Barista Resume Examples and Templates
21 Best Server Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
By Andrew Stoner
, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner
Read More
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Last Updated:
March 13, 2025
Your server resume must demonstrate an ability to provide exceptional customer service as you take orders, deliver meals, and process payments. Hiring managers should be confident you can handle serving during peak business hours and navigate potentially disgruntled customers. This guide will help you craft a resume that serves up your tableside expertise in an appetizing way to potential employers.
Key takeaways:
- Highlight service skills: In the resume profile section, mention your ability to serve guests with attentive, proactive care, immediately showing your service expertise.
- Quantify achievements: Use dollar amounts and other numbers to describe times when you did something such as serve a large party, improve satisfaction scores, or increase sales.
- Incorporate relevant keywords: Identify server skills and terminology from the job ad and work them into your resume. This will help optimize your document for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Most Popular Server Resumes
Entry-Level Server Resume Example
Why this entry-level server resume is strong:
This resume does an excellent job of exploring the early phases of the candidate’s career within the hospitality space. The bullet points highlight their exceptional guest satisfaction scores, demonstrating their customer service and communication skills.
Waiter Server Resume Example
Why this server resume is strong:
This resume example illustrates the candidate’s leadership capabilities. The bullet points emphasize their experience developing and mentoring new servers, which will grab potential employers’ attention.
Lead Server Resume Example
Why this lead server resume is strong:
This resume showcases the candidate’s extensive knowledge and experience within the hospitality industry using various compelling examples from their career. The bullet points indicate the applicant’s ability to deliver exceptional service and collaborate effectively in team-based environments.
Fine Dining Server Resume Example
Why this fine dining resume is strong:
This resume excels in capturing the candidate’s experience delivering exceptional service to guests in upscale, fine-dining environments. The bullet points are filled with eye-catching numbers and metrics to help further demonstrate their outstanding track record as a hospitality professional.
Waitress Server Resume Example
Why this waitress server resume is strong:
This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s ability to handle high-pressure environments with consistent performance. Quantifiable achievements, such as reducing refund requests by 25%, demonstrate measurable value to employers. The professional experience includes clear, detailed accomplishments tailored to a waitress server role. Learn more about building a strong resume here: How to make a resume.
Banquet Server Resume Example
Why this banquet server resume is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to handle large-scale events while showcasing leadership experience, such as training staff and improving workflows. Measurable outcomes, like reducing errors and preparation times, add value. Learn how to tailor your resume for a banquet server role here: Server job description for resume.
Cocktail Server Resume Example
Why this cocktail server resume is strong:
This resume stands out by focusing on achievements, such as increasing beverage sales and maintaining accuracy in cash handling. The clear structure and quantified results make it compelling for employers in nightlife settings. Learn how to highlight your skills effectively here: Skills to put on your resume.
Food Server Resume Example
Why this food server resume is strong:
Maria’s resume emphasizes her ability to handle high-volume service with precision and poise. Quantified achievements, like maintaining a 99% order accuracy rate, showcase her attention to detail. Learn more about crafting a standout resume here: Resume objective examples.
Catering Server Resume Example
Why this catering server resume is strong:
James’s resume highlights his ability to handle large-scale events while showcasing leadership skills, such as managing and training staff. His experience is supported by measurable outcomes, like achieving a 95% satisfaction rate. Learn how to structure your resume for success here: Best resume formats.
Upscale Restaurant Server Resume Example
Why this cocktail server resume example is strong:
This resume highlights a track record of success with quantifiable metrics, such as sales increases and guest satisfaction improvements, while demonstrating leadership through staff training and onboarding. It balances professionalism with actionable accomplishments to appeal to high-end hospitality employers.
Fine Dining Restaurant Server Resume Example
Why this fine dining restaurant server resume is strong:
This resume emphasizes the candidate’s ability to excel in a fine-dining environment by demonstrating a blend of customer service excellence, sales achievements, and menu knowledge. Metrics such as increased sales percentages and guest satisfaction scores support the candidate’s expertise, while their contributions to special events highlight their teamwork and adaptability.
Professional Restaurant Server Resume Example
Why this professional server resume is strong:
This resume showcases extensive experience in the restaurant industry, backed by specific achievements such as revenue growth and guest satisfaction. The focus on team mentorship and operational improvement highlights the candidate’s leadership capabilities, while quantifiable metrics strengthen their ability to deliver results.
Restaurant Server With No Experience Resume Example
Why this restaurant server resume with no experience is strong:
This resume demonstrates transferable skills from volunteer and retail roles, emphasizing the candidate’s commitment to customer satisfaction and adaptability. Including a certification shows proactive preparation for a server position, making this applicant appealing for entry-level roles.
High-End Restaurant Server Resume Example
Why this high-end restaurant server resume is strong:
This resume highlights extensive experience in luxury dining settings, showcasing the candidate’s ability to cater to a high-end clientele. Focusing on metrics like sales growth and guest satisfaction demonstrates measurable success, making the applicant stand out to upscale establishments.
Casual Dining Server Resume Example
Why this casual dining server resume is strong:
This resume captures the candidate’s ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, emphasizing customer service and upselling success. Metrics like a 15% increase in sales and guest satisfaction ratings demonstrate their positive impact on restaurant operations.
Event Server Resume Example
Why this event server resume is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to manage the unique challenges of event service, including high-pressure situations and large-scale coordination. The focus on client satisfaction and measurable revenue growth demonstrates their value to potential employers in the catering and events industry.
Buffet Server Resume Example
Why this buffet server resume is strong:
Nathan’s resume stands out by showcasing his expertise in managing high-volume service and maintaining food safety standards. Including measurable achievements, like improved satisfaction scores, adds value for potential employers. Learn more about structuring your resume effectively here: Best resume formats.
Private Event Server Resume Example
Why this private event server resume is strong:
Sophia’s resume highlights her ability to provide tailored service while excelling in high-pressure event environments. Quantifiable results, such as a 98% satisfaction rate, demonstrate her effectiveness in meeting client needs. Learn how to create a compelling resume summary here: How to write a resume summary.
Room Service Server Resume Example
Why this room service server resume is strong:
Daniel’s resume showcases his expertise in managing room service operations with precision and professionalism. Quantifiable achievements, such as increasing guest satisfaction ratings, demonstrate his impact. Learn more about creating a polished resume here: How to make a resume.
Restaurant Server Resume Example
Why this restaurant server resume is strong:
Lily’s resume emphasizes her ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and highlights quantifiable achievements, such as increasing revenue and improving reviews. Learn how to effectively showcase your skills here: Skills to put on your resume.
Event Server Resume Example
Why this event server resume is strong:
Noah’s resume highlights his ability to excel in high-pressure event environments while delivering exceptional guest experiences. The inclusion of measurable achievements makes his contributions clear to potential employers. Learn more about tailoring your resume for success here: How to tailor resume to job description.
Server Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Server Resume Example
A great server resume communicates the best of your experiences in the food industry and shows hiring managers that you’re qualified for the job. Ensure you include the most important aspects of your career by following a simple outline like the one below:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Place your contact information at the top of your resume so hiring managers know who they’re reading about and can easily reach you to set up an interview. Include all the basics: phone number, email, and city of residence. You can also provide a link to your LinkedIn profile page, if applicable.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
email@example.com
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your server qualifications
Acting as the appetizer of your resume, this first paragraph gives a small sampling of your server career so far. Include your job title, years of experience, and a few key qualifications that align with the job description. The goal is to quickly convey why you’re the perfect addition to their dining establishment.
Mention how you thrive in a fast-paced setting or your unique ability to make guests feel welcome. Perhaps you have experience in a specific type of cuisine or worked in a Michelin-star restaurant. Write something compelling to pique the hiring manager’s interest.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Experienced lead server with nearly 10 years in the New York fine-dining scene. Refined skills in a contemporary American Michelin-starred restaurant. Currently serving in a renowned French-American establishment, receiving over 95% in guest satisfaction scores. Leader who takes charge during peak hours to direct the dining team and handle guest concerns.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Enthusiastic server with almost three years of experience in the food service industry. Seizes the opportunity to improve professional performance. Performs well in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing friendly and efficient service. Known for increasing guest satisfaction scores through a keen ability to anticipate guest needs.
3. Showcase your server experience
The work history section of your server resume is like the main course. Here you’ll serve up all the hearty details of your past jobs. Under each position, include three to eight bullet points that describe achievements and responsibilities. From handling multiple tables to upselling desserts and drinks, describe how you excelled as a server in the past.
It takes a team to run a successful dining establishment, so remember to work in some detail about your ability to collaborate. Partnering with kitchen staff and front-of-house operations is key to successful food service. Show hiring managers that you flourish in a team setting.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Lead Server, Raoul’s, New York, NY
March 2018 – present
- Manage the service for approximately 200 guests per night in collaboration with owner and restaurant manager
- Consult with the culinary team every week to update servers on menu changes
- Train and lead a team of 15 servers and hosts on service, table preparation, and restaurant expectations
- Perform end-of-shift financial evaluation to ensure accuracy in cash handling and tip distribution for kitchen and dining room staff
- Increased 2022 holiday booking by 40% with the help of digital and in-person promotions
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Server, Applebee’s, Taylorsville, UT
July 2022 – present
- Process over $3,000 in transactions each day while adhering to Applebee’s strict credit card and cash handling policies
- Implement feedback from management to ensure continual professional development
- Collaborate with fellow servers to improve guest satisfaction scores by an average of 10 points over a six-month period
- Build and maintain positive relationships with repeat guests and their families
- Increased tips by an average of 20% per shift after six months on the job
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Numbers can make a big difference in your professional experience section. They show the results you’ve achieved in your past positions. Instead of just stating your job duties, you can use percentages, monetary figures, and other metrics to illustrate your influence at work. Take a look at our example:
Do
- “Achieved an average upsell rate of 20%, increasing revenue through recommended wine pairings and desserts.”
Don’t
- “Successfully upsold glasses of wine and additional courses.”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Restaurant hiring managers are usually looking for a very specific set of skills and qualifications in their servers. If you want their attention, speak to their needs. You can find everything you need to know by studying the job description. What are the job requirements? How many years of experience are they looking for? What’s the dining environment like?
Note the words and phrases used in the job posting. Then, include those terms and any specific requirements you match up with throughout your resume in the profile, professional experience, and skills sections.
What if you don’t have experience?
Many restaurants are often willing to train the right individuals. If you have a good work ethic and solid interpersonal skills, the technical aspect of serving is just a matter of training. But, what do you put on your resume, then? Prioritize the following:
- Soft skills: Serving is a customer-centric job that requires excellent communication. If you have work experience in a different field, describe your interpersonal abilities instead of unrelated hard skills.
- Volunteering: Unpaid work is still a valuable form of experience you can highlight on your resume. Any volunteer work you’ve participated in with handling, preparing, or serving food is especially useful.
- Certifications: Most states require at least a food handler’s permit to serve food in a restaurant. If you can prove that you’ve already earned yours, that’s a great way to show your initiative.
4. List any education and certifications relevant to serving
Server positions often require at least a high school diploma. Start your education section with your highest level of achievement and prioritize any culinary or hospitality-related coursework. Include the degree or diploma name, school name and location, and graduation date.
Food handlers permits and other types of food safety licensing are often an expectation. If you’ve already earned those credentials required for the job, list them on your resume. Hiring managers appreciate applicants who are certified and ready to start serving immediately.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration
Franklin University, Tucson, AZ | June 2024
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
Arizona Food Handlers Card, Arizona State Department of Health, 2024
5. List pertinent key skills
A list of hard and soft skills gives hiring managers a good idea of what you can do as a server. These technical and interpersonal service abilities demonstrate that you can handle daily tasks and maintain positive interactions with guests and fellow staff. Review our examples below to get familiar with some of the keywords you may encounter as you write your server resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) systems |
| Communication | Customer service |
| Food safety and hygiene | Menu knowledge |
| Order-taking and accuracy | Table setting and service |
| Teamwork | Time management |
Resume writer’s tip: Use specific action verbs
Action verbs are mainly used in the professional experience section of your resume. They help describe your past accomplishments and job duties concisely. As you create the bullet points for each of your previous roles, use words like these:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Accommodated | Anticipated |
| Collaborated | Coordinated |
| Delivered | Greeted |
| Maintained | Recommended |
| Resolved | Served |
| Upsold | Welcomed |
How To Pick the Best Server Resume Template
When you bring a plate of food to restaurant guests, presentation matters, and your resume is no different. The best server resume template is easy to read and well-organized, clearly outlining your most relevant professional accomplishments and key skills. Look for a simple layout without distracting graphics or cluttered formatting. Your content should be the focus, so stick with a modern design and only one or two colors.
Frequently Asked Questions: Server Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a server job description?
Between 2022 and 2032, employment for servers (sometimes called waiters or waitresses) is projected to decline by 3%. Although positions will still continue to come open as people retire or change industries, competition will likely be tough for jobs at the most desirable restaurants. To stand out, you’ll need a server resume that aligns with the job requirements.
First, identify those key skills, experiences, and qualifications potential employers mention in the job description and understand how you can meet those needs. Suppose a high-end Italian restaurant is looking for someone familiar with fine wines and traditional Italian cuisine. In this case, you would highlight times you offered wine pairings while serving similar dishes.
What is the best server resume format?
A server resume is best formatted in chronological style. This easy-to-follow presentation focuses on your work history, starting with your most recent and relevant position. Experience is vital as a server. Hiring managers need to know you’ve had plenty of time on the floor to handle their peak business hours. This format clearly illustrates how you’ve excelled and progressed throughout your serving career, with plenty of room to demonstrate your past accomplishments.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Including a cover letter with your resume is like pairing a meal with the perfect cocktail — each complements the other and adds dimension to the application process. With a cover letter, you can narrate your professional story and establish a personal connection with hiring managers. This is especially important in an industry where personality can be as crucial as your skills.
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
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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