Server Resume Examples & Templates

An engaging resume is essential for any job seeker who wants to stand out and secure a position in the competitive hospitality industry. An impressive server resume can help you convince recruiters that you have the dedication, experience, and knowledge to take on the position.

"People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel."

Maya Angelou

This article explains the step-by-step process of writing an impactful resume and provides comprehensive server resume examples to help you create a standout document.

From formatting tips to highlighting essential skills and relevant experience, we cover everything you need to make a strong impression on potential employers. Whether you’re an experienced server or just starting out, this guide will help you showcase your strengths and secure interviews.

Restaurant server resume examples

Entry-level server resume sample

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Experienced server resume example

Wendell K. Lange

wendell-lange@email.com | 660-336-8576 | Springfield, MO

Summary

Dedicated and experienced restaurant server with over 5 years of providing exceptional customer service in high-volume dining establishments. Proficient in handling large sections, managing customer orders accurately, and delivering an outstanding dining experience. Skilled in training new staff, resolving customer complaints, and maintaining a positive team environment.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management

Ozarks Technical Community College (Springfield, MO)

• Graduated: May 2018

Skills

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Strong multitasking and organizational abilities
• Expertise in POS systems and order management
• Advanced knowledge of food and beverage pairings
• Ability to train and mentor new staff
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in upselling techniques
• Fluent in English and Spanish

Experience

Lead Server | The Gourmet Bistro (Springfield, MO)

June 2021 – Present

• Manage a section of up to 10 tables in a high-volume, fine-dining environment
• Train and mentor new servers, leading to a 30% reduction in onboarding time
• Resolve customer complaints promptly, maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rate
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery
• Conduct wine and menu presentations, enhancing guest dining experience

Server | Urban Eats Café (Springfield, MO)

May 2018 – May 2021

• Delivered exceptional service to guests in a fast-paced, casual dining setting
• Efficiently handled large volumes of orders during peak hours
• Upsold daily specials and promotions, increasing average check size by 15%
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of service areas
• Assisted in inventory management and restocking supplies

Certifications

• Food Handler's Permit | Missouri Department of Public Health, renewed in June 2022
• Advanced Wine Knowledge Certification | Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Level 2, March 2022
• CPR and First Aid Certified |American Red Cross, April 2020

Additional Information

• Availability. Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Interests. Passionate about gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, and continuous learning within the hospitality industry

Resume structure

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Mahatma Gandhi

Resumes often follow a layout that includes mandatory resume sections. For a server resume, you generally should provide the following information:

1. Contact details
2. Resume Summary
3. Work Experience
4. Education
5. Hard and soft skills

Use professional language that is straightforward and concise. Avoid using jargon or slang terms.

A server resume should be written to catch the eye and appeal to prospective employers. To do so, use action verbs and powerful words that emphasize your expertise.

Now, let's look at each section in more detail.

Contact information

Including your contact information on a server resume will allow potential employers to quickly find your application among the pile of others and get in touch with you.

Apart from contact information, you may also incorporate a few personal details. This could be a headshot or a link to your LinkedIn profile. While this is not necessary for all resumes, it can help employers get to know you better.

Finally, double-check that all your contact and personal information is accurate and up-to-date. Also, ensure that your voicemail is professional as well. Employers may call you at any time and you want to be ready.

Server's resume summary

Part-time employment is very common, with schedules often fluctuating to accommodate early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

An effective resume summary for a server should be tailored to the role and indicate the applicant's enthusiasm and qualifications.

Resume summary examples for restaurant servers:

Example 1:

Hardworking and service-oriented restaurant server with 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Familiar with all types of table service and food preparation. Possess superior communication skills and a friendly, outgoing personality. Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experience.

Example 2:

Experienced server with over 7 years in the restaurant business. Adept at consistently providing delightful and satisfying service to guests and creating memorable dining experiences. Proven track record of increasing sales through upselling techniques, efficient table management, and excellent customer relations.

Tips for writing a resume summary as a server:

• Keep It Concise. Aim for 3-5 sentences. Your summary should provide a quick snapshot of your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.
• Tailor to the Job. Customize your summary for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific server job you're applying for.
• Use Keywords. Incorporate keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager's attention.
• Use Active Language. Start sentences with action verbs and avoid passive language. This makes your summary more dynamic and engaging.
• Be Honest. Make sure everything you include is true and correct. False information can cause problems during hiring.

Work experience

When crafting a server resume, ensure that your experience is organized to best show off your abilities and accomplishments. Reverse chronological order will aid employers in comprehending your work history and providing them with a summary of your professional background and duration.

For each entry, include the name of the restaurant, your title, the dates you worked, and a brief description of the duties you performed.

Be sure to mention any tasks that require extra skill or effort. This will give hiring managers an idea of the level of work they are capable of performing.

Here are some tips to help you describe your experience:

• Remember to comment on the achievements you've reached at each job. For example, reaching a certain sales quota or receiving recognition from customers. These will present you as an excellent worker who takes pride in your work performance.
• Highlight duties you were responsible for as a server. Talk about how you handled customer complaints, managed difficult situations, took orders, and served food and beverages.

By following these guidelines, your server resume will illustrate all of the skills and experience that make you a great fit for the position.

Education

Academic history is also important even if your job does not require a degree. It is helpful to specify any training you have completed so far.

• List your highest level of education first.
• Begin with the name of the institution, followed by the type of degree you earned and the year you graduated.
• If you attended any specialized or advanced courses applicable to the position, add those separately.
• In case you are currently enrolled in school, start with your current program and state any pertinent classes taken.

In case you have any additional professional certificates, dedicate a separate section to them. This can have anything from food safety certifications to language courses.

Overall, when discussing your education, keep this part of your server resume brief with a clear structure. With such an approach, potential employers will be able to assess your educational background and determine if you are the right fit for their team.

Include your education section even if you only have a high school diploma, GED, or vocational certificate. Mention any awards or recognitions you received for your academic performance.

Server skills for resume

Skillsets sometimes can play a detrimental role in whether you will be hired or not. Therefore, make sure you invest enough time and effort in describing your capabilities as a server.

Spotlight both types of abilities - soft (transferable) and hard (job-specific) skills. Below are some examples.

Additional sections

"Here is a simple but powerful rule: always give people more than what they expect to get."

Nelson Boswell

You're not restricted to the above sections only to add to your server resume. In fact, the more you customize your resume, the higher the chances that it will be different from the generic ones that others may submit. Just remember to remain relevant and concise.

Using a resume builder

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How to write a server cover letter

A well-written cover letter should expand on what you've said in your resume and showcase your enthusiasm for the role.

Below are the key points for preparing a great cover letter for a server job:

1. Research the company. Tailor your letter to their requirements. Make yourself familiar with the menu, atmosphere, and mission.
2. Focus on admissible skills or experience. Highlight the specific duties of a server and how your past work has prepared you for the prospective position.
3. Show enthusiasm for the job. Express your interest in working at the restaurant and highlight any particular skills or knowledge you possess that could benefit the organization.
4. Mention unique qualities. Share the facts that will make you an asset to the team, like CPR training or experience with POS systems.
5. Pay attention to the conclusion. Close your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering your candidacy and expressing your excitement to discuss the role further.

Now, let's look at some cover letter examples to get a better picture of what's expected from you.

This is a great example of a cover letter because it is concise yet informative. It clearly outlines relevant skills and experiences that make the applicant ideal for the role. At the same time, it is kept short enough not to overwhelm the reader with too much information.

This cover letter lacks personalization and fails to highlight specific skills or experiences relevant to the server position. It also does not have a call to action or expression of interest in further discussion, leaving the application feeling generic and unengaged.

Entry-level server cover letter example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the server position at Bistro de la Mer. As a recent graduate with a passion for the culinary arts and a strong desire to learn, I am eager to start my career in the hospitality industry.

During my studies at Johnson's Community College, I completed coursework in Restaurant Management, Food Safety, and Customer Service Excellence. I also gained practical experience through internships at local restaurants, where I assisted in food preparation, order-taking, and customer service.

My dedication to providing excellent customer service was recognized when I received the "Outstanding Student" award for consistently exceeding expectations and receiving positive feedback from customers.

I am confident that my enthusiasm and dedication make me a valuable asset to your team. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of Bistro de la Mer and am committed to providing exceptional service to your guests.

Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at 757-293-9787 or bobby-cornell@email.com.

Sincerely,
Bobby Cornell

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Proofread resume and cover letter

In May 2023, the median hourly wage for waiters and waitresses stood at $15.36, with the lowest 10 percent earning below $8.94 and the highest 10 percent earning above $28.89. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Rereading and double-checking a server resume and cover letter is vital for a good impression. Ensure that no errors are present, which can significantly decrease one’s chances of being hired.

Proofreading and spellchecking are essential steps in preparing your server resume. Moreover, correct grammar and appropriate words will help ultimately increase your chances of landing an interview.

Bonus: tips for an interview

Are you getting prepared for an interview as a server? If so, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. After all, the job market is competitive and you want to ensure you are ready for the selection process.

To help ensure your job interview goes smoothly and you make a great impression, follow the below advice to get prepared:

1. Prepare for Common Interview Questions. Search for possible questions and come up with answers to those commonly asked, such as “Why do you want this job?” or “What skills can you bring to the role?”.
2. Acknowledge the Responsibilities. Spend some time reading through the role description to get an understanding of the expectations.
3. Dress Professionally. Choose an appropriate outfit for the position and style of the restaurant. Stick with classic pieces in neutral colors like black, navy blue, or grey.
4. Be Punctual. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview to have plenty of time to check in and prepare yourself mentally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a compelling resume for a server job is essential for success in the hospitality industry. By following our step-by-step guide and leveraging the provided examples, you can create a standout resume for a server's position that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements effectively.

Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, emphasize relevant qualifications, and use clear, concise language. With our guide and helpful server resume examples, you will create a document that makes a lasting impression on potential employers.