Food Service Resume Examples & Writing Guides

Functional Resume

For this entry-level position, use a functional resume format, which focuses on your skills rather than lack of work experience. Separate your skills into categories (e.g., Practical Skills and Soft Skills), and also mention any extracurricular or volunteer work experiences you’ve had that display the right skills for busser work (e.g., volunteering as a server at a special event).

Present a combination of intangible skills, practical abilities and work experiences that best show what you can bring to the job. Look to pull skills from the job description such as, “professional cleaning experience,” “customer service expert,” “patient,” “diligently follows instructions” or “setting tables” to include in your summary. For example: “Enthusiastic restaurant worker with experience in cleaning dining areas of 50+ tables and providing excellent customer service.”

Mention practical skills that speak to your ability to complete cleaning and bussing tasks (e.g., stamina, being well-organized, the ability to lift heavy loads), as well as interpersonal skills that indicate you’re a good fit for the work environment (e.g., maintaining a polite and friendly demeanor, being a team player).

Keep honing your serving and culinary skills, and look for opportunities to take more initiative in improving restaurant processes, as well as additional responsibilities that go beyond your role:

• Greeting customers professionally and politely
• Completing a course relevant for the food service industry, such as a certification in customer service, or hospitality and management
• Taking on more serving duties, such as helping to serve customers during busy hours
• Assisting chefs in the kitchen with food preparation and cooking

Combination Resume

Use a combination resume format to document both the skills you can bring to restaurant service, as well as the experiences you’ve already gathered in the field.

In a few brief sentences, sum up who you are with a blend of accomplishments and relevant skills. For example: “Detail-oriented restaurant server with quick feet and 2 years of experience in 40-table restaurant”. Add any recognitions or accomplishments you’ve gained like “server of the month” to grab the recruiter’s attention.

Feature technical skills like competency with computer software (e.g., point-of-sale systems) and familiarity with service needs along with soft skills like time management, patience, a polite and helpful demeanor, and attention to detail. Don’t forget to mention unique skills such as knowledge of other languages.

Focus on improving your general knowledge of cuisine, wines and other beverages, and look to gain more expertise in the following:

• Complete an advanced course in customer service, hospitality or business management.
• Contribute to overall improved service by using customer feedback and collaborate with other staff.
• Take initiative in learning more about kitchen activities and take on responsibilities requiring leadership skills.
• Ensure that your customer service skills stay top-notch.

Chronological Resume

For a managerial level position like a food service manager, use the chronological resume format, which shines a spotlight on your work history, and how your career has shown consistent progress. Focus on unique achievements from past jobs rather than just listing daily tasks (e.g., give an example of how you implemented processes to improve restaurant revenue or service).

Promote skills that tie in with management, as well as your extensive work history. For example: “Detail-oriented, driven food service manager with 5 years of experience and professional knowledge of multiple cuisines”.

Both technical and intangible skills should be mentioned for the position of a food service manager. “Excellent communicator,” “problem-solving skills,” “exceptional managerial qualities,” “professionally trained in customer service,” “Skilled in plating and food presentation techniques,” and “knowledge about food safety standards and regulations” are examples of abilities you can include.

Make sure that every aspect of the restaurant is well maintained and good service is maintained while you’re in charge. You should also work on adding the following to your resume:

• Initiating ideas to improve overall revenue
• Being proactive about using customer feedback to improve service
• Continuing to manage, mentor, and maintain the morale of staff
• Taking on more roles assisting in the business of running the restaurant, and looking for more opportunities to demonstrate successful leadership