Server Resume Tips & Examples
Create a standout resume that gets you interviews at the best restaurants. Includes templates, action verbs, and real examples.
Will Baric
Former hospitality operator writing about restaurant hiring, training, and operations.
Your resume is often your first impression with a restaurant hiring manager. In hospitality, they're looking for specific signals that you'll be reliable, personable, and capable of handling the fast-paced environment.
This guide will help you craft a server resume that highlights your strengths, whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out in the industry.
Essential Resume Sections
What to include—and what to avoid—in each part of your hospitality resume.
Contact Information
Keep it simple and professional. Include your name, phone number, email, and city/state.
- •Use a professional email address
- •Include your LinkedIn if you have one
- •Add your city and state (not full address)
- •Include your full home address
- •Use unprofessional email handles
- •Add social media unless relevant
Professional Summary
A 2-3 sentence snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.
- •Highlight years of experience if applicable
- •Mention your specialty (fine dining, high-volume, etc.)
- •Include a key achievement or skill
- •Use generic phrases like 'hard worker'
- •Write more than 3 sentences
- •Include salary expectations
Work Experience
List relevant positions with bullet points showing your impact, not just duties.
- •Use action verbs: 'Managed,' 'Increased,' 'Trained'
- •Include numbers: tables served, sales generated, team size
- •Show promotions or added responsibilities
- •List every job you've ever had
- •Use passive language
- •Include irrelevant positions from 10+ years ago
Skills Section
Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to hospitality.
- •Include POS systems you know (Toast, Square, Aloha)
- •List certifications (food handler, alcohol service)
- •Add language skills if applicable
- •List basic skills everyone has
- •Include outdated technologies
- •Exaggerate your abilities
Power Words for Server Resumes
Start your bullet points with these action verbs to make your experience pop.
Example Bullet Points
- Managed a 6-table section in a high-volume restaurant serving 200+ guests nightly
- Increased average check size by 15% through effective upselling techniques
- Trained 5 new servers on menu knowledge, POS system, and service standards
- Maintained a 95% satisfaction rating based on guest feedback cards
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely order delivery
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, converting negative experiences into positive reviews
No Restaurant Experience? No Problem
Here's how to build a compelling resume when you're just starting out.
Highlight Transferable Skills
- • Customer service from retail or other jobs
- • Cash handling and point-of-sale experience
- • Teamwork from sports, clubs, or volunteer work
- • Communication skills from any role
- • Problem-solving abilities
Add Training & Certifications
- • Food handler certification
- • Alcohol service training (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol)
- • Free hospitality courses from Garnysh
- • Customer service training
- • Any relevant volunteer experience
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