Creating a good resume is key for server positions in the hospitality industry. This article includes proven resume samples and practical tips. Learn how to list your skills, experience, and qualifications to catch an employer’s eye. Understand the importance of clear formatting, keywords, and specific industry jargon.
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Here's what we see in the best server resumes.
Use Numbers To Show Impact: Great resumes show the impact using numbers. Some metrics you might find include:
List Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some important ones are
Highlight Experience In Busy Settings: Showing you handle busy settings well is key. Include phrases like
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As a hiring manager, I know how you place your academic background on your resume matters. If you are newly entering the workforce or are still studying, your education should be near the top of your resume. This lets me see your latest achievements quickly and understand your current focus.
As a server seeking employment, if you have special certifications such as a food safety handler certificate, this should be highlighted early in the education section. It shows your dedication to the role and the industry. An associate's degree in hospitality or a related field is also significant and should be placed prominently if you have one.
If you have been working for some years, place your experience first. The fact that you have been active in the industry is more telling than your academic history at this point. In such cases, your education section can follow your experience, showing that you have a good foundation to build upon.
List any food safety certifications. Employers value this knowledge.
Mention any training in hospitality or customer service. This shows employers you are ready to handle guests and provide good service.
Keep your resume short and focused. If you are applying as a server, one page is the best length for your resume. This allows you to show your most relevant skills and experiences without overwhelming the reader. You need to prioritize what matters most for serving roles such as customer service skills and a quick learning ability.
When you have more experience, say more than ten years, you might go up to two pages. But remember that hiring managers often look at the first page only for a short time. Make sure your strongest points are on this first page. Use good spacing and a readable font size to keep things clear. Avoid tiny text and narrow margins. If you need more space, it's better to choose a clearer layout or cut less relevant information than to shrink everything down.
Show skills like multitasking and customer service. These are important in the restaurant industry.
Include details of experience with point-of-sale systems. This technology is often used in service jobs.
When you apply for a job as a server, your resume might first be read by a computer program called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks for certain words and details to decide if your resume fits the job well. To help you get past the ATS, here are some tips:
When tailoring your resume as a server, you need to show the skills that restaurants look for. Think about what you do well that helps serve food and drinks and keeps customers happy. Make sure your resume speaks about your real skills in this job.
When crafting your resume, it's important to highlight the right mix of skills. You want to show that you have the practical abilities needed for serving customers well. Here are some of the top skills you should consider including:
Don't worry about having to include every skill listed. Choose the ones that you are good at and that match the job you want. For example, if you are applying to a high-end restaurant,
Most servers include these skills in a dedicated section on their resume. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that look for specific keywords. Think about the job you're applying for and select skills that make you a strong candidate for that specific role. This approach will help you create a resume that is both relevant and appealing to hiring managers.
When you're looking to demonstrate your value as a server, numbers can be your best friend. They show, in concrete terms, the impact you've had in your previous roles. Think about how you can translate your experience into quantifiable achievements.
Here are some ways you can do this:
Remember, even if you're not sure about the exact numbers, you can estimate based on your experiences. Think about your typical shift and what you achieved. These numbers will help employers see the tangible benefits you can bring to their team.
If you've taken on leadership roles or been promoted, your resume should reflect that. Even in serving roles, there are chances to lead and grow. Think about times you trained new staff or managed shifts. These show that you can handle responsibility and have the trust of your managers.
Remember, even informal leadership counts. Did you help plan the weekly staff meeting? Or maybe you were chosen to represent your team at a company event? These are examples of leadership. They show you're seen as reliable and capable of guiding others.
If you have moved up the ranks or taken on leadership roles, it's crucial to show this on your resume. Think about times you've guided a team or managed a section. This shows that you can handle more responsibility and have strong interpersonal skills.
Here are ways to present your experience:
Even if you're unsure about your leadership experiences, consider times when you trained new staff or when you were asked to oversee a group task. These are good examples of leadership.
If you have been a leader or been promoted, show this on your resume. Here are ways to do that for serving roles:
Think about times you helped your team or made things better at work. Even if you did not have a formal title, these actions show leadership. For instance: