If you're aiming for a position in the fast-paced world of food service, having a polished and targeted resume is crucial. Whether you’re applying to a fine dining restaurant or a local café, your resume is the first impression you'll make on a hiring manager. That’s why waitress resume examples can serve as powerful tools for understanding what works, what to include, and how to format your experience for maximum impact.
The hospitality industry values efficiency, a positive attitude, and excellent customer service. Your resume should highlight those traits while also being tailored to the specific role you want. Below, you'll find a complete waitress resume example along with expert advice on how to craft your own from scratch.
WAITRESS RESUME EXAMPLE
Jane Smith
janesmith@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | Austin, TX
Professional Summary
Friendly and efficient waitress with 4+ years of experience in high-volume restaurants. Skilled in multitasking, customer service, and POS systems. Proven ability to boost guest satisfaction and maintain composure during peak hours. Looking to bring energy and professionalism to a fast-paced dining environment.
Key Skills
Customer service excellence
Order accuracy and speed
Food safety and hygiene
Team collaboration
Upselling techniques
POS system proficiency (Toast, Square)
Time management
Conflict resolution
Work Experience
Senior Waitress
Olive Grove Bistro – Austin, TX
May 2021 – Present
Serve an average of 100+ guests per shift in a bustling urban restaurant
Trained and mentored 5 new hires on service standards and safety protocols
Increased average table revenue by 15% through effective upselling
Maintained a 97% positive customer review rating on monthly surveys
Waitress
Daisy’s Diner – Round Rock, TX
July 2018 – April 2021
Provided courteous and prompt table service to guests in a casual dining setting
Handled cash, card, and mobile payments with 100% accuracy
Coordinated closely with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate orders
Developed strong customer relationships, resulting in repeat business and tips 25% above average
Education
High School Diploma
Round Rock High School – Round Rock, TX
Graduated: 2018
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler Certified (Current)
TABC Certification – Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (2022)
RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR WAITRESS JOBS
Highlight soft skills and people skills. Restaurants hire for attitude as much as experience. Words like “friendly,” “team player,” and “efficient” go a long way.
Quantify your impact. Mention how many tables you serve, average tips, or how you helped train others. Numbers make your contributions concrete.
Tailor your resume for each job. A high-end restaurant and a family diner may look for different skills. Mirror the language used in the job posting.
Keep it one page. Most waitress jobs don’t need a lengthy resume. Stick to relevant experience and skills.
Include certifications. If you’re certified in food safety or alcohol service, definitely include it—some employers require it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WAITRESS RESUMES
1. What should a waitress put on her resume if she has no experience?
Focus on transferable skills like communication, teamwork, multitasking, and reliability. Include any volunteer work or school activities that involved serving others.
2. How do I make my waitress resume stand out?
Use action verbs, include specific achievements, and format it cleanly. Mention guest satisfaction, tips, and any promotions you’ve received.
3. Should I include references on a waitress resume?
No need to list them directly. It’s better to write “References available upon request” or leave it out entirely unless requested.
4. How long should a waitress resume be?
One page is ideal. Keep it focused on the most recent and relevant jobs and qualifications.
By using these waitress resume examples as your guide, you can confidently craft a resume that speaks directly to what hiring managers want. Whether you're starting out or bringing years of experience to the table, a well-written resume can be your ticket to landing the job.
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