Server Resume Examples

Essential Components of a Server Resume

A server resume is a critical document that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications in the hospitality industry. It serves as your professional introduction to potential employers, often providing their first impression of you. An effective server resume should highlight your ability to provide exceptional customer service, multitask efficiently, remain composed under pressure, and maintain professionalism. The document typically includes sections such as personal information, an objective statement or professional summary, work history, skills, education, and certifications. Below, we delve into the specifics of what to include in each section of your resume to capture an employer's attention.

1. Contact Information

Your server resume should begin with your contact information, prominently placed at the top. This section should include your full name, phone number, and email address, and optionally, your physical address. Ensure that all contact details are accurate and up-to-date to facilitate easy communication with potential employers.

Present your contact information professionally; for instance, use an email address that incorporates your first and last name rather than a casual nickname. If you choose to include your physical address, the city and state are typically sufficient unless the job application specifies otherwise.

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Physical Address (Optional)

Consider adding professional social media profiles, like LinkedIn, if they are relevant and well-maintained. Avoid sharing private or sensitive information that could compromise your identity or privacy.

Clear and accurate contact details on your server resume are essential for seamless communication with prospective employers.

2. Professional Summary or Objective Statement

The "Professional Summary or Objective Statement" is a crucial component of your server resume, positioned just below your contact information. This section is your chance to engage the hiring manager by concisely highlighting your skills, experiences, and career goals.

In a professional summary, emphasize your most relevant qualifications and achievements that make you an ideal candidate for the server position. If you have less experience or are transitioning careers, an objective statement may be more appropriate, focusing on your career objectives and how you intend to contribute to the employer's success.

Whether you opt for a professional summary or an objective statement, tailor it to each job application to avoid generic phrases that employers might overlook. This section sets the stage for the rest of your resume, so make it compelling and pertinent.

Related: Top Server Assistant Resume Objective Examples

3. Work Experience

Work experience is a vital element of any resume, including that of a server. This section allows you to showcase your previous roles and responsibilities in the food service industry, demonstrating your capability to fulfill server duties.

List your past positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the name and location of each establishment, your job title, and the dates of employment. Beyond a mere list, this section is an opportunity to highlight specific achievements and skills. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and successes, and if applicable, mention any awards or recognition you received.

Even non-server roles that involve customer service can be relevant. Highlight aspects of these positions that are transferable to server duties, such as communication skills or complaint handling.

4. Skills and Competencies

The "Skills and Competencies" section is where you showcase your abilities and strengths, demonstrating why you're an excellent fit for the server role. This part of your resume allows employers to quickly assess what you bring to their team.

1. Customer Service Skills: Essential for interacting with customers and ensuring their satisfaction.
2. Communication Skills: Crucial for clear interactions with customers, kitchen staff, and management.
3. Physical Stamina: Necessary for the demanding physical nature of server work.
4. Knowledge of Food Safety Rules: Important for maintaining health and safety standards.
5. Multitasking Ability: Valuable for managing multiple tables and tasks simultaneously.
6. Cash Handling Skills: Important for processing customer payments accurately.
7. Menu Knowledge: Helpful for answering customer inquiries and making recommendations.
8. Patience & Calmness: Beneficial for dealing with challenging customer interactions.
9. Teamwork Skills: Important for collaborating with other restaurant staff.
10. Attention to Detail: Critical for accurately taking orders and catering to customer preferences.

Provide examples from past roles to illustrate how you've effectively utilized these skills.

Related: Server Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

5. Certifications and Training

Including relevant certifications and training on your server resume can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers. These credentials demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to professional development.

Common certifications for servers include the Food Handler's Certificate and TIPS certification for responsible alcohol service. Mention any additional training programs you've completed that are pertinent to customer service or hospitality management.

Ensure that all certifications are current and clearly listed with completion dates.

Related: Server Assistant Certifications

6. Education Background

Your educational background is an integral part of your server resume. While many server positions may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, detailing your education demonstrates a commitment to learning and self-improvement.

List your high school, GED, or any higher education you've pursued, especially if it's related to the hospitality industry. Include any additional certifications, such as food safety or alcohol service, that are relevant to the server role.

Highlighting your education can showcase your potential for career advancement within the industry.

7. References

References can be a valuable addition to your server resume, offering potential employers insight into your work ethic and capabilities. Good references can come from former supervisors, colleagues, or even regular customers who can attest to your skills and performance.

Include the full names, relationship to you, and contact information of your references, and ensure you have their consent before listing them. Only include references if requested by the employer or if space permits, and follow any specific instructions provided in job postings.

Well-chosen references can enhance the credibility of your server resume by corroborating your listed experiences and skills.