Hard skills include technical abilities such as food safety knowledge, cooking techniques, and skill in using kitchen equipment that are essential for preparing quality meals.
Server Resume Examples & Templates
Ready to boost your career? Our server resume examples showcase essential skills like customer service and teamwork that will help you stand out to employers in the hospitality industry.
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Popular Server Resume Examples
Check out our top server resume examples that emphasize important skills like customer service, multitasking, and teamwork. These examples illustrate how to effectively showcase your experience and contributions in a way that attracts attention.
Ready to build your ideal resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates designed specifically for the restaurant industry, helping you shine in your job applications.
Recommended
Entry-level server resume
What this resume does well:
This entry-level resume for a server highlights the applicant's extensive customer service experience and ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively. New professionals in the hospitality industry must demonstrate their skills in teamwork, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, even if their work history is limited.
Mid-career server resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively showcases qualifications by detailing sales achievements and customer satisfaction improvements. The clear progression from restaurant attendant to server highlights leadership capabilities and readiness for greater responsibilities in the hospitality industry.
Experienced server resume
What this resume does well:
This work experience section highlights the applicant's extensive experience in the restaurant industry, demonstrating their ability to manage multiple tables and improve sales. Specific achievements include increasing sales by 15% through upselling and reducing wait times by 30%, with clear formatting aiding quick comprehension for hiring managers.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Melissa Price
Spokane, WA 99202
(555)555-5555
Melissa.Price@example.com
Professional Summary
Proven Server with 4 years of enhancing guest experiences. Expert in customer service and menu knowledge, consistently driving restaurant excellence and team collaboration.
Work History
Server
The Urban Fork - Spokane, WA
November 2023 - October 2025
- Increased sales by 15% through upselling
- Maintained a 95% guest satisfaction rate
- Trained 5 new team members efficiently
Restaurant Attendant
Sunset Grill - Eastside, WA
May 2022 - October 2023
- Managed inventory with 98% accuracy
- Coordinated events for up to 100 guests
- Enhanced menu suggestions by 20%
Food Service Specialist
Maple Leaf Dining - Silverlake, WA
January 2021 - April 2022
- Reduced food waste by 10% annually
- Supervised 3 staff during peak hours
- Streamlined ordering, raising efficiency
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- Italian - Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Customer Service
- Menu Knowledge
- Team Collaboration
- Sales Techniques
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Food Safety Practices
- Event Coordination
Certifications
- Certified Food Handler - Washington State Health Department
- Customer Service Professional - National Restaurant Association
Education
Bachelor's Degree Hospitality Management
University of Washington Seattle, WA
June 2020
High School Diploma General Education
West Seattle High School Seattle, WA
June 2016
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How to Write a Server Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first impression employers will have of you, making it important for capturing their attention. In this section, you should clearly convey your unique skills and experiences relevant to the server role.
As a server, your resume should highlight your customer service abilities, teamwork, and efficiency in fast-paced environments. Showcasing these attributes can set you apart from other applicants.
To guide you in crafting an effective summary, we’ll look at some examples that illustrate what works well and what doesn’t:
Weak resume summary
I am an experienced server who has worked in several busy restaurants. I am looking for a position where I can use my skills to provide great service and help the team succeed. A job with flexible hours and good tips would be perfect for me.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Lacks specific details about the job seeker’s experience or achievements in serving, making it sound generic
- Focuses on personal desires rather than highlighting what value the applicant brings to potential employers
- Uses vague phrases such as "great service" without showing any concrete examples of past success
Strong resume summary
Experienced server with over 6 years in high-volume restaurant environments, adept at improving customer satisfaction and increasing repeat business by 20% through exceptional service and personalized dining experiences. Proficient in POS systems, menu planning, and coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure seamless operations.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with specific experience duration and relevant industry setting
- Highlights a quantifiable achievement that shows a positive impact on business performance
- Includes specific skills and competencies directly related to the role of a server
PRO TIP
If you're just starting out and lack formal experience, consider using a career objective to highlight your goals. This approach can set you apart. Check out resume objective examples tailored for your field to make your application shine.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is an important part of your resume as a server, where you’ll present the bulk of your qualifications. Good resume templates always emphasize this section to showcase your relevant experience.
This area should be organized in reverse-chronological order, detailing your previous roles in the service industry. Use bullet points to clearly outline achievements and skills demonstrated in each position.
To help guide you, we’ll share examples that illustrate effective entries for servers. These examples will show what works well and what doesn’t:
Weak work experience
Server
Sunny Diner – Los Angeles, CA
- Served food and drinks to customers.
- Cleaned tables and took orders.
- Worked with team members to ensure service.
- Handled cash register and payments.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- No details about the employment dates
- Bullet points lack specificity and measurable achievements
- Focuses on basic responsibilities rather than highlighting customer satisfaction or sales performance
Strong work experience
Server
Trendy Bistro – San Francisco, CA
March 2020 - Current
- Deliver exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment, improving guest satisfaction scores by 30%.
- Efficiently manage multiple tables during peak hours, resulting in a 20% increase in table turnover rates.
- Train new staff on menu details and service protocols, contributing to a cohesive team environment and improved service efficiency.
Why this work experience section works:
- Starts each bullet with dynamic action verbs that highlight the job seeker’s contributions
- Incorporates specific metrics to showcase tangible improvements in performance
- Highlights relevant skills through concrete examples of teamwork and customer service excellence
While your resume summary and work experience are important, don’t overlook the significance of other sections that contribute to a strong presentation. For detailed guidance on ensuring every part of your resume shines, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is important for showcasing your technical skills to potential employers. It allows you to highlight your abilities quickly, helping recruiters recognize that you are a strong job seeker for the role.
Strengthen your application by highlighting a combination of hard and soft skills on your resume.
Soft skills encompass teamwork, communication, and adaptability, which foster a positive dining experience and efficient collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align them with what employers expect from an ideal applicant. Many organizations use automated systems to filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills.
To effectively showcase your qualifications, carefully review job postings for insights on the specific skills that are prioritized by recruiters and ATS systems alike. This approach will help ensure your resume stands out in a competitive job market.
PRO TIP
Increase your chances of getting noticed by employers by using our ATS Resume Checker to identify over 30 common mistakes, ensuring your resume smoothly navigates through applicant tracking systems.
10 skills that appear on successful server resumes
Improve your resume to attract recruiters by highlighting the most sought-after skills for server positions. Our resume examples showcase these essential skills, allowing you to apply confidently with a polished document.
Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job requirements:
Strong work ethic
45%
Task prioritization
45%
Exceptional customer service
43%
Guest engagement
36%
Team collaboration
22%
Cash handling
20%
Safe food handling
20%
Cleanliness standards
17%
High volume dining
16%
Order accuracy
15%
Based on analysis of 5,000+ food service professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the right resume format is essential because it highlights your core skills, relevant experiences, and career progression, helping you stand out to employers in a competitive job market.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with limited experience in server roles
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and growth potential
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Seasoned servers excelling in hospitality management and team leadership
Server Salaries in the Highest-Paid States
Our server salary data is based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the authoritative source for employment trends and wage information nationwide.
Whether you're entering the workforce or considering a move to a new city or state, this data can help you gauge what fair compensation looks like for servers in your desired area.
$0$25K$50K
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my server resume?
Absolutely. Including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your personality and highlighting relevant skills. It allows you to connect your experiences directly to the job requirements. If you're looking for assistance, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator for a quick start.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
A CV is often required for international job applications, particularly in Europe and Asia. It provides a detailed overview of your academic and professional history. To help you craft an effective CV, we offer resources on how to write a CV and provide CV examples tailored to various global standards.
What soft skills are important for servers?
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for servers. These interpersonal skills foster positive interactions with customers and colleagues, ensuring a pleasant dining experience and efficient service that keeps guests coming back.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability when applying for server positions. These abilities are important in a fast-paced environment, even if you lack direct experience. Share specific examples from previous roles that illustrate how you've successfully managed customer interactions or resolved conflicts, linking them to the demands of serving customers effectively.
How should I format a cover letter for a server job?
To format a cover letter effectively, start with your contact information and a professional greeting. Next, craft an engaging introductory paragraph to capture your interest in the server position. Include key qualifications tailored to the job description by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences. Conclude with a strong closing statement that encourages follow-up or further discussion.
How do I add my resume to LinkedIn?
To improve your resume's visibility on LinkedIn, you can add your resume to LinkedIn by uploading it to your profile or highlighting key experience in the "About" and "Experience" sections. This approach helps recruiters easily find job seekers with relevant skills and qualifications for server positions.
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