TABLE OF CONTENTS
Server resume
summary examples
The resume summary is located at the top of your resume, just beneath your contact information and resume headline. Its job is to quickly grab the hiring manager’s attention and make the case for why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Your summary for a server role should consist of two to four sentences that spotlight your unique customer service skills and accomplishments. It should function like a sales pitch to highlight your key qualifications.
By focusing on your most relevant skills and experiences, you convey to prospective employers the value you could bring to their team.
Servers with over three years of work experience should use a resume summary. If you are a newer server, either freshly graduated or with less than three years of experience, it is recommended that you write an objective statement instead.
Next, we will examine examples of professional summaries for servers — one good and one poor — to guide you in writing your own.
Good example:
“I am an experienced server with over five years of experience in the hospitality industry. I have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service, boosting sales by 15% over the past two years, and reducing costs. I am highly skilled in providing exceptional customer service, working with diverse teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction.”
Why this example passes:
- Feature a quantifiable metric: boosting sales by 15%.
- Shows career length, five years.
- Mentions employer-desired skills: exceptional customer service and teamwork.
Bad example:
“Hardworking server with experience in the food industry. Enjoys interacting with customers and providing excellent service. Dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction.”
Why this example fails:
- Doesn’t include any numbers that quantify server’s performance.
- Uses vague descriptions and skills.
- Doesn’t include years of experience as a server.
The fastest way to write your
professional summary
- 1
Enter the details about your job title. The builder comes preloaded with auto-suggested content written by certified professional resume writers (CPRW).
- 2
The builder features professionally written content and resume keywords that you can select!
- 3
All you have to do is choose the summary phrases that best frame your experience. It’s like having a professional do it for you!
You’ll find the best resume content suggestions in our Resume Builder and can get professional resume-writing help. Get ready for the job search by taking advantage of these resume-writing tools!
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Server resume work
experience examples
Good example:
Harrington’s I Rolling Meadows, IL I 8/2018-current
- Served as a server at a high-end restaurant, providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for guests.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking skills by promptly managing orders, serving meals and bussing tables.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure orders were prepared according to customers’ specifications.
- Exceeded sales goals by upselling drinks and desserts, contributing to a 20% increase in average check sizes.
Why this example passes:
- Numbers and statistics add detail and quantify the results this server delivers: 20% increase in average check sizes.
- Good use of strong words and active language.
- References specialized value server provides with “exceeded sales goals.”
Bad example:
Friendly’s I Redmond, WA I 4/2022-present
- Worked as a server at a local restaurant.
- Served customers in a timely manner.
- Assisted in stocking the kitchen.
- Maintained a clean and organized work area.
Why this example fails:
- Lacks numbers or statistics.
- Describes general tasks, not achievements or career highlights.
- Uses active verbs, but doesn’t focus on results.
Server resume skills examples
Here are 18 sample skills for a server:
- Hors doeuvres service
- Dining area maintenance
- To-go order preparation
- Seating assignment preparation
- Utensil cleaning
- Supply restocking
- Quality control
- Regulatory compliance
- Safe food handling
- Order management
- Menu memorization
- Table setting
- Performance improvement
- Banquet coordination
- Table bussing
- Food delivery
- Beverage preparation
- Order accuracy
You should add hard skills, soft skills and interpersonal skills to your server resume. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section.
Examples of additional resume sections
A resume has five main sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills and the education section. However, you can add different sections to your restaurant server resume to show more achievements.
Here are some examples of optional server resume sections that you could add to provide greater detail:
- Certifications and licenses
- Professional development
- References
- Awards and achievements
- Hobbies and interests
- Volunteer work
How to choose a resume format
0-3
Years of experience
Functional formats
- Focus on skills.
- Best for first-time server who lack work experience.
- Good for people re-entering workforce.
- May omit dates in the work history section.
Organization:
- Skills listed above work experience.
3-10
Years of experience
Combination formats
- Balance skills and work history.
- Ideal for mid-career server.
- Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
Organization:
- Skills next to or above work experience.
10+
Years of experience
Chronological formats
- Put the most focus on work history.
- Best for server with a long, steady career.
- Most popular format.
- Preferred by recruiters.
Organization:
- Work experience listed above skills.
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