Your waiter/waitress resume should demonstrate your ability to multitask, deliver efficient service in a fast-paced environment, elevate guest satisfaction ratings, and collaborate with a team of servers. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a success-driven resume highlighting the most compelling aspects of your server experience in the hospitality industry.
Key Takeaways
Emphasize specializations: Waiters and waitresses are not just food service professionals, but they are the frontlines of customer service and brand representatives. Your resume should reflect any special qualities you have, if you’ve worked in a particular type of establishment, and anything that can set you apart.
Detail quantifiable achievements: Quantifying past achievements can help show that you’re a valuable asset to a restaurant. Share statistics such as customer satisfaction ratings, ability to upsell menu items, and any other data that can illustrate why you’re a great candidate.
Use keywords for ATS: Applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter resumes based on keywords and phrases. Pay special attention to the wording in the job description and try to include some of the same terminology in your resume to help it get through those initial screenings.
How To Write a Waiter/Waitress Resume Example
A resume template can help you write an effective waiter/waitress resume to win interviews.
Your waiter/waitress resume should include these key sections:
Contact information
Profile
Key skills
Professional experience
Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Create a profile by summarizing your waiter/waitress qualifications
In about two to three sentences, summarize your professional background, relevant skills, and experience as a waiter/waitress. A strong, compelling introduction will gain the attention of hospitality managers and recruiters. Highlight your strengths and integrate keywords from the job description to show you’re a good match for the position.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in restaurants and hotels, extending from waitstaff to management. A degree in hospitality management and a Certified Specialist of Wine credential, coupled with the proven ability to train staff, streamline operations, and handle management tasks efficiently. Developed strategies that led to significant improvement in guest service ratings and operational efficiency in top-tier establishments such as Outback Steakhouse and Marriott International.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A dedicated waiter with a strong track record in the restaurant and hospitality industries, holding an associate degree in business. Proven experience in food service with exceptional customer service skills. Known for excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and maintaining health and safety standards within a high-volume restaurant.
3.Add your waiter/waitress experience with compelling examples
This section should list your previous positions as a waiter/waitress, including job duties, employer names, and dates of employment. Highlight specific achievements and accomplishments, quantifying your results whenever possible.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Hospitality Manager, Marriott International, New York, NY | June 2015 – Present
Developed and implemented strategies to improve guest service ratings, leading to an increase in overall customer satisfaction by 20%
Coordinated staff training programs to ensure all employees are well versed with quality standards and procedures, resulting in a 15% decrease in operational errors
Assisted in the roll-out of a new menu initiative, leading to an increase in average customer spend of 10%
Senior Waiter, Outback Steakhouse, New York, NY | January 2010 – May 2015
Trained and supervised a team of 20 wait staff, which led to a reduction in the turnover rate by 30%
Implemented new protocols that greatly improved operational efficiency resulting in a 25% decrease in complaints related to service
Coordinated with the kitchen staff and other departments to ensure seamless operations during high-volume periods
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Waiter, Olive Garden, New York, NY | May 2020 – Present
Consistently recognized by management for excellent customer service skills which have led to a 10% increase in repeat customers
Skilled in effectively managing orders for a high-volume restaurant, serving an average of 25 tables per shift
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of dining area compliant with health and safety regulations resulting in 0 violations during the employment period
Intern – Hotel Operations, Marriott International, Miami, FL | May 2018 – April 2020
Participated in a comprehensive hotel operations internship where responsibilities spanned across various departments from front office to housekeeping
Developed excellent problem-solving skills by addressing and resolving guest issues effectively resulting in positive guest feedback
Assisted in coordination of events and gained experience in providing top-notch hospitality services
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Use numbers and metrics to show the results you achieved in previous roles. Provide context to your work history and give hospitality managers a better understanding of your scope and impact. You can demonstrate your value and potential as a waiter/waitress by detailing how you improve efficiency, elevate guest satisfaction ratings, and improve restaurant sales.
Do
“Developed and implemented strategies to improve guest service ratings, leading to an increase in overall customer satisfaction by 20%”
Don't
“Improved guest services”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Align your waiter/waitress resume with the job description to improve your chances of securing an interview. Incorporate keywords and highlight accomplishments that prove you can exceed the company’s expectations. This will require tailoring every resume you send to a recruiter for the specific job application. Even minor tweaks can make a big impact.
What if you don’t have experience?
Creating a waiter/waitress resume can be challenging if you don’t have real-world experience yet. However, you still have valuable skills and knowledge from your education and training. Also, consider volunteer experiences and highlight certifications you’ve earned. For example, if you were asked to wait tables at a charity golf outing because of your courteous nature, note this in your experience section. Or, if you earned a ServSafe Food Handler certification, include this to show your commitment to advancing your career.
4. Include waiter/waitress-related education and certifications
List any relevant education and certifications you’ve received to display you’re a well-qualified waiter/waitress. Include the title of the degree or certificate earned, the institution’s name, and the completion date. Also, list continuing education courses or professional development programs.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY | 2009
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW, Society of Wine Educators), 2015
5. List key skills and proficiencies for waiter/waitress
Highlight key skills for your waiter/waitress career — both hard skills and soft ones. Choose hard skills, such as payment processing and product sales and promotion, and soft skills, including conflict resolution and task prioritization. Strategically select which skills to include by aligning your capabilities with the job description to increase your chances of winning an interview. Some examples are highlighted in this table.
Key Skills and Proficiencies
Conflict resolution
Customer satisfaction
Menu and order memorization
New hire training
Point-of-Sale (POS) systems
Product sales and promotions
Task prioritization
Resume writer’s tip: Use strong action verbs
Take a strategic approach with your words on your waiter/waitress resume. In the professional experience section of your resume, use action verbs to communicate your job duties and accomplishments. Instead of listing off responsibilities, start each sentence with a dynamic action verb, and avoid repetitive or first-person language such as, “I was responsible for…” Here are some action verb ideas to energize your resume.
Action Verbs
Coordinate
Engage
Ensure
Greet
Improve
Increase
Memorize
Order
Prepare
Prevent
Promote
Recommend
Relay
Retrieve
Serve
Solve
Streamline
Upsell
How To Pick the Best Waiter/Waitress Resume Template
Waiter/waitress resumes should look professional, simple, and focused on the content of your past accomplishments and skills. Choose a template that is organized and easy to scan rather than worrying about flashy fonts or layouts.
Waiter/Waitress Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
left
Entry level
Midlevel
Senior level
right
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A dedicated waiter with a strong track record in the restaurant and hospitality industries, holding an associate degree in business. Proven experience in food service with exceptional customer service skills. Known for excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and maintaining health and safety standards within a high-volume restaurant.
Key Skills
Cleanliness and table setup
Customer service
Health and safety compliance
Menu knowledge
Speedy service
Professional Experience
Waiter, Olive Garden, New York, NY | May 2020 – Present
Consistently recognized by management for excellent customer service skills which have led to a 10% increase in repeat customers
Skilled in effectively managing orders for a high-volume restaurant, serving an average of 25 tables per shift
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of dining area compliant with health and safety regulations resulting in 0 violations during the employment period
Intern – Hotel Operations, Marriott International, Miami, FL | May 2018 – April 2020
Participated in a comprehensive hotel operations internship where responsibilities spanned across various departments from front office to housekeeping
Developed excellent problem-solving skills by addressing and resolving guest issues effectively resulting in positive guest feedback
Assisted in coordination of events and gained experience in providing top-notch hospitality services
Education
Associate Degree in Business
Borough of Manhattan Community College, NY, May 2020
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A solid foundation in restaurant and hospitality services, having worked in esteemed establishments like TK and Hilton Worldwide. Acquired versatile experience as a waiter in varying restaurant environments, coupled with strong culinary knowledge gleaned from an associate degree in Hospitality Management. Strong communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and dedication to exceptional customer service are matched by a record in improving service times, maintaining cleanliness, and building rapport with guests.
Key Skills
Customer service skills
Food service regulation compliance
Order management
Service issue resolution
Table management
Senior Waiter, Marriott International, New York, NY | January 2018 – Present
Demonstrated proficiency in order management by consistently taking customers’ orders accurately and ensuring dishes are prepared according to specifications, contributing to an average customer satisfaction score of 90% for the last six months
Proficiently managed table settings and environment, resulting in increased efficiency of service provided and enhancing the overall dining experience
Displayed exceptional customer service skills by building rapport with guests, resolving service-related issues promptly, and effectively recommending dishes based on guests’ preferences; subsequently improving repeat customer statistics
Waitstaff, Hilton Worldwide, Los Angeles, CA | June 2014 – December 2017
Assumed responsibility for managing customer orders–from accurately taking orders to communicating them to kitchen staff and serving timely, noted for improving overall service time during 2017 by 20%
Maintained strict standards of cleanliness and orderliness at tables and working area, leading to a 15% decrease in customer complaints year over year (2016 to 2017) related to hygiene and ambiance
Prioritized customer service by quickly resolving complaints and providing customized menu suggestions, contributing to a stable increase in positive customer feedback over the tenure
Education
Bachelor Degree in Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI | 2024
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in restaurants and hotels, extending from waitstaff to management. A degree in hospitality management and a Certified Specialist of Wine credential, coupled with the proven ability to train staff, streamline operations, and handle management tasks efficiently. Developed strategies that led to significant improvement in guest service ratings and operational efficiency in top-tier establishments such as Outback Steakhouse and Marriott International.
Key Skills
Coordinating with kitchen staff
Management tasks
Overseeing operations
Resolving complaints
Training junior wait staff
Professional Experience
Hospitality Manager, Marriott International, New York, NY | June 2015 – Present
Developed and implemented strategies to improve guest service ratings, leading to an increase in overall customer satisfaction by 20%
Coordinated staff training programs to ensure all employees are well versed with quality standards and procedures, resulting in a 15% decrease in operational errors
Assisted in the roll-out of a new menu initiative, leading to an increase in average customer spend of 10%
Senior Waiter, Outback Steakhouse, New York, NY | January 2010 – May 2015
Trained and supervised a team of 20 wait staff, which led to a reduction in the turnover rate by 30%
Implemented new protocols that greatly improved operational efficiency resulting in a 25% decrease in complaints related to service
Coordinated with the kitchen staff and other departments to ensure seamless operations during high-volume periods
Education
Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York | 2009
Certifications
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW, Society of Wine Educators), 2015
ServSafe Food Handler Certificate (SFHC, National Restaurant Association), 2012
Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS, Health Communications, Inc.), 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a waiter/waitress description?
The job outlook for waiters and waitresses is expected to decline through 2032, making your resume all the more important. When exploring job postings, pay special attention to how your skills align with specific employers’ needs and tweak your resume accordingly. For example, if you’ve got fine dining experience and want to work at an upscale restaurant, that is important to highlight.
What is the best waiter/waitress resume format?
As with many professions, a reverse-chronological resume format is typically best for waiters and waitresses. It gives you the opportunity to focus on your most recent professional accomplishments and key skills while showing your career progression. It’s also a format that most hiring managers are comfortable with, so you can’t go wrong.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Including a cover letter to go along with your resume is an extra touch that can go a long way toward impressing recruiters.
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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