conflict negotiation with team members
5. Showcase Your Time Management Skills
Servers need to juggle multiple tasks effectively, especially during peak hours. Illustrating your time management abilities can help prospective employers understand your capacity to handle busy shifts.
- Prioritizing tasks to enhance efficiency
- Managing multiple tables and customer requests simultaneously
- Adapting to shift changes and schedule adjustments
- Ensuring timely order delivery to customers
6. Emphasize Upselling Abilities
Being proficient in upselling can significantly contribute to a restaurant’s revenue. Highlighting these skills shows that you understand the business side of serving.
- Experience recommending daily specials and high-margin items
- Use of persuasive language to increase sales
- Knowledge of wine or drink pairings to enhance customer experience
- Ability to gauge customer preferences for effective suggestions
7. Signify Your Adaptability
Working in a restaurant setting often requires quick thinking and adaptability. Showcasing your ability to adjust to various situations can illustrate your resilience and flexibility.
- Handling unexpected changes in customer volume
- Adjusting to last-minute menu changes or dietary restrictions
- Managing competing priorities during peak hours
- Adapting to diverse customer needs and preferences
What Essential Skills Should Be Highlighted on a Server Resume?
To create a standout server resume, candidates should emphasize key skills that showcase their ability to manage customer service effectively. Communication skills play a crucial role, as servers must interact with customers and teammates. Attention to detail is essential, enabling servers to remember orders accurately and provide a satisfying dining experience. Multitasking abilities allow servers to juggle multiple tables and tasks simultaneously, while problem-solving skills equip them to handle customer complaints or unexpected issues promptly. Additionally, proficiency in point-of-sale (POS) systems enhances a server’s efficiency in processing transactions. These core skills make a server resume compelling and demonstrate a candidate’s suitability for the role.
What Experience Is Relevant to Include on a Server Resume?
When crafting a server resume, it is vital to include relevant experience that supports the application. Previous work in food service positions holds significant value, as it showcases familiarity with the restaurant environment. Experience in customer-facing roles demonstrates the ability to interact positively with guests, a key requirement in the server position. Including specific metrics, such as the volume of customers served during peak hours, conveys a candidate’s efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, detailing any leadership positions, such as shift leader or trainer, highlights interpersonal skills and the ability to mentor others. Incorporating these experiences into a resume gives potential employers insight into the candidate’s capabilities and past contributions.
What Certifications Can Enhance a Server Resume?
To strengthen a server resume, candidates should consider obtaining relevant certifications that demonstrate their commitment to the profession. Food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, show a commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the food industry. Alcohol server licenses are valuable, showcasing the candidate’s knowledge of responsible alcohol service and compliance with local regulations. Customer service training certifications can enhance a resume by indicating proficiency in communication and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, wine or beverage certifications can set a candidate apart by illustrating specialized knowledge that may benefit the establishment. Including these certifications on a server resume enhances credibility and illustrates a proactive approach to professional development.
So there you have it! Crafting a standout server resume isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of thought and effort to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Remember to keep it tailored and genuine—it’s all about showcasing the awesome server that you are. Thanks for taking the time to read through our tips! We hope you found them helpful. Be sure to swing by again soon for more insights and advice. Happy job hunting!
