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Server Resume Example & Style Guide

  • Why use this server resume example?
  • How to write a great server resume
  • Which skills are relevant for a server resume?
  • Server resume example

Waitstaff or servers need to be able to juggle many tasks and react to unexpected situations. From being the face of the establishment and greeting guests to suggesting the best menu choices, accurately taking orders, and resolving complaints, waitstaff create great customer experiences. Excelling in these areas could be the pathway to increased responsibilities and will also provide you with some amazing transferable skills as your career progresses. Employers value staff who have a strong work ethic, great sales and customer service skills, and who can represent the business in a positive way. Everything a server has to do on a day-to-day basis! Check out our resume example and step-by-step guide to help you maximize your chances of getting hired.

Why use this server resume example?

If you’re looking for a job as a server, you need a targeted resume that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a format that makes a positive impact when read by a hiring manager or applicant tracking system (ATS). Don’t worry, using our resume example and writing guide will help you create a resume that really works! 

Waitstaff can work in diverse settings, including cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels. With part-time work and flexible schedules, waitstaff can often work around academic studies or family responsibilities. There are plenty of opportunities up for grabs, but the right resume will help set you apart from the competition and land the best jobs.

How to write a great server resume

Your resume should showcase your experience in building positive relationships with customers, delivering excellent service, and thriving in a fast-paced environment. If you are an entry-level server, then your resume needs to highlight transferable skills you can bring from other jobs, academic studies, or volunteer work.

Your professional summary is placed at the top of your resume and is basically a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements as a server. Focus on recent and relevant experience and use this opportunity to highlight your top hard and soft skills relevant to the job opening(s). The job description is a great source for keywords and specific skills, experience, and qualities a hiring manager wants. 

In your work experience section, start with your most recent job and work back to earlier roles that cover no more than 10 to 15 years of experience. Focus on using action verbs at the start of each sentence, such as “recommend,” “organized,” or “resolved.” Achievements are also important to highlight in this section. Specific facts or figures will back up the skills and experience being put forward, particularly if they relate to raising customer satisfaction levels, upselling food and beverages, or winning awards for strong performance. 

If you have completed any culinary school certifications or a college degree, then these should be detailed in your education section. Otherwise, simply list your highest qualification in that section. You can include a licenses and certifications section (if applicable) to include any food hygiene, food safety, alcohol server, or dietary management certificates. These skills and expertise will be valued by an employer and show your commitment to professional development. 

Which skills are relevant for a server resume?

When outlining skills in a server resume, make sure they are relevant to the job opportunity, rather than including a long list of skills that won’t grab the hiring manager’s attention. You can check the job description(s) to identify in-demand skills. Here are some hard and soft skills to include in your resume:

  • Customer service

  • Sales management

  • Food & wine pairing

  • Inventory control

  • Payment processing

  • Cleanliness & hygiene

  • Conflict resolution

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Leadership

  • Time management

  • Active listening

  • Flexibility

  • Teamwork

Server resume example

Example

Summary example

Customer-focused service professional offering more than two years hospitality industry experience, robust work ethic, and persuasive sales capabilities to excel as a server. 

  • Proven history of using well-developed interpersonal, communication, and presentation talents to successfully interact with diverse public population and complete sales transactions in dynamic, fast-paced environment.

  • Highly productive with demonstrated ability to create positive customer experience and deliver superior service that ensures customer satisfaction and repeat business. 

  • Collaborative leader able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, supervise shift activities, handle cash, balance sales receipts, and administer inventory.  

  • Efficiently adapt to shifting priorities, take on additional responsibilities, resolve service issues, and overcome daily operational challenges.

Quickly learn new systems, procedures, and technologies; proficient typist practiced in operating Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems, Microsoft Office, and retail POS systems.

Employment history example

Server/hostess at Applebee’s International, Inc. Myrtle Beach, SC

2018 − 2023

Warmly greeted and engaged guests when overseeing front-of-the-house seating arrangements and table turn activities. Prepared and maintained pleasant, clean, and well-organized dining atmosphere and work space. Arranged workflow and prioritized tasks. Interfaced and communicated with diverse guest population in an informative and helpful fashion while describing menu items and taking orders. Received and verified orders; garnished and served food and drinks in a timely and courteous manner. Maintained cleanliness, safety, functionality, and appearance of facilities, fixtures, and equipment; upheld proper food handling techniques and adhered to all regulatory guidelines.

Promoted incremental sales by explaining featured items, recommending house specialties, and suggesting add-on items.

Waitress at Waffle House Inc., Columbia, SC

2014 - 2018

Explained and shared knowledge of menu items and daily specials with guests. Recorded and clearly conveyed orders to kitchen staff. Collaborated with associates to offer team-oriented service and ensure that orders were served in an efficient manner. Verified customer satisfaction and processed payments. Trained new staff.

  • Supervised staff and completed nightly food count and inventory when selected to serve as Acting Overnight Manager on 10-hour 3rd shift for one year in 2017.

Followed by many customers and coworkers after moving to new store location.

Skills example

  • Adaptability

  • Effective Time Management

  • Food Safety Practices

  • Excellent Customer Service Skills

  • Communication Skills


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