A well-crafted cafeteria worker resume is essential for standing out in a competitive job market.

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, your document should reflect your skills, work ethic, and dedication to providing excellent service.

In this article, we’ll cover the key components of a strong application and provide great resume writing tips, from highlighting relevant skills to showcasing your expertise in the industry.

Cafeteria worker resume examples

Cafeteria worker manager resume sample

Cafeteria worker manager resume template

Cafeteria Manager Resume
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Resume for cafeteria worker manager | Plain text

Natalie Brooks
natalie.brooks@email.com | (312) 555-7281 | Chicago, IL

Summary

Experienced and organized cafeteria manager with 10+ years overseeing school and hospital cafeteria operations. Skilled in staff supervision, food safety compliance, and inventory management. Known for improving efficiency while maintaining high food quality and service standards.

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Staff scheduling
  • Budget management
  • Food safety (ServSafe certified)
  • Vendor coordination
  • Customer service
  • Conflict resolution
  • Time management

Experience

Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Cafeteria Manager

Chicago, IL | April 2019 – Present

  • Manage a team of 15 staff members in a busy hospital cafeteria, ensuring smooth daily operations and high service standards.
  • Reduced food waste by 22% by analyzing usage trends and improving inventory control processes.
  • Implemented a digital staff scheduling system, which increased shift coverage accuracy and reduced last-minute absences.
  • Partner with clinical nutritionists to revise menus for patients and guests with dietary restrictions.

Loyola High School | Assistant Cafeteria Manager

Chicago, IL | August 2015 – March 2019

  • Supervised daily meal service for over 900 students, including breakfast, lunch, and snack programs.
  • Tracked supply orders and adjusted inventory levels to stay within budget without compromising food quality.
  • Conducted food safety and customer service training for all new hires and part-time student workers.
  • Created rotating seasonal menus that aligned with USDA standards and incorporated student feedback.

Education

Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
Harold Washington College | Chicago, IL | 2014

Certifications

  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager | Issued May 2023
  • CPR and First Aid | American Red Cross | Issued July 2022

Awards

  • Employee of the Quarter | Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Q4 2022
  • Recognized for improving overall cafeteria efficiency and reducing service wait times by 30%.

Strong sides of this food service worker resume example:

  • Clean structure with balanced layout that highlights both leadership and hands-on experience.
  • Includes measurable achievements and quantifiable improvements in operations.
  • Additional "Awards" section strengthens the document by showcasing recognition from employers.
How to properly format a resume for a cafeteria worker?
  • Choose a clean font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Opt for a font size between 10 to 12 points for body text, and 14 to 16 for headings.
  • Limit the resume length to one or two pages.
  • Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
  • Use 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing for clear text.
  • Align text to the left for easy readability.
  • Add bullet points to list skills, responsibilities, and achievements.
  • Maintain consistent layout throughout the document.
  • Keep color minimal—preferably black text on a white background.
  • Leave enough white space to prevent the document from looking crowded.
  • Employ bold headings for resume section titles to make them stand out.

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Cafeteria cook worker resume example

Sample cafeteria cook worker resume

Luis Ramirez
luis.ramirez@email.com | (210) 555-8832 | San Antonio, TX

Summary

Skilled cafeteria cook with experience preparing high-volume meals in school and corporate kitchens. Focused on safety, quality, and speed while adapting recipes to accommodate special diets and allergies.

Skills

  • Batch cooking
  • Meal portioning
  • Knife handling
  • Grilling and baking
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Recipe following
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail

Experience

HEB Corporate Cafeteria | Line Cook

San Antonio, TX | June 2021 – Present

  • Prepare a wide range of daily meals, including hot entrees, vegetarian options, and dietary-specific dishes for 300+ staff members.
  • Collaborate with team during prep and peak service hours to maintain consistent portioning and quality.
  • Sanitize kitchen equipment daily and follow detailed checklists to ensure compliance with health regulations.
  • Participate in menu brainstorming and assist in prepping food for monthly company events and catered meetings.

Alamo Heights Independent School District | Cafeteria Cook

San Antonio, TX | August 2018 – May 2021

  • Prepared breakfast and lunch for over 500 students each day following district nutrition standards.
  • Conducted morning prep of meats, vegetables, and baked goods to streamline meal production.
  • Monitored refrigerator and freezer temps and labeled items to ensure safe food storage.
  • Worked closely with the kitchen manager to rotate stock and reduce expired product waste.

Education

High School Diploma
Lanier High School | San Antonio, TX | 2017

Certifications

  • Food Handler’s Permit | Texas Department of State Health Services | Issued March 2024

Volunteer Work

  • Meals on Wheels | Weekend Volunteer Cook
  • Prepare and package home-delivered meals for senior citizens across Bexar County twice monthly since 2022.

This example of a food service worker resume is good:

  • Focuses on practical skills and experience in high-volume kitchen settings.
  • Strong alignment between job duties and listed skills, reinforcing qualifications.
  • "Volunteer Work" section adds depth and shows initiative outside paid roles.
Should I choose a cafeteria worker resume objective or summary?

Resume summary is ideal for seasoned specialists.

  • Length: 2-4 lines
  • Include: Your years of experience, key skills, and a highlight of major achievements.

Cafeteria worker resume summary sample:

Experienced cafeteria worker with over 5 years in food service. Adept at food preparation, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness. Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments while ensuring quality standards are met.

Resume objective is more suitable for entry-level candidates or those transitioning into a new field.

  • Length: 1-3 lines
  • Include: A clear statement about the role you’re seeking and how your skills can benefit the employer.

Cafeteria worker resume objective example:

Seeking a cafeteria worker position to utilize my excellent communication skills and strong work ethic in providing high-quality food service to students and staff.

How to showcase your cafeteria worker resume skills?

The skills section in resume helps potential employers understand whether you have the right competencies to perform the job well.

  • Hard skills are the technical abilities that are learned through training or experience. These include cooking, food handling, and operating kitchen equipment.
  • Soft skills are personal traits that contribute to working effectively with others. This could be communication, time management, and problem-solving.

Cafeteria worker hard skills:

  • Food preparation
  • Food safety
  • Cooking techniques
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Menu planning
  • Portion control
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Inventory management
  • Cash register operation
  • Food presentation
  • Tray setup
  • Safety compliance
  • Stock replenishment
  • Meal planning for dietary restrictions
  • Catering

Soft skills for cafeteria worker:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Adaptability
  • Patience
  • Conflict resolution
  • Multitasking
  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Dependability
  • Positive attitude
  • Listening skills
  • Leadership

Cafeteria cashier worker resume template

Cafeteria cashier worker resume sample

Cafeteria Cashier Resume
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Resume for cafeteria cashier worker | Text version

Jasmine Lee
jasmine.lee@email.com | (206) 555-3360 | Seattle, WA

Summary

Friendly and dependable cashier with experience in cafeteria and food court environments. Skilled in POS systems, accurate money handling, and providing quick, helpful customer service in fast-paced environments.

Skills

  • Point of Sale (POS) systems
  • Money handling
  • Customer service
  • Speed and accuracy
  • Tray setup
  • Teamwork
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cleanliness and organization

Experience

Seattle Central College Cafeteria | Cashier

Seattle, WA | September 2021 – Present

  • Operate cash register efficiently for over 400 daily customers, processing multiple payment types with speed and accuracy.
  • Greet and assist guests, answer menu questions, and resolve customer issues in a courteous manner.
  • Support front-of-house setup, including tray prep, restocking cutlery, and keeping beverage stations clean.
  • Coordinate with food service team to ensure smooth flow during lunch rush and special campus events.

Rainier Bistro | Front Counter Cashier

Seattle, WA | May 2019 – August 2021

  • Handled customer orders and processed transactions quickly while maintaining a friendly and welcoming attitude.
  • Communicated clearly with kitchen staff about custom orders and dietary modifications.
  • Balanced cash drawer daily and prepared end-of-shift financial reports with zero discrepancies.
  • Assisted with cleaning and organizing the dining area and monitored condiment stations throughout shifts.

Education

High School Diploma
Roosevelt High School | Seattle, WA | 2019

Certifications

  • Washington State Food Worker Card | Issued February 2023

Languages

  • Fluent in English and Korean
  • Able to assist diverse customer groups and translate basic menu information for Korean-speaking patrons.

This sample lunch lady resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Well-organized and easy to skim, with clear responsibilities and impact in service roles.
  • Highlights bilingual ability in a unique section, adding value for diverse workplaces.
  • Emphasizes customer interaction and POS handling through detailed job bullets.
What academic credentials should I add to my cafeteria worker resume?

The education section in resume demonstrates your qualifications, even if you don’t have a college degree. It proves to employers that you’ve taken the time to learn relevant material.

  • State your highest level of education, such as a high school diploma or any food service-related certifications.
  • Write the name of the school or institution where you received your credentials.
  • Mention the year you graduated or the period during which you attended.

If you have any certifications such as food handling or safety training, add them here.

How to organize the experience section in a food service worker resume?

Conclusion

Creating a strong cafeteria worker resume is crucial for securing a job in this competitive field.

By highlighting your skills, work experience, and dedication to customer service, you can present yourself as a top candidate.

Use the tips and structure outlined in this article to craft a resume that stands out to hiring managers and increases your chances of landing your next role in the food industry.

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