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 you with all the tools you need to translate your career into an eye-catching server resume.
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. Paint a vivid picture of how you’ve consistently delivered an exceptional dining experience, even during the busiest shifts. This sends a clear message 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, focus on incorporating 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, which will demonstrate your knowledge of food safety protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Hospitality & Tourism
University of Syracuse, New York, NY | September 2015 – June 2019
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certification | June 2021
Although not every restaurant will employ the use of 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: | |
|---|---|
| Sales | Hospitality management |
| Communication | Menu knowledge |
| Conflict resolution | Multitasking |
| Customer service | Restaurant management |
| Event coordination | Staff development |
| Food safety regulations | Team collaboration |
| Fine dining | Upselling techniques |
| Guest relations | |
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 on clarity and the ability to communicate your qualifications and skills quickly. Avoid overly elaborate designs that might distract from your qualifications. Opt for a simple, clean design that emphasizes your hospitality experience.
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 | September 2015 – June 2018
ServSafe Certification, 2018
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Implemented |
| Collaborated | Improved |
| Communicated | Led |
| Coordinated | Managed |
| Delivered | Prepared |
| Drove | Provided |
| Enhanced | Resolved |
| Identified | Served |
How do you align your server resume with a job posting?
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 each year. 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.
What is the best server resume format?
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 over time. A combination format is generally not advisable here, as hiring managers will be far 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.
