- Necessary Skills for Food Servers Part 1
- Examples of Best Skills for Food Server Resumes Part 2
- Examples of Strong Resume Objectives for Food Servers Part 3
- Examples of Resume Objectives for Food Servers (No Experience) Part 4
- Example Food Server Resume Template Part 5
- Example Food Server Resume with No Experience Part 6
- Including Skills on Your Resume Part 7
- Food Server Resume Best Practices Part 8
Part 1Necessary Skills for Food Servers
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Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is the key to success in the food service industry. Showcasing your ability to create positive customer experiences, handle complaints, and ensure customer satisfaction will make you an attractive candidate.
Example: “Ensured all customers had a positive dining experience. My goal was to exceed customer expectations and build loyalty.” -
Attention to Detail: Food servers need to be accurate when taking orders, delivering meals, and handling payments.
Example: “Demonstrated accuracy in order-taking, meal delivery, and payment processing to maintain zero error rates for over six months.” -
Communication: As a server, you’ll need to effectively communicate with both customers and colleagues.
Example: “Known for exceptional listening and communication skills, effectively addressing customer concerns and fostering a productive team environment.” -
Time Management: Food servers must effectively manage their time on busy shifts, juggling multiple customers’ needs. Illustrate your time management skills with examples of handling high-pressure situations.
Example: “Successfully managed a section of up to (…) tables during peak times, maintaining prompt service and customer satisfaction.”
As a food server, your resume should highlight both your hard and soft skills. Soft skills include effective communication, active listening, and teamwork. Hard skills might include familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certification, and mixology knowledge.
Examples of soft skills to include on a food server resume:
- Excellent customer service
- Ability to work under pressure
- Time management
- Detail-oriented
- Positive attitude
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility and adaptability
What are some key hard skills for food servers?
Hard skills that you can include on your resume to make you stand out as a food server are:
- Familiarity with POS systems
- Knowledge of food and drink pairings
- Bilingual or multilingual ability
- Food safety certification
- Cash handling and management
- Mixology or bartending experience
To effectively showcase your server skills, use the following strategies:
- Include a summary or objective at the top of your resume that sums up your key skills and experiences.
- Divide your resume into clear sections such as work experience, education, and skills.
- Use action verbs and quantifiable results when listing your skills and accomplishments in your work experience section.
Part 2Examples of Best Skills for Food Server Resumes
Customer Service:
– Able to build rapport with customers and determine their needs. Known for being polite, friendly and helpful.
– Skilled in anticipating customer needs and providing personalized recommendations based on their preferences.
– Known for going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, including offering complimentary items or discounts when appropriate.
– Able to handle difficult customers with tact and diplomacy, de-escalating tense situations and finding mutually agreeable solutions.
Attention to Detail:
– Meticulous in checking orders for accuracy and completeness, catching errors before they reach the customer.
– Able to identify and correct minor issues before they become major problems, such as restocking supplies or cleaning equipment as needed.
– Experienced in checking orders for accuracy and completeness, catching errors before they reach the customer.
Communication:
– Effective listening skills to take accurate orders.
– Skilled in adapting communication style to suit the needs of different customers, including those who speak different languages or have hearing impairments.
– Able to explain complex menu items or promotions in a clear and concise manner, ensuring customers understand their options.
– Comfortable using technology such as tablets or POS systems to take orders and process payments, with minimal errors.
– Comfortable making menu recommendations based on customer preferences and dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegetarian options.
– Experienced in working collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure that orders are prepared correctly and delivered to customers in a timely manner.
Time Management:
– Capable of prioritizing tasks and managing multiple tasks at once in a fast-paced environment.
– Able to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that critical items are completed first and non-essential tasks are deferred until later.
– Experienced in managing multiple tables and orders simultaneously, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and quality.
Speed and Efficiency:
– Skilled in working quickly and accurately, minimizing wait times for customers and maximizing throughput.
– Able to multi-task effectively, such as taking orders while also preparing drinks or food items.
– Experienced in using technology such as tablets or POS systems to take orders and process payments, with minimal errors.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills:
– Willing to help others and work collaboratively as part of a restaurant team.
– Known for being a reliable and supportive team member, willing to assist others as needed to ensure the success of the team.
– Able to communicate effectively with colleagues, including providing constructive feedback and receiving feedback in a positive manner.
– Comfortable working in a diverse team environment, respecting differences in culture, background, and experience.
– Experienced in working collaboratively with colleagues, including kitchen staff, bussers, and hosts/hostesses.
– Skilled in providing constructive feedback and receiving feedback in a positive manner, contributing to a positive and supportive team environment.
– Comfortable training new team members and sharing knowledge and expertise to improve overall performance.
Ability to Work Under Pressure:
– Skilled in remaining calm and focused under pressure, even during peak hours or unexpected rushes.
– Able to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that critical items are completed first and non-essential tasks are deferred until later.
– Experienced in managing multiple tables and orders simultaneously, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and quality, even in high-stress situations.
Positive Attitude:
– Known for having a positive and upbeat attitude, even during challenging or difficult situations.
– Skilled in building rapport with customers and colleagues, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
– Able to maintain a positive attitude and motivate others, even during busy or stressful times.
Problem-Solving:
– Experienced in identifying and resolving problems quickly and effectively, such as addressing customer complaints or equipment malfunctions.
– Skilled in thinking creatively and outside the box to find solutions to complex problems.
– Able to work collaboratively with colleagues and customers to find mutually agreeable solutions to challenging situations.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
– Known for being flexible and adaptable, able to adjust to changing circumstances or unexpected events.
– Skilled in quickly adapting to new procedures, systems, or technologies.
– Able to work effectively in diverse environments, such as different types of restaurants or with colleagues from different backgrounds or cultures.
Part 3Examples of Strong Resume Objectives for Experienced Food Servers
A good objective for a server’s resume should convey your passion for great service, highlight relevant skills, and briefly mention your professional goals. For example:
- “Enthusiastic and hardworking food server aiming to provide exceptional customer service at X Restaurant. With 3 years of experience in high-volume establishments, I am committed to creating lasting impressions through teamwork and dedication. Seeking to contribute strong communication and multitasking abilities to a dynamic team atmosphere.”
- “Experienced food server with 3 years in casual dining seeking a position at a high-volume restaurant. Known for providing excellent customer service, handling multiple tables efficiently, and consistently exceeding sales goals. Passionate about hospitality and creating memorable dining experiences.”
- “Seasoned server with 5 years of experience providing superior service at family restaurants. Skilled in menu knowledge, cash handling, and resolving customer issues professionally. Adept at building rapport with patrons and earning a 20% average tip percentage. Motivated to join an energetic team.”
- “Food server with a track record of success at upscale steakhouses. Talented at making strong recommendations to upsell appetizers and drinks. Trained new hires on best practices for order taking, timing, and table interactions. Goal-oriented with proven ability to exceed sales targets month over month.”
- “Dedicated server with 2 years of experience at a casual seafood restaurant. Passion for hospitality and creating a welcoming environment for all guests. Skilled in wine and cocktail pairings. A team player who enjoys training and mentoring new staff members. Known for going above and beyond to resolve customer concerns.”
- “Hardworking server with 4 years of experience at high-volume family restaurants. Expertise in efficiently handling large tables and turning over seats quickly. Trained in safety and sanitation standards. A leader who excels at multi-tasking, time management, and cash handling procedures.”
- “Experienced server seeking a fast-paced fine dining environment. Talented at providing personalized service tailored to each guest’s needs. Skilled in wine service, suggestive selling techniques, and culinary knowledge. A solutions-oriented professional dedicated to operational excellence and guest satisfaction.”
Part 4Examples of Strong Resume Objectives for Food Servers with No Experience
- “Seeking an entry-level food serving role to start building a career in hospitality. Motivated to develop strong customer service skills through hands-on training and real-world experience in a dining establishment. Will work hard to exceed expectations and help create a pleasant dining experience for all patrons.”
- “Recently relocated to the area and interested in starting a career with growth potential. While new to serving in particular, bring transferable skills in organization and working collaboratively from previous retail jobs. Eager to immerse in restaurant operations from the beginning and advance professionally with ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction.”
- “Dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking an entry-level server position to begin developing skills in customer service, food preparation, and restaurant operations. Motivated to learn from experienced colleagues and continuously improve work performance.”
- “Entry-level server position desired to gain valuable on-the-job training and establish a solid work history in the food service industry. Eager to apply strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure.”
- “Recent high school graduate interested in starting a career as a food server. Bring dependability, positive attitude, and quick learning abilities to assist restaurant customers and staff in a fast-paced environment. Committed to completing all training programs to contribute meaningfully to a successful restaurant team.”
Part 5Example Food Server Resume Template
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Objective:
Energetic and customer-focused food server with X years of experience in the industry, seeking to contribute strong service skills and attention to detail at [Company Name].
Skills:
- Customer service: Achieved 95% positive feedback
- Attention to detail: Maintained zero error rates for over six months
- Communication: Effective listening and conflict resolution skills
- Time management: Successfully managed X tables during peak hours
Experience:
Food Server, X Restaurant (Dates)
- Consistently achieved a 95% positive customer feedback rating
- Demonstrated careful attention to detail in order-taking, meal delivery, and payment processing
- Managed a section of up to 15 tables during peak times
- Worked collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure prompt and accurate meal preparation
Education:
- High School Diploma, [Your High School], [City, State], [Year]
References:
Available upon request.
Part 6Example Food Server Resume with No Experience
This resume highlights relevant customer service skills the applicant has developed in other roles even without direct food server experience. It focuses on traits like communication, organization and teamwork to convince the employer they have potential in this role. Here is an example food server resume for someone with no experience:
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Objective:
New to the food service industry but excited to begin learning from seasoned professionals. Possess reliable work ethic and communication abilities to assist guests and colleagues effectively. Goal is to take on responsibilities quickly, contribute positively to the team, and advance skills over time in a supportive restaurant environment.
Skills:
– Customer focus: Able to build rapport with customers and determine their needs. Known for being polite, friendly and helpful.
– Communication: Effective listening skills to take accurate orders. Clear speaking ability to repeat orders back to customers.
– Organization: Capable of prioritizing tasks and managing multiple tasks at once in a fast-paced environment.
– Teamwork: Willing to help others and work collaboratively as part of a restaurant team.
Education:
High School Diploma, [Your High School], [City, State], [Year]
References:
Available upon request.
Part 7Including Skills on Your Resume
Quantifying Your Skills
To impress potential employers and showcase your expertise, quantify your skills using metrics like percentages, timeframes, or dollar amounts. This can reveal the effectiveness of your abilities in a real-life context. For example:
- Improved customer satisfaction by 20% through attentive service and quick response times
- Boosted daily sales by 15% by upselling appetizers, desserts, and beverages.
Using Active Language
Employing active language on your resume can help highlight your strengths and actively showcase your achievements in the food service industry. Start your bullet points with action verbs to emphasize your past accomplishments as a food server, such as:
- Coordinated large events and banquets, providing excellent service to over 100 guests.
- Managed customer complaints, resolving issues promptly and maintaining satisfaction.
Part 8Food Server Resume Best Practices
First, focus on your customer service skills. Employers are looking for excellent communication and people skills. Highlight your ability to remain friendly and professional under pressure. For example:
- Assisted customers in making menu selections and provided personalized recommendations, consistently receiving positive feedback.
- Addressed and resolved guest inquiries, ensuring a pleasant dining experience and returning customers.
Next, emphasize teamwork skills. Food servers need to work well with kitchen staff, hosts, and managers to ensure smooth service. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and adapt, like so:
- Worked closely with kitchen staff to communicate special orders and dietary restrictions, ensuring high-quality service.
- Collaborated with fellow servers to accommodate high volume periods and successfully cover all sections as needed.
Time-management and multitasking abilities are other essential skills for food servers. Show how you can juggle responsibilities and deliver timely service, as shown here:
- Maintained accurate and efficient service during peak hours, handling multiple tables simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Effectively prioritized tasks, such as pre-bussing, running food, and attending to guest needs promptly.
Finally, make your resume stand out by incorporating specific accomplishments or certifications, if applicable. Include any relevant training or awards you may have received in the food industry. Consider using bullet points for a clean presentation:
- Graduated top of class in ServSafe Food Handler certification program.
- Awarded “Employee of the Month” for outstanding performance and customer service on three separate occasions.