Catering Assistant Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Catering Assistant Resume examples

Food is the universal language that brings people together, and Catering Assistants are its most essential translators. Behind every perfectly-executed wedding reception, corporate event, and family celebration stands a team of unsung culinary heroes who transform ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences. This fast-paced profession demands equal parts creativity, stamina, and problem-solving skills – often while carrying three plates at once!

The catering industry has evolved dramatically in recent years, with 73% of event planners now prioritizing dietary accommodation expertise when hiring catering staff. Gone are the days of simple buffet setups; today's Catering Assistants navigate complex allergen protocols, master presentation techniques for Instagram-worthy food displays, and adapt to sustainability practices like composting and reduced food waste. Many catering companies now cross-train their assistants in basic bartending and service coordination, creating pathways to leadership roles or specialized positions. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in food service, catering assistance offers flexible schedules, transferable skills, and the chance to be part of life's most joyful moments.

Junior Catering Assistant Resume Example

Mia Rodriguez

Los Angeles, CA • (323) 555-7891 • mia.rodriguez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/miarodriguez

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Energetic Catering Assistant with 2 years of hands-on experience in fast-paced food service environments. Quick learner with exceptional attention to detail and ability to multitask during high-volume events. Strong team player who thrives under pressure and maintains positive customer interactions while ensuring food safety standards are met.

EXPERIENCE

Catering Assistant – Sunset Events & Catering, Los Angeles, CA
June 2022 – Present

  • Assist with setup and breakdown of 15-20 events monthly, ranging from intimate gatherings of 25 to corporate functions of 250+ guests
  • Prepare and arrange food displays, replenish buffet items, and maintain cleanliness of service areas
  • Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and proper temperature maintenance
  • Handle last-minute client requests with flexibility and positive attitude, receiving 4 personal commendations from event managers
  • Train 3 new catering assistants on company procedures and service protocols

Food Service Worker – Fresh Bites Café, Los Angeles, CA
September 2021 – May 2022

  • Prepared simple food items including sandwiches, salads, and wraps according to established recipes
  • Maintained clean work areas and adhered to food safety guidelines
  • Assisted with inventory management and restocking of supplies
  • Provided friendly customer service during peak lunch hours serving 75+ customers daily

Catering Server (Part-time) – UCLA Campus Events, Los Angeles, CA
January 2021 – August 2021

  • Served food and beverages at university functions including alumni events and faculty meetings
  • Helped with basic food prep and presentation for buffet-style service
  • Maintained sanitation standards for serving equipment and dining areas

EDUCATION

Los Angeles Community College – Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management
Expected graduation: December 2023

ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Issued: March 2021 | Expires: March 2024

First Aid and CPR Certification
Issued: January 2022 | Expires: January 2024

SKILLS

  • Food preparation & presentation
  • Buffet setup & maintenance
  • Inventory management
  • Customer service
  • Team collaboration
  • Basic knife skills
  • Food safety protocols
  • Point-of-sale systems
  • Event setup/breakdown
  • Time management

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Available for weekend and evening events. Familiar with dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, and common allergens. Passionate about sustainable catering practices and reducing food waste.

Mid-level Catering Assistant Resume Example

Monica Landry

Denver, CO • (720) 555-8192 • m.landry84@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/monicaLandry

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Catering Assistant with 5+ years’ experience supporting high-volume events ranging from intimate gatherings to 300+ person corporate functions. Known for exceptional time management and ability to adapt to changing event requirements on the fly. Skilled in both front-of-house service and back-of-house preparation with a ServSafe Food Handler certification and strong knowledge of dietary restrictions.

Experience

Senior Catering Assistant | Mountain View Events | Denver, CO | March 2021 – Present

  • Lead a team of 4 junior catering assistants during service for events serving 150-300 guests
  • Coordinate with Executive Chef to prepare special menu items for guests with dietary restrictions (increased accommodation capability by 47%)
  • Manage inventory of catering supplies and place weekly orders, reducing waste by 18%
  • Train new hires on plating standards, service etiquette, and company procedures
  • Selected as lead assistant for VIP events including a governor’s fundraiser and two celebrity weddings

Catering Assistant | Denver Culinary Group | Denver, CO | August 2019 – February 2021

  • Supported execution of 15-20 events weekly across corporate, wedding, and social sectors
  • Prepared and portioned food items according to recipes and chef specifications
  • Maintained pristine appearance of service areas and buffet stations during events
  • Created and maintained detailed event setup checklists that were adopted company-wide
  • Received “Employee of the Month” twice for exceptional client feedback

Banquet Server / Catering Support | The Ridgeline Hotel | Boulder, CO | June 2018 – July 2019

  • Served at corporate conferences and wedding receptions for groups of 50-200 guests
  • Assisted with food preparation, including vegetable prep, fruit carving, and simple garnishes
  • Maintained knowledge of 30+ menu items to answer guest questions about ingredients and preparation methods
  • Helped develop a faster table service rotation that improved dining satisfaction scores by 23%

Education & Certifications

Associate of Applied Science, Culinary Arts
Community College of Denver, 2018

Certifications:

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (renewed January 2023)
  • Alcohol Service Certification (TIPS), 2022
  • First Aid/CPR Certified, American Red Cross, 2021

Skills

  • Food preparation & presentation
  • Buffet setup & maintenance
  • Dietary accommodation (gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal)
  • Inventory management
  • Team leadership & training
  • Health & safety compliance
  • Event timing coordination
  • Basic wine service
  • POS systems (Toast, Square)
  • Written & verbal communication

Additional Information

Available for weekend and evening events. Reliable transportation for off-site catering. Conversational Spanish proficiency.

Senior / Experienced Catering Assistant Resume Example

Marcus D. Whittaker

Chicago, IL 60614 • (312) 555-7921 • m.whittaker@emailprovider.com • linkedin.com/in/marcuswhittaker

Dedicated Catering Assistant with 9+ years of hands-on experience in upscale events, corporate functions, and large-scale productions. Known for exceptional attention to detail, quick problem-solving, and maintaining composure during high-pressure situations. Proven track record of exceeding client expectations while mentoring junior staff. Specialized in dietary accommodations and creating memorable guest experiences across diverse event types.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Catering Assistant – Grayson Events & Catering, Chicago, IL
March 2018 – Present

  • Coordinate service teams of 12-18 staff for premier events serving 75-500 guests, resulting in 97% client satisfaction ratings
  • Troubleshoot last-minute changes and special requests, once accommodating a surprise celebrity guest with specific dietary needs with only 30 minutes notice
  • Train and mentor 23+ new catering staff members on food safety protocols, service standards, and client interaction techniques
  • Collaborate with culinary team to execute complex menu presentations, including creating detailed plating guides used across multiple venues
  • Manage inventory tracking system that reduced waste by 17% and improved supply forecasting accuracy

Catering Assistant – The Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL
June 2015 – February 2018

  • Assisted with coordination of 75+ annual corporate events ranging from intimate executive dinners to conferences for 300+ attendees
  • Maintained detailed records of client preferences and requirements, creating a database that improved personalization of repeat client experiences
  • Handled guest concerns with discretion and professionalism, achieving a 92% resolution rate without manager intervention
  • Developed streamlined setup procedure that reduced preparation time by 22 minutes per event

Catering Server – Bella Vista Banquets, Schaumburg, IL
September 2013 – May 2015

  • Provided exceptional service at weddings, quinceañeras, and corporate gatherings for up to 250 guests
  • Mastered various service styles including French, Russian, and butler-style service
  • Recognized 3 times for outstanding guest feedback and team collaboration

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management
Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL – 2013

Certifications:

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (Current)
  • TIPS Alcohol Service Certification (Current)
  • First Aid and CPR Certified (Current)
  • Event Planning Fundamentals – Chicago Hospitality Institute (2017)

SKILLS

  • Event coordination & logistics
  • Staff scheduling & supervision
  • Client relationship management
  • Dietary accommodation expertise (gluten-free, vegan, religious restrictions)
  • Inventory management
  • POS systems (Toast, Aloha)
  • Conflict resolution
  • Wine service & knowledge
  • Menu planning assistance
  • Event setup & breakdown coordination

How to Write a Catering Assistant Resume

Introduction

Looking for a catering assistant job? Your resume needs to do some heavy lifting. I've reviewed thousands of food service resumes over the years, and the ones that stand out share key elements that catch hiring managers' attention right away. The catering industry moves fast, and so do hiring decisions - sometimes in less than 30 seconds per resume! This guide will walk you through creating a resume that showcases your food service skills and experience in a way that gets you noticed.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your catering assistant resume clean and organized - just like a well-run kitchen. Aim for 1 page if you have under 5 years experience, or 2 pages max for veterans with extensive backgrounds.

  • Use a clean, readable font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12pt)
  • Include clear section headings with consistent formatting
  • Incorporate white space to prevent a cluttered appearance
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for a different format
  • Name your file professionally (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)

For catering positions, chronological format typically works best as it highlights your recent relevant experience first. If you're new to catering but have transferable skills from other jobs, a combination format might serve you better.

Profile/Summary Section

Your profile section sits at the top and works like an appetizer

- it should make them hungry for more! Keep it under 4 lines and highlight your most impressive qualifications and experience.

TIP: Write your summary last! Once you've completed the rest of your resume, you'll have a better sense of your strongest selling points to feature here.

Example: "Detail-oriented Catering Assistant with 3+ years serving at high-volume events for up to 275 guests. Known for efficient food preparation, presentation, and positive guest interactions. ServSafe certified with experience in both buffet and plated service styles."

Professional Experience

This is the main course of your resume. For each position, include:

  • Company name and location
  • Your job title
  • Employment dates (month/year to month/year)
  • 4-6 bullet points highlighting achievements and responsibilities

Start each bullet with a strong action verb (prepared, served, assisted, maintained). Include specific numbers when possible - they're resume gold! For example:

  • Weak: "Helped serve food at events"
  • Strong: "Served plated meals for 3 wedding receptions weekly, averaging 178 guests per event with zero service complaints"

Education and Certifications

List your highest level of education first. For catering positions, relevant certifications can be just as important as formal education; Must-haves include:

  • Food Handler's Permit/Card
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Alcohol service certification (if applicable)
  • First Aid/CPR (a plus!)

If you're still in school or recently graduated without much experience, place this section before your work history and include relevant coursework or projects.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. To get past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Mirror keywords from the job posting (food preparation, customer service, banquet service)
  • Avoid images, headers/footers, and tables that can confuse ATS
  • Include industry-standard terms rather than company-specific jargon
  • Spell out acronyms at least once, followed by the abbreviation

Industry-specific Terms

Pepper your resume with catering and food service terminology to demonstrate industry knowledge. Terms to consider including:

  • Buffet setup and maintenance
  • Plated service
  • Food safety protocols
  • Place settings
  • Portion control
  • Back-of-house procedures
  • Front-of-house service

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen these resume blunders sink otherwise qualified candidates:

  • Typos and grammatical errors (especially food item names!)
  • Generic descriptions that could apply to any job
  • Focusing only on responsibilities rather than accomplishments
  • Including irrelevant personal information
  • Using an unprofessional email address

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for helping at catering events and making sure food was served."

After: "Assisted head chef in preparing and serving appetizers and entrees for corporate events ranging from 45-200 guests, maintaining presentation standards while adapting to last-minute menu changes."

See the difference? The improved version shows specific responsibilities, quantifies experience, and highlights adaptability - a crucial skill in catering!

Remember, your resume isn't just a list of past jobs - it's a marketing tool selling your skills and experience. Tailor it for each application, focusing on the aspects of your background that best match what that particular catering position requires.

Soft skills for your Catering Assistant resume

  • Team coordination – smoothly jumping between front/back of house duties when short-staffed during 3 back-to-back corporate events
  • Conflict resolution – defusing tense situations between kitchen staff and servers during high-pressure service periods
  • Quick thinking – pivoting when faced with last-minute menu changes or unexpected guest counts (like that time we had 27 extra attendees show up!)
  • Cultural sensitivity – adapting service approaches for diverse clientele from business conferences to cultural celebrations
  • Active listening – catching subtle client preferences that weren’t explicitly stated but made their events more personalized
  • Time management – juggling prep tasks, service timing, and cleanup while maintaining quality standards

Hard skills for your Catering Assistant resume

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification
  • Chafing dish setup and maintenance
  • Banquet service protocols (French, Russian, Butler)
  • Portion control and food waste tracking
  • POS systems (Toast, Square)
  • Basic knife skills and garnishing techniques
  • CaterEase or Total Party Planner software
  • Menu costing and inventory management
  • HACCP principles application