As a server, your role goes far beyond simply taking orders. You’re the face of the establishment, responsible for creating a positive dining experience for guests. This involves a diverse skill set, from greeting and seating guests to remembering menu details, handling orders accurately, and managing customer interactions with grace.
Before you can showcase these abilities on the floor, you need to get your foot in the door. And in the competitive hospitality industry, a compelling Server Skills Resume is your most powerful tool. It needs to be professionally formatted, visually appealing, and, most importantly, highlight the specific skills and experience that make you the ideal candidate.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the resume writing process, especially if it’s been a while or this is your first attempt, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to create a job-winning server skills resume.
Here’s what we will cover:
- A Server Skills Resume Example that Works
- An 8-Step Guide to Writing an Impressive Server Skills Resume
- A Free Server Resume Template to Get You Started
Let’s get started with a look at an effective example:
Start Building Your Resume
This server resume example effectively showcases key elements for success. Here’s a breakdown of what it does right:
- Employs the reverse-chronological resume format: This format is favored by recruiters and is perfect for server resumes as it emphasizes your recent experience and career progression.
- Features a strong resume summary: A concise and impactful summary immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and encourages them to read further.
- Highlights achievement-driven work experience: Instead of just listing responsibilities, it focuses on accomplishments, demonstrating your impact in previous roles.
- Includes relevant certifications: Certifications demonstrate professional qualifications and a commitment to industry standards, adding credibility to your application.
- Keeps the education section concise: For server positions, practical experience and skills are paramount, making a brief education section appropriate.
- Lists job-relevant skills: The skills highlighted are directly applicable to server roles, showcasing the applicant’s suitability for the job.
- Incorporates “Languages” as an additional asset: In the service industry, multilingualism is highly valuable, making this section a significant advantage.
- Utilizes a professional resume template: Using a pre-designed template saves time and ensures a polished and professional look.
Looking for roles beyond serving within the customer service sector? We offer a range of resume examples to help you tailor your application. Explore more examples to find the perfect fit.
8 Steps to Crafting an Exceptional Server Skills Resume
Inspired by the example above? Excellent! Now, let’s guide you through creating your own standout server skills resume.
Follow these 8 steps to build a resume that effectively highlights your skills and experience, starting with:
#1. Choose the Right Server Resume Format
Before diving into content, formatting is key. The structure and layout of your resume significantly impact readability and the impression you make on hiring managers.
Of the three main resume formats – chronological, functional, and combination – the chronological format (or reverse-chronological) is highly recommended for server resumes.
This format is widely recognized by employers and effectively highlights your career progression by listing your most recent positions first.
Here’s a visual representation of the chronological format:
Once you’ve chosen the format, focus on the layout of your server skills resume. Consider these key elements:
- Maintain a one-page resume length: Hiring managers often have limited time, so a concise, one-page resume focused on the most relevant information is ideal.
- Use clear and distinct section headers: Well-defined headers make your resume easy to navigate and allow recruiters to quickly find the information they need.
- Select a professional and readable font: Opt for a font that is both professional and easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Roboto. Avoid overly decorative or informal fonts.
- Ensure consistent font size: Maintain a uniform font size between 11 and 12 points throughout the resume for readability and visual consistency.
Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the job description, save your resume as a PDF. This ensures your formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems.
Or Leverage a Server Resume Template for Effortless Formatting
Resume layout is crucial for any job application. However, perfecting it can be time-consuming, requiring hours of adjustments to achieve a professional and unique look.
Resume templates offer a solution to this challenge. They eliminate formatting hassles and allow you to focus directly on content, while still ensuring a modern, professional, and visually appealing resume.
Simply choose a free, user-friendly template from Novorésumé and start filling in your information to create an ATS-friendly resume in minutes!
Our templates are designed to be both effective and visually stunning:
#2. Clearly List Your Contact Information
This is arguably the most straightforward section of your resume, yet accuracy is paramount. Ensure your contact details are correct so potential employers can easily reach you.
At the top of your server skills resume, include:
- Full Name
- Professional Title (e.g., Restaurant Server, Experienced Server)
- Email Address (professional and current)
- Phone Number
- Location (City, State/Country)
Here’s an example of a well-formatted contact information section for a server:
Example:
Justin Doe
Restaurant Server
[email protected]
123-123-2222
New York, NY
Before moving on to other sections, double-check your contact details for any errors or typos. A simple mistake here could prevent a hiring manager from contacting you.
#3. Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective
Your resume profile, whether a summary or objective, is a brief 2-3 sentence paragraph placed at the top of your resume. Its purpose is to immediately capture the hiring manager’s interest and persuade them to continue reading.
The choice between a resume summary and objective depends on your experience level:
A resume summary is best for candidates with experience. It highlights your work experience, key skills, and 1-2 significant achievements. If you have several years of server experience, a summary is the ideal choice.
Server Resume Summary Example:
Enthusiastic and customer-focused Restaurant Server with 4+ years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline order accuracy. Certified in Food Safety Handling and passionate about providing exceptional service.
A resume objective is more suitable for entry-level candidates or those changing careers. It focuses on your career aspirations, your motivation for seeking a server position, and how your skills and background make you a good fit, even with limited direct experience.
Server Resume Objective Example:
Highly motivated and personable individual seeking a part-time Server position to leverage strong communication and customer service skills. Eager to learn and contribute to a positive dining atmosphere. Possesses excellent time-management abilities and a proactive approach to teamwork.
#4. Maximize Your Work Experience Section to Showcase Server Skills
Your practical experience as a server is a crucial factor in your application. It demonstrates your capabilities and sets you apart from other candidates.
When writing your work experience section, follow these formatting guidelines:
- Present your experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Focus on relevant experience; positions unrelated to the service industry or from many years ago can be omitted.
- For each role, begin with your job title, followed by 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 achievements for each position. For older roles, 1-2 bullet points may suffice.
If you have prior server experience, emphasize your achievements. Think about specific instances where you made a positive impact. Quantifiable achievements are particularly powerful.
Prioritizing achievements over generic responsibilities can significantly strengthen your resume.
Here’s a comparison of achievement-focused versus responsibility-focused examples:
Effective Example:
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through proactive table management and attentive service.
- Trained 3 new servers on POS system and service protocols, improving team efficiency.
Less Effective Example:
- Managed tables and took orders.
- Helped train new employees.
If you are newer to the server role and have fewer achievements to highlight, focus on detailing your responsibilities using strong action verbs and industry-relevant keywords to make them stand out.
Are you creating a resume with no work experience for an entry-level server position? Consult our guide for strategies on writing an effective resume in this situation.
#5. Include Your Education History
While formal education isn’t always a strict requirement for server positions, including your educational background is still important.
Here’s how to properly format your education history:
- List your degrees in reverse-chronological order, starting with the highest level of education attained.
- 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 high school information to save space.
Here’s how the education section might look on your server skills resume:
Example:
Saratoga High School
Saratoga, CA
2016-2020
#6. Highlight Essential Server Skills
Hiring managers looking for servers are particularly interested in your skill set and your capacity to quickly learn and perform the job effectively. Your skills section should therefore be a focal point of your resume.
Avoid simply listing every skill you possess. Focus on relevance. While skills outside the service industry might be valuable in other contexts, they are less impactful here.
Instead, review the list of server skills below and select those that genuinely reflect your abilities.
Furthermore, carefully examine the job advertisement to identify any specific skills mentioned as requirements. If you possess these skills and haven’t already included them, add them to your resume.
This targeted approach ensures your server skills resume is highly relevant and directly addresses the employer’s needs.
20 Key Soft and Hard Skills for a Server Skills Resume
Server Soft Skills
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Service Expertise
- Patience and Composure
- Physical Stamina and Endurance
- Professional Appearance and Grooming
- Memory Skills (for orders and customer preferences)
- Conflict Resolution Abilities
- Adaptability to Fast-Paced Environments
- Legible Handwriting (for manual orders)
- Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
- Time Management Proficiency
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Server Hard Skills
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems Proficiency
- Cash Handling and Register Operation
- Menu Knowledge (food and beverage)
- Wine and Alcohol Pairing Knowledge
- Basic Math Skills (for order calculations and billing)
- Restaurant Equipment Operation
- Multilingualism
#7. Add Value with Extra Sections
If your server skills resume is already a single page, you’ve achieved a concise and focused document. However, if you have space remaining, especially if you have limited work experience, consider adding these sections to further enhance your application:
- Certifications: Certifications related to food safety, responsible alcohol service, or customer service can significantly strengthen your application.
- Languages: Fluency in multiple languages is a major advantage in the hospitality industry, particularly in diverse or tourist-heavy locations.
- Volunteer Experience: Volunteer work, especially in community service or customer-facing roles, demonstrates valuable soft skills and a commitment to service.
- Hobbies and Interests: Including relevant hobbies can provide insights into your personality and potentially create a connection with the hiring manager, especially if they relate to hospitality or customer interaction.
Here are examples of how these extra sections can be presented:
Examples:
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certification (Valid until 2024)
Languages
- Spanish (Conversational)
- French (Basic)
Hobbies and Interests
- Culinary Arts
- Local Food Scene Exploration
- Mixology
#8. Include a Server Cover Letter to Complete Your Application
Finally, a well-crafted cover letter is a crucial addition to your application package.
A cover letter serves two primary purposes:
- It allows you to expand on your most relevant skills and experiences, providing context and elaborating on achievements mentioned in your resume.
- It gives you an opportunity to address any aspects not easily conveyed in a resume, such as career transitions, employment gaps, or your specific motivation for applying to this particular position.
To create a cover letter that complements your server skills resume effectively:
- If possible, address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager by name. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. Avoid generic salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam.”
- Begin your cover letter with a strong opening paragraph that introduces yourself and highlights your top 2-3 skills or achievements relevant to the server role.
- In the body paragraphs, provide detailed examples of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use this space to elaborate on points from your resume and explain anything that requires further clarification.
- End 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 common cover letter mistakes to ensure your letter is polished and professional.
To ensure your cover letter matches the quality of your resume, consider using Novorésumé’s cover letter templates for a consistent and professional look.
Key Takeaways for a Winning Server Skills Resume
By following these steps, you are well-equipped to write a compelling server skills resume that will help you land your desired job. Before you finalize your application, remember these key points:
- Use the reverse-chronological format for your server resume—it’s preferred by hiring managers and effectively showcases your career progression.
- Craft a captivating resume summary or objective to immediately engage the reader and encourage them to learn more about your qualifications.
- Utilize action verbs and power words to emphasize your achievements and responsibilities, making your experience section impactful.
- Enhance your resume with extra sections like “Languages” and “Certifications” to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
- Always include a tailored cover letter to complement your server skills resume and provide a more complete picture of your qualifications and enthusiasm.
