Catering Server Resume Examples & Templates
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Catering servers are responsible for serving food at special events at banquets, halls, residences, or other off-site areas. Server duties include setting and replenishing buffets, serving food and drinks at tables and facilitating a smooth service. Though this job doesn’t demand a specialized qualification, a high school diploma and work experience are preferred.
Build a resume for your career as a catering server with the help of these simple tips and resume examples:
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Catering server example (text version)
Name: DEAN POLLARD
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
SUMMARY STATMENT
College student soon-to-be graduate in two months with customer service and event planning experience seeking part-time role as a catering server. Friendly and detail-oriented. Professional appearance. Flexible schedule on nights and weekends.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Answered guest questions and referred to local points of interest.
- Took reservations over phone, in person and via computer for guests and provided confirmation information.
- Liaised with housekeeping and maintenance staff to address requests and complaints made by guests.
- Assisted with coverage needs and organized services to support incoming special events.
- Collaborated with team members to handle guest requirements from check-in through check-out.
- Maintained financial accuracy by collecting deposits, fees and payments.
- Maintained transaction security by verifying payment cards against identification.
- Kept accounts in balance and ran daily reports to verify totals.
Work History
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of customer service experience helping over 100 guests per day.
- Friendly and professional able to communicate well with customers and team members.
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
EDUCATION
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Catering Server Resume FAQ
1. What skills should be emphasized for this position?
Look to incorporate skills like these in your resume:
- Cleaning and organizational proficiency
- Setting up tables
- Setting up, managing and serving buffets
- Efficient table service
- Dining room cleanliness
- Time management
- Knowledge of menu items and wines
- Multitasking
- Communication skills
- Ability to work off-site and according to changing venues
2. How should I format my resume?
If you already have some experience as a catering server, go with a combination resume, which features room to describe your skills, qualifications and work accomplishments. If you’re just starting in this field, go with a functional layout, which focuses on all the skills you can use in the position, as well as any extracurricular or volunteer activities that speak to how well you can handle the job (e.g., volunteer work as a kitchen worker and server at a special event).
To learn more about formatting your resume, visit our resume format page.
3. How should I address the work history section if this is my first time applying for a job?
If you have volunteer or training experiences that tie in with catering work, create an “Activities” section to feature them. For example: “Trained with ABC restaurant in buffet delivery and set-up” or “Volunteered to serve food and beverages at town summer fair.” Also give your skills section more prominence, and feature attributes that show you’re ready to pick up on new skills quickly, such as a strong work ethic and willingness to learn on the job.
4. How should you shape your resume for a catering server position?
Review the description for the potential job, and highlight your best strengths that fit the job’s requirements. For example, if the job listing includes “creating buffet centerpieces” as a requirement, make sure you address buffet table arrangements in your skill sets, or mention a work experience in which you were responsible for buffet table set-up.
5. How should your resume be updated to take the next career step?
Look to gain more responsibilities where you manage catering logistics, or supervise other servers. Focus on more experiences where you get to display leadership, organizing and delegating abilities, and collaboration with management to improve overall dining service and efficiency.
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume
- DO make sure the resume isn’t too long. Keep your resume short and to the point. Putting anything other than vital information about your skills and experiences can work against you, as hiring managers usually only take a few seconds to read resumes. Limit your work history to the past 10 years at most, and only include details that address the key question: What makes you a good server?
- DO create the right elevator pitch to grab the recruiter’s attention. Think of your summary statement as an elevator pitch. What are your best strengths and experiences that show you’re the right person for the job? For example: “Skilled catering server with three years of experience working in busy settings serving 100+ diners” or “Hard-working dining worker well-versed in upholding safe food-handling protocols and workplace safety practices.”
- DO customize your resume for different job applications.Most jobs require different sets of skills and experiences. Build different versions of your resume for each job you apply to, making sure you’re addressing the specific requirements of the job. For example, you would mention “event set up and breakdown” for a server position that requires plenty of mobile dining, but that skill might not be as important for a similar position at an independent living facility where meals are all served at the same location.
- DON’T forget to incorporate industry-related keywords. Take a note of the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description (e.g., “subject matter expert on menu items”), and be sure to include these keywords in your resume, whether it’s your skills section, or an example from your banquet server,” “customer service experience,” “cleaning and organizing kitchen stations,” “restocking,” “organizational skills” and “dish preparation.”
- DON’T submit your resume without proofing. Just like you will be expected to keep dining areas neat and organized, you should keep your resume spic-and-span. Check your resume for errors before you submit. Run grammar and spell-checks to identify minor mistakes, and also double-check that factual data is correct.
- DON’T hesitate to quantify your accomplishments Applying numbers to your work history and achievements gives them a larger impact. For instance, instead of stating “served many guests and customers during each shift,” be more precise and make a quantified statement, such as “Efficiently served 30-40 meals per shift.”
Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Catering Server Resume
Summary
In a few sentences, create a blend of skills and accomplishments to create a quick “elevator pitch.” Focus on phrases such as “delivering great hospitality,” “providing customer satisfaction” and “safe food handling” in this section.
Skills
Emphasize practical skills such as ability to carry heavy loads, knowledge of menu and beverage items, setting buffets or food-running skills, as well as interpersonal (or “soft”) skills such as excellent verbal communication, a positive attitude or superior customer service.
Work history
Mention all catering jobs you have in the past, including any volunteer work or internships that involve coordinating a large event or providing customer service. For instance, you can mention a volunteer job at a banquet serving 200+ eaters.
Education
Include both your highest level of education (e.g., high school diploma, college degree) as well as any related training you may have pursued, such as a mixology class, or banquet server training.
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Catering Server Resume Example
Nilda is a career advice writer. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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