Landing a job as a server requires more than just a friendly smile and quick feet. You need a compelling server resume that showcases your skills, experience, and personality. This guide will provide you with everything you need to craft a job-winning “Server Resume Example” that gets you noticed by restaurant and bar managers.
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s understand why a strong resume is your first step to success in the service industry. As a server, you’re expected to be the face of the establishment, handling everything from greeting guests to taking orders, remembering menu details, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Your resume is your initial introduction, and it needs to make a stellar first impression.
If the thought of updating your resume feels daunting, or if you’re creating one for the very first time, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating an exceptional server resume.
Here’s what we will cover:
- A Top-Notch Server Resume Example
- An 8-Step Guide to Writing a Compelling Server Resume
- Access to a Free Server Resume Template
- And much more to boost your job application!
Let’s get started by examining an effective server resume example:
Server Resume Example
Start Building Your Resume
This server resume example is a great model to follow. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it work so well:
- Employs the reverse-chronological resume format. This format is favored by hiring managers and is ideally suited for a server resume as it highlights your recent experience.
- Features a strong resume summary. A captivating summary immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and encourages them to read further.
- Showcases achievement-driven work experience. Quantifiable achievements are far more impactful than simply listing responsibilities. This example prioritizes accomplishments to demonstrate value.
- Includes relevant certifications. Certifications demonstrate professional qualifications, and this example highlights those pertinent to a server role.
- Keeps the education section concise. For server positions, experience and skills are typically more crucial than extensive education. This resume keeps the education section brief and to the point.
- Lists job-relevant skills. All skills mentioned are directly applicable to server duties, proving the candidate is well-suited for the job.
- Incorporates “Languages” as a bonus section. In the service industry, multilingual abilities are a significant advantage. Including languages as a separate section emphasizes this valuable skill.
- Utilizes a professional resume template. Instead of struggling with layout and formatting, using a free resume template saves time and ensures a polished, professional look.
Are you exploring other customer service roles? We offer a variety of resume examples to help you create the perfect resume for your desired position. Explore more examples below:
8 Simple Steps to Ace Your Server Resume
Inspired by the server resume example? Fantastic! Now, let’s guide you through creating your own winning resume.
Follow these 8 steps to write a compelling server resume that will impress hiring managers, starting with:
#1. Choose the Right Server Resume Format
Before you start filling in your resume content, you need to decide on the right resume format and layout.
Among the three main resume formats (chronological, functional, and combination), we strongly recommend using the chronological format, also known as reverse-chronological.
This format is not only the most widely recognized and preferred by recruiters worldwide, but it also effectively emphasizes your most recent and relevant work experiences by listing them first.
Here’s a visual representation of the chronological format:
Example of a reverse-chronological resume format, ideal for showcasing recent server experience and career progression.
Once you’ve chosen the format, focus on the layout of your server resume. Key layout considerations include:
- Aim for a one-page resume length. Hiring managers often have limited time and prefer concise resumes that highlight the most pertinent information. A one-page resume is generally optimal for server positions.
- Use clear section headers. Distinct section headers effectively organize your resume and make it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.
- Select a professional font style. Font choice impacts the overall impression of your resume. Opt for a font that is both professional and easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Roboto.
- Maintain uniform font size. Keep the font size consistent throughout your resume, typically between 11 and 12 points, for readability and a clean appearance.
Unless specifically requested otherwise in the job description, always save your resume as a PDF file. This ensures your resume’s formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems.
Or, Leverage a Server Resume Template for Instant Structure
Resume layout is crucial for any job application, but it can be time-consuming to perfect a design that’s both professional and unique.
Using resume templates eliminates formatting headaches and allows you to focus directly on your content. You can bypass the layout struggles and immediately start filling in your information, resulting in a modern, distinctive, and professional-looking resume in minutes.
Simply choose from Novorésumé’s range of free, easy-to-use templates to create a visually appealing, ATS-friendly resume effortlessly!
And the best part? Our templates are designed to be visually stunning:
Examples of professionally designed resume templates from Novoresume, offering visually appealing and ATS-friendly options for server resumes.
#2. Clearly List Your Contact Information
This is the most straightforward, yet vital, section of any resume.
To ensure restaurant or bar managers can easily reach you, include the following contact details at the top of your server resume:
- Full Name: Use your complete name.
- Professional Title: “Restaurant Server,” “Server,” or “Food and Beverage Server” are appropriate titles.
- Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address.
- Phone Number: Ensure your phone number is accurate and current.
- Location: Include your city and state (or city and country).
Here’s an example of a server contact information section:
Example:
Justin Doe
Restaurant Server
[email protected]
123-123-2222
New York, NY
Before moving on to the rest of your resume, double-check your contact details for any typos or errors. A simple mistake in your phone number or email could mean missing out on an interview opportunity!
Promotional banner for Novoresume’s job search masterclass, offering additional resources for job seekers.
#3. Craft a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective
The resume profile, placed at the top of your resume, is a brief 2-3 sentence paragraph designed to immediately capture the attention of the restaurant or bar manager and convince them to consider your application.
Depending on your experience level, you can structure your resume profile as either:
A resume summary, which highlights your work experience, key skills, and 1-2 of your most significant achievements to date. If you have substantial server experience, a resume summary is the ideal choice.
Server Resume Summary Example:
Enthusiastic and customer-focused Restaurant Server with over 4 years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline order accuracy. Successfully increased average table spend by 15% through effective upselling techniques. Certified in Food Safety Handling.
A resume objective, conversely, emphasizes your career aspirations, your motivation for seeking a server position, and how your skills and background make you a strong candidate, even with limited experience. A resume objective is more suitable for entry-level applicants or those changing careers.
Server Resume Objective Example:
Motivated and personable university student seeking a part-time Server position to leverage strong communication and customer service skills. Eager to apply excellent time-management and detail-oriented abilities developed through academic success. Fluent in Spanish and possesses prior experience in customer-facing roles.
#4. Maximize Your Work Experience Section
Ultimately, your hands-on experience as a server is the most persuasive aspect of your application and what will set you apart from other candidates.
Therefore, the first step in writing this section is to format it correctly:
- Begin with your current or most recent work experience and proceed in reverse chronological order. Focus on relevant experience – hiring managers are unlikely to be interested in jobs from your early teens unless they demonstrate relevant skills.
- For each position, include your job title, the name and location of the restaurant or establishment, and the dates of your employment.
- Use bullet points to list 3-5 key responsibilities and, more importantly, achievements (if applicable). For earlier positions, you can list 1-2 impactful bullet points.
If you have significant server experience, you likely have accomplishments to highlight. Take time to reflect and identify noteworthy achievements. Prioritize these achievements over routine responsibilities, as they demonstrate your impact and value beyond basic job duties.
Here’s a comparison of an achievement-oriented work experience section versus a responsibility-focused one:
Effective Example (Achievement-Oriented):
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 25% by implementing proactive table management and attentive service strategies.
- Trained 8 new servers, resulting in a 30% reduction in onboarding time and improved team efficiency.
Ineffective Example (Responsibility-Focused):
- Took customer orders.
- Served food and drinks.
If you are struggling to identify specific achievements, don’t worry! A detailed and well-articulated list of responsibilities can still be effective, particularly if you use strong action verbs and impactful language to make them stand out.
Are you creating a resume with no work experience for an entry-level server position? Consult our guide for effective strategies on writing a compelling resume even without prior job history.
#5. Include Your Education History
While formal education isn’t always a strict requirement for server positions, including your educational background is still important and demonstrates your commitment to learning and development.
Here’s how to present your education history effectively:
- List your most recent and highest degree first.
- Include the degree name, the name of the institution, its location, and the years you attended.
- If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, you can omit your high school information to keep your resume concise.
Here’s how the education section of your server resume might look:
Example:
Saratoga High School
Saratoga, CA
2016-2020
#6. Highlight Essential Server Skills
Restaurant and bar managers seeking servers are particularly interested in your skillset and your capacity to quickly learn and master the demands of the job. This makes the skills section of your server resume highly significant.
To maximize this section’s impact, avoid simply listing every skill you possess hoping it will impress. While diverse skills are valuable, relevance is key. Knowing Adobe Illustrator, for instance, is unlikely to be relevant to a server role.
Instead, review the list of server skills provided below and select those you genuinely possess and that are most relevant to the server position.
Next, carefully examine the job advertisement for any specific skills mentioned as requirements. If you possess any of these skills that you haven’t already included, add them to your resume to tailor it to the specific job.
This targeted approach will make your server resume highly relevant and significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
20 Key Soft and Hard Skills for a Server Resume
Server Soft Skills
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Service Skills
- Patience
- Physical Stamina
- Professional Appearance
- Memory Skills (for orders and customer preferences)
- Conflict Resolution Skills
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
- Legible Handwriting (for handwritten orders)
- Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Time Management Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Server Hard Skills
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems Proficiency / Cash Register Operation
- Memory and Recall
- Wine and Beverage Knowledge
- Basic Math Skills (for order calculations and handling payments)
- Knowledge of Restaurant Equipment
- Multilingual Abilities
#7. Include Value-Adding Extra Sections
If your server resume is already a page long at this point, you’ve likely covered the essential information. However, if you have some space remaining, particularly if you have limited work experience, consider adding these extra sections to further strengthen your application:
- Certifications: Are you certified in food safety, responsible alcohol service, or customer service excellence? Any certifications relevant to the serving profession will distinguish you from other applicants.
- Languages: Fluency in foreign languages is a valuable asset in many roles, especially those involving customer interaction and service.
- Volunteer Experience: Have you volunteered at community events, assisted in soup kitchens, or helped at family-run diners? Volunteer work can demonstrate relevant skills and experience, even if you haven’t held formal paid positions. Highlight volunteer roles related to service or customer interaction.
- Hobbies and Interests: Briefly mentioning hobbies and interests can provide a glimpse into your personality and help establish common ground with the hiring manager. It can humanize your resume and make you more memorable.
Here are examples of how these extra sections might appear in a server resume:
Examples:
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certification (2023)
Languages
- Spanish (Conversational)
- French (Basic)
Hobbies and Interests
- Culinary Arts
- Travel and Cultural Exploration
- Hospitality Industry Blogs
#8. Attach a Compelling Server Cover Letter
Finally, and importantly, you should always write a cover letter to accompany your resume as part of your job application package.
A well-written cover letter serves two key purposes:
- It expands on your most important skills and experiences, allowing you to provide context, elaborate on achievements, and explain how they directly relate to the server position.
- It gives you an opportunity to address aspects that a resume cannot, such as explaining career transitions, highlighting your specific motivation for applying to that particular establishment, or further showcasing your personality.
To write a cover letter that complements your server resume effectively:
- If you know the hiring manager’s name at the restaurant or bar, address your cover letter directly to them, rather than using generic salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Begin your cover letter with a strong introduction that states the position you are applying for and immediately highlights your top 2-3 most relevant skills or achievements.
- In the body paragraphs, provide detailed examples of your skills, experiences, and achievements, demonstrating how they align with the requirements of the server role. This section is also the place to address any points that your resume couldn’t fully convey.
- Conclude your cover letter with a clear call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for an interview and reiterating your key qualifications.
- Proofread carefully to avoid any errors. Review our article on common cover letter mistakes to ensure your letter is polished and professional.
To ensure your cover letter is as visually appealing and professional as your resume, consider using one of Novorésumé’s cover letter templates for a cohesive and impactful application.
Key Takeaways for Your Server Resume
By this point, you should be well-equipped to create a standout server resume and increase your chances of landing your desired job. Before you finalize your application, let’s recap the essential elements we’ve covered:
- Format: Use the reverse-chronological resume format for your server resume – it’s the format hiring managers prefer and are accustomed to reviewing.
- Profile: Start with a compelling resume summary or objective to immediately engage the hiring manager and encourage them to read further.
- Experience: Use action verbs and quantifiable results to effectively showcase your achievements and responsibilities in your work experience section.
- Enhancements: Include extra sections like “Languages” and “Certifications” to differentiate yourself and demonstrate additional valuable skills.
- Cover Letter: Always attach a well-crafted cover letter to your server resume to personalize your application and provide further context.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the server resume example and template, you’ll be well on your way to creating a resume that effectively highlights your strengths and lands you your next server job!
