How To Write “Server” on a Resume: Land That Job!

Landing a job as a server can be a great starting point for a career in the hospitality industry or a fantastic way to earn money while pursuing other interests. But, getting your foot in the door starts with a stellar resume. This article will guide you through exactly how to write “server” on your resume to capture the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of getting an interview. We’ll cover everything from formatting to highlighting your skills, making your application stand out from the crowd.

Crafting a Compelling Resume Header

Your resume header is your first impression. It’s the initial information a hiring manager sees, so it needs to be accurate and professional. It should include:

  • Your Full Name: Make it prominent and easy to read.
  • Contact Information: Include your phone number (with a professional voicemail greeting!), email address, and potentially your LinkedIn profile URL. Ensure your email address is professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional email addresses.
  • Optional: Location: Including your city and state is helpful for local employers.

Don’t include irrelevant information like your marital status or date of birth. Keep it clean, concise, and focused on the essential details.

Highlighting Your Server Experience Effectively

This is the meat of your resume, where you showcase your experience. Even if you’re new to serving, you can still present your skills effectively.

Detailing Your Responsibilities

When describing your server experience, use action verbs to start your bullet points. Instead of saying “Responsible for taking orders,” use “Took orders” or “Managed customer orders.” Be specific about your duties. Here are some examples:

  • “Took customer orders accurately and efficiently using a point-of-sale (POS) system.”
  • “Provided excellent customer service, resolving issues promptly and professionally.”
  • “Managed multiple tables simultaneously, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction.”
  • “Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely food delivery.”
  • “Handled cash and credit card transactions, maintaining accurate records.”
  • “Maintained cleanliness and organization of the dining area.”

Quantifying Your Accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. This adds weight to your experience and demonstrates your impact. For example:

  • “Increased table turnover by 15% through efficient order taking and service.”
  • “Consistently received positive customer feedback, resulting in a 20% increase in tips.”
  • “Trained and mentored new servers on proper service techniques.”
  • “Managed a section of 10-12 tables during peak hours.”

Addressing Gaps in Experience

If you have gaps in your employment history, be prepared to explain them briefly and honestly in the interview. A short, concise explanation in your cover letter can be helpful. Focus on what you have done and the skills you’ve acquired, rather than dwelling on the gap itself.

Showcasing Your Relevant Skills for Server Positions

Serving requires a diverse skill set. Make sure to highlight these skills in your resume.

Soft Skills to Emphasize

These are interpersonal skills that are essential for success in serving.

  • Communication: This is paramount. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively with customers and colleagues.
  • Customer Service: Detail your experience in providing excellent service and resolving customer issues.
  • Problem-Solving: Servers often face unexpected challenges. Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and find solutions.
  • Teamwork: Serving is a team effort. Show that you can collaborate effectively with others.
  • Time Management: Handling multiple tables requires excellent time management skills.
  • Adaptability: The restaurant environment can be unpredictable. Highlight your ability to adapt to changing situations.

Technical Skills to Include

These are the more practical skills you’ve acquired.

  • POS Systems: If you’re familiar with a specific POS system (e.g., Toast, Square, Aloha), mention it.
  • Cash Handling: Demonstrate your experience with cash and credit card transactions.
  • Food Safety: If you have any food safety certifications, be sure to include them.
  • Menu Knowledge: Highlight your ability to describe menu items and answer customer questions.
  • Upselling and Suggestive Selling: Mention your ability to increase sales through suggestive selling.

Formatting Your Resume for Maximum Impact

The format of your resume is crucial. It should be easy to read and visually appealing.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

  • Chronological: This is the most common format and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). It’s generally the best choice for server positions.
  • Functional: This format emphasizes your skills over your work history. It can be useful if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers.
  • Combination: This format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes.

Resume Design and Layout Tips

  • Use a Clean Font: Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for one page, especially if you’re early in your career.
  • Use Bullet Points: They make your information easy to scan.
  • Use White Space: Don’t overcrowd your resume. Leave enough white space to make it visually appealing.
  • Proofread Carefully: Errors will immediately disqualify you.

Writing a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

A resume summary (for experienced servers) or objective (for entry-level servers) is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that highlights your key skills and career goals.

Resume Summary Examples (Experienced Servers)

  • “Highly motivated and experienced server with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional customer service in fast-paced restaurant environments. Proven ability to increase table turnover, manage multiple tables effectively, and consistently exceed customer expectations.”
  • “Customer-focused server with a proven track record of delivering outstanding dining experiences. Skilled in POS systems, cash handling, and upselling techniques. Seeking a challenging server position where I can utilize my skills and contribute to a positive team environment.”

Resume Objective Examples (Entry-Level Servers)

  • “Enthusiastic and reliable individual seeking a server position to leverage strong communication and customer service skills. Eager to learn and contribute to a welcoming and efficient dining experience.”
  • “Dedicated and hardworking individual seeking an entry-level server position to gain experience in the hospitality industry. Possessing excellent interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.”

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

Always tailor your resume to the specific job description. Carefully read the job posting and identify the key skills and requirements the employer is looking for. Then, highlight those skills and experiences in your resume. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume to help it get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

The Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and express your interest in the specific position. It allows you to personalize your application and showcase your personality. Always include a cover letter unless the job posting specifically states otherwise.

Proofreading and Editing Your Resume

This is perhaps the most critical step. Proofread your resume meticulously. Check for any typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well. A polished resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions about Server Resumes

Here are a few questions you might have about writing your server resume:

Do I need to include my high school diploma or GED? Generally, listing your high school diploma or GED is not necessary unless you have limited work experience. However, if the job description requires it, then definitely include it.

Should I include a photo on my resume? In most cases, including a photo on your resume is not recommended, especially in the United States. It can open you up to potential discrimination.

What if I have no prior serving experience? Focus on transferable skills from other jobs or volunteer experiences. Highlight skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and time management. You can also mention any relevant training or certifications.

How far back should I go with my work history? Typically, you should include the last 10-15 years of your work history. However, if your earlier experience is relevant, you can include it, especially if it showcases skills applicable to serving.

Is it okay to use a template for my resume? Using a resume template can be a good starting point, but customize it to make it your own. Make sure the template is clean, professional, and easy to read. Don’t be afraid to adjust the format to better fit your experience.

Conclusion: Serving Up a Winning Resume

Writing a compelling resume for a server position involves presenting your skills and experience effectively. By focusing on your responsibilities, quantifying your achievements, highlighting your relevant skills, and tailoring your resume to the specific job, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to format your resume professionally, proofread carefully, and write a strong cover letter. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your next server position. Good luck, and happy serving!