As a server, you need an engaging resume that captures the most compelling aspects of your experience within the hospitality industry. Focus on creating impactful content that shows potential employers your proven track record of delivering exceptional service in fast-paced restaurant environments. In this guide, we’ll provide all the tools you need to translate your career into an eye-catching server resume.
This resume has a clear and concise layout effectively displays the candidate’s best achievements as a banquet server. The bullet points incorporate impressive numbers to illustrate the applicant’s experience delivering quality service during large events.
This resume example conveys the candidate’s extensive experience serving in upscale, fine dining establishments. The bullet points effectively capture the applicant’s ability to educate guests on menu items and drive sales using upselling techniques.
In this example, the candidate leverages monetary figures and sales metrics to showcase their proven track record of success within the hospitality industry. The applicant also emphasizes their ability to train and mentor new servers, demonstrating their leadership qualities.
This example is compelling because it showcases the candidate’s ability to thrive in both upscale dining and large-scale event environments. Quantifiable achievements, like increasing check totals by 18% and reducing cleanup time by 25%, demonstrate tangible value. The resume also highlights expertise in menu knowledge, guest satisfaction, and leadership through training and recognition awards, making it well-rounded and results-focused.
This resume shines by emphasizing the candidate’s ability to drive customer satisfaction and retention, illustrated by a 20% increase in guest satisfaction and a 15% boost in retention rates. It also highlights specific skills, such as craft beer knowledge and seasonal menu recommendations, which are valuable in the gastropub setting. Including quantifiable sales results (exceeding sales targets by 25%) adds further weight to the candidate’s accomplishments. Additionally, their leadership role in training new staff demonstrates their ability to contribute to team success.
This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s experience in fine dining and luxury hospitality, which sets them apart in competitive restaurant environments. The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as a 25% boost in wine sales and a 10% reduction in onboarding time, demonstrates both revenue impact and leadership capabilities. Additionally, the resume underscores the candidate’s ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences, mentor team members, and support private dining events, making it a well-rounded and impactful example.
This example is strong because it highlights the candidate’s experience in both upscale dining and resort environments, showcasing adaptability and versatility. Quantifiable results, such as a 20% increase in average check totals and a 12% boost in revenue, provide clear evidence of success. The ability to manage high-volume sections, support large-scale events, and build relationships with repeat guests makes this candidate a valuable asset to any restaurant or resort team.
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to thrive in both fine dining and casual restaurant settings. It includes measurable achievements, such as a 15% increase in guest satisfaction scores and a 20% boost in sales revenue, demonstrating a direct impact on the restaurant’s success. The emphasis on leadership through staff training and guest issue resolution further strengthens the candidate’s qualifications and shows they’re well-rounded in their skill set.
This resume stands out because it emphasizes the candidate’s niche expertise in farm-to-table dining, which adds a unique element to their profile. Including specific achievements, such as boosting table sales by 18% and improving team performance by 20%, showcases the candidate’s ability to deliver results. Additionally, the resume highlights their leadership through staff mentorship and their ability to handle private events, making them a versatile and valuable hire.
This example highlights the candidate’s expertise in upscale dining and proven ability to drive revenue through upselling, with a 25% increase in sales per shift as a standout achievement. The resume also emphasizes their ability to manage high-pressure situations and foster guest loyalty, which is critical in high-end establishments. Their experience mentoring junior staff shows leadership potential, making this a well-rounded and impactful resume.
This resume is effective because it focuses on the candidate’s ability to manage large sections in high-volume environments while maintaining accuracy and guest satisfaction. The inclusion of quantifiable metrics, such as a 10% increase in table sales and a 4.7-star average rating, demonstrates their success. Their experience in training and supporting team members also highlights their teamwork and leadership skills, which are essential in dynamic restaurant settings.
This resume stands out by showcasing the candidate’s ability to thrive in unique, high-energy environments like music-themed restaurants and venues. The 20% increase in ticket totals and 25% monthly sales boost demonstrate their skill in upselling and contributing to revenue growth. The candidate also highlights their teamwork and training abilities, which are key in maintaining high service standards in fast-paced settings.
This resume is particularly compelling for its focus on luxury dining and VIP service, which are critical in high-end resort environments. The candidate demonstrates their ability to drive revenue through upselling (22% increase in guest spend) and their focus on guest satisfaction (97% satisfaction score). Their leadership skills, showcased through mentoring junior staff, further enhance the value they bring to high-profile dining establishments.
This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s expertise in coastal dining and resort settings, focusing on driving sales through seasonal menu promotions (15% increase) and enhancing guest satisfaction (95% satisfaction rate). Including leadership experience, such as training new staff, adds depth to their qualifications. Their ability to handle high-volume service and large party reservations demonstrates strong organizational and multitasking skills.
This resume effectively balances the candidate’s experience in both fine dining and casual dining settings, showing adaptability. Including measurable achievements, such as a 20% increase in average check size and a 4.8-star guest review average, demonstrates their impact on revenue and guest satisfaction. The candidate’s ability to train and mentor new staff adds leadership value, making them a strong asset to any restaurant team.
This resume is compelling because it highlights the candidate’s ability to excel in a unique, high-pressure environment like theme park and resort dining. The 22% increase in per-person spend and 98% satisfaction rating demonstrate their ability to boost revenue while keeping guests happy. Their experience with event-specific operations and seasonal staff training further showcases their versatility and leadership skills.
This resume is strong because it highlights the candidate’s specialized expertise in craft breweries and gastropubs, making them a perfect fit for similar roles. The measurable results, such as an 18% increase in ticket sales and a 15% boost in retention, demonstrate their direct impact on revenue and guest loyalty. Their ability to handle high-volume service and support events shows they can perform well under pressure.
This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s expertise in Cajun and Creole cuisine, which is a unique selling point for restaurants in this niche. The measurable achievements, such as a 22% boost in sales and a 96% guest satisfaction score, showcase their ability to make a positive impact. Their leadership experience in mentoring new staff and handling private events adds depth, making them a strong candidate for casual and fine-dining establishments.
This resume showcases the candidate’s ability to increase revenue through upselling and personalized service, demonstrated by a 25% increase in table sales. Their success in both high-end and casual dining environments highlights their versatility. Leadership skills, such as mentoring new servers and supporting private events, further elevate their qualifications, making them an asset to any team.
This resume is compelling because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments. The measurable achievements, such as a 12% increase in table sales and a 4.9-star rating, showcase their impact on both sales and guest satisfaction. Their expertise in Tex-Mex dining and ability to handle large parties further emphasize their value in casual, family-friendly restaurant settings.
This example stands out because it highlights the candidate’s niche expertise in food truck and mobile catering environments—an area not covered by other examples. The resume emphasizes adaptability, speed, and accuracy under pressure, with quantifiable achievements that demonstrate a high level of guest satisfaction and efficiency in outdoor service settings.
Vincent Romano
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Philadelphia, PA 12345
An accomplished fine dining server with five years of experience delivering outstanding service in upscale Italian restaurants. A proven track record of exceeding sales targets and identifying creative ways to enhance the guest experience.
Server, La Trattoria Bella, Philadelphia, PA | November 2022 – present
Server, Giovanni’s Ristorante, Philadelphia, PA | July 2018 – November 2022
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Hospitality & Tourism
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | June 2018
A server resume should be clean and easy to read, showcasing your expertise in customer service, hospitality, and restaurant operations. Opt for a well-organized layout that places your most engaging accomplishments front and center. Avoid overly complex and colorful designs that might distract the hiring manager from your qualifications and experience.
The opening summary is your first opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention and establish the overall tone of your resume. It should emphasize your relevant skill sets and strengths that match the job description, such as upselling techniques and customer service. Emphasize your passion for the hospitality industry. Vividly display your consistently delivering an exceptional dining experience, even during the busiest shifts. This clearly conveys that you have the serving expertise to thrive in fast-paced restaurant environments.
A results-driven server with seven years of experience in fine dining, specializing in guest relations, upselling techniques, and team development. A proven track record of increasing sales through personalized recommendations and consistently delivering an exceptional guest experience in high-end establishments.
I’m an expert server with many years of experience at a variety of restaurants. I can communicate well with guests and work in team environments. I’m excited to apply my skills as the new server at your establishment.
The work history section is the core foundation of your server resume, illustrating your most impactful achievements as a hospitality professional. As you build out your bullet points, incorporate quantifiable accomplishments to draw the hiring manager’s eye, such as guest satisfaction scores, sales revenue, and restaurant reviews. Emphasize your ability to handle stress and communicate effectively with guests and diverse teams, even during high-volume periods.
Server, La Trattoria Bella, Philadelphia, PA | November 2022 – present
Server | The Diner | Austin, TX | May 2020 – present
While formal education is often not a requirement for servers, a degree in tourism and hospitality management could be advantageous for your long-term career prospects, especially if you have aspirations for a management-level position. Most establishments will also expect a ServSafe certification, demonstrating your knowledge of food safety protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Hospitality & Tourism
University of Syracuse, New York, NY | June 2019
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certification | June 2021
Although not every restaurant will use an applicant tracking system (ATS), it’s still important to feature a list of your most relevant skill sets. Be sure to display a range of interpersonal and hospitality management skills, especially if they’re mentioned in the job description. Below, you’ll find a collection of potential key terms that you may encounter when pursuing a server position:
| Key skills for a server: | |
|---|---|
| Communication | Conflict resolution |
| Customer service | Event coordination |
| Fine dining | Food safety regulations |
| Guest relations | Hospitality management |
| Menu knowledge | Multitasking |
| Restaurant management | Sales |
| Staff development | Team collaboration |
| Upselling techniques | |
Resume.org offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.
Build Your ResumeChoose a professional and straightforward resume template. For server roles, the focus should be clarity and the ability to quickly communicate your qualifications and skills. Avoid overly elaborate designs that might distract from your qualifications. Opt for a simple, clean design that emphasizes your hospitality experience.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Collaborated |
| Communicated | Coordinated |
| Delivered | Drove |
| Enhanced | Identified |
| Implemented | Improved |
| Led | Managed |
| Prepared | Provided |
| Resolved | Served |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that server occupations are only expected to grow by 1% over the next decade. Despite the lack of growth, this still amounts to over 2 million server jobs yearly. While you can always find new serving gigs, the most lucrative establishments will be far more selective in who they hire. To secure the highest-paying server positions, align your resume with the job description. For example, if a restaurant is looking for a candidate with extensive fine dining experience, make this part of your background the focal point of your opening summary and work history sections.
The best resume format for servers is reverse-chronological, which highlights your most recent experience first. This format helps showcase your experience in fast-paced environments and demonstrates how your skills have developed. A combination format is generally not advisable here, as hiring managers will be more interested in your work history.
Career Coach
Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.
