If you're aiming to work in the fast-paced world of restaurants, your resume needs to do more than just list your past jobs — it needs to sell your ability to deliver excellent service under pressure. Whether you're applying as a server, line cook, hostess, or restaurant manager, having a well-structured, targeted resume can mean the difference between getting passed over or getting called in for an interview.
This guide on restaurant resume examples will help you understand what hiring managers in the food service industry look for. We'll also provide a real, hand-crafted resume sample that shows you exactly how to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Restaurant Resume Sample
Name: Jordan Taylor
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jordan.taylor@email.com
Location: Chicago, IL
Professional Summary
Energetic and dependable restaurant professional with over 5 years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Adept at providing excellent customer service, managing shift operations, and leading teams to deliver high-quality dining experiences. Known for maintaining composure under pressure and ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.
Key Skills
Food & beverage service
POS systems (Toast, Square)
Shift supervision
Inventory management
Team leadership
Conflict resolution
Health & safety compliance
Work Experience
Lead Server
The Urban Plate, Chicago, IL
March 2021 – Present
Supervise a team of 8 servers during high-volume shifts, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction
Train new hires on restaurant protocols, menu knowledge, and POS systems
Consistently receive 95%+ positive customer feedback on post-dining surveys
Assist with inventory checks and reorder requests with kitchen staff
Server
Gusto Bistro, Chicago, IL
June 2018 – February 2021
Delivered food and beverage service to an average of 60 customers per shift
Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and side stations
Upsold daily specials, increasing average ticket sales by 15%
Recognized as Employee of the Month three times for exceptional service
Education
Associate of Applied Science – Hospitality Management
City College of Chicago, IL
Graduated: 2018
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
TIPS Alcohol Certification
Resume Writing Tips for Restaurant Jobs
Tailor Your Resume to the Role: Use the job posting to identify keywords and tailor your resume accordingly. For example, if the employer emphasizes “team leadership,” be sure to include examples of that from your experience.
Quantify Your Impact: Numbers help your resume stand out. Mention how many tables you served, sales increased, or customer ratings you improved.
Focus on Soft Skills: Restaurant work relies heavily on interpersonal skills. Showcase your communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
Highlight Certifications: In many food service environments, safety and compliance matter. Make sure your certifications (like ServSafe) are easy to spot.
FAQ: Restaurant Resume Examples
1. What should I include in a restaurant resume with no experience?
Focus on transferable skills like communication, time management, and teamwork. Mention any volunteer work, school projects, or customer-facing roles.
2. How long should my restaurant resume be?
Keep it to one page unless you have over 10 years of relevant experience. Hiring managers scan resumes quickly, so make every line count.
3. Do I need a cover letter for a restaurant job?
While not always required, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out, especially for higher-level roles like management or supervisor positions.
4. What’s the best resume format for restaurant jobs?
Use a reverse-chronological format that starts with your most recent job. It’s the most commonly accepted and easiest for recruiters to follow.
Use this guide to polish your resume, showcase your skills confidently, and land the restaurant job that fits your goals. The right resume can open the door to your next opportunity — so make it count.
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