Server Resume examples & templates

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Adam

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Server Resume examples

Think surgeons are the only ones with laser-precision timing and the ability to juggle multiple urgent tasks? Servers might give them a run for their money. In restaurants across America, these front-line hospitality professionals orchestrate dining experiences with similar precision—balancing heavy trays, memorizing complex orders, and maintaining composure under pressure. Unlike medical professionals though, servers create moments of joy rather than solving medical emergencies (though occasionally they save someone from a severe shellfish reaction!).

The server profession has evolved dramatically in recent years, with the National Restaurant Association reporting that 72% of full-service restaurants now use digital ordering systems—changing how servers interact with both kitchen staff and guests. Today's servers aren't just order-takers; they're tech-savvy food ambassadors, personalized recommendation engines, and the human connection in increasingly automated dining environments. As restaurants continue to blend technology with hospitality, tomorrow's successful servers will likely combine traditional people skills with digital fluency, creating dining experiences that neither robots nor apps can replicate.

Junior Server Resume Example

Marco Jimenez

Orlando, FL | (407) 555-8214 | mjimenez92@email.com | linkedin.com/in/marcojimenez

Professional Summary

Attentive server with nearly 2 years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Known for memorizing daily specials and providing menu recommendations that boost check averages. Strong multitasker who maintains composure during peak hours while serving up to 8 tables simultaneously. Looking to grow my hospitality career at an upscale dining establishment.

Experience

Server – Lakeside Grill & Bar, Orlando, FL
June 2022 – Present

  • Handle 25-30 guests per shift across 7-8 tables while maintaining 94% customer satisfaction based on post-dining surveys
  • Upsell appetizers, desserts, and premium spirits, contributing to 14% higher check averages than restaurant median
  • Memorize weekly rotating menu specials and allergen information to answer guest questions confidently
  • Train 4 new servers on POS system and restaurant procedures, reducing their onboarding time by 3 days
  • Coordinate with kitchen staff to handle special requests and ensure accurate, timely food delivery

Food Runner/Busser – The Rustic Spoon, Orlando, FL
January 2022 – May 2022

  • Supported 6 servers during dinner service by delivering food, clearing tables, and refilling beverages
  • Maintained dining room cleanliness and reset tables within 3 minutes to maximize seating capacity
  • Assisted bartenders during happy hour rushes by running food orders and restocking supplies
  • Studied menu items and preparation methods, eventually filling in as server during staff shortages

Host (Part-time) – Hometown Diner, Orlando, FL
August 2021 – December 2021

  • Greeted guests and managed seating arrangements for 120-seat family restaurant
  • Handled phone orders and reservations while maintaining organized waiting list during busy periods
  • Assisted servers by delivering drinks and clearing tables when the restaurant reached capacity

Education

Valencia College – Orlando, FL
Associate of Arts in General Studies (in progress, evening classes)
Expected graduation: May 2024

Certifications

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (2021)
  • ABC Responsible Alcohol Service Certification (2022)
  • First Aid and CPR Certified (2023)

Skills

  • POS Systems: Toast, Aloha
  • Menu knowledge & food allergies
  • Cash handling & credit processing
  • Wine & cocktail knowledge
  • Conflict resolution
  • Multitasking under pressure
  • Team communication
  • Basic Spanish
  • Active listening

Additional Information

Availability: Open availability including weekends and holidays
Interests: Amateur cooking (completed three local cooking workshops), hiking, local food festivals

Mid-level Server Resume Example

Marcos Vega

Phone: (415) 555-8723 • Email: marcosvega@gmail.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcosvega
San Francisco, CA 94110

Attentive server with 5+ years experience in upscale dining environments. Known for exceptional wine knowledge, personalized guest service, and consistent upselling that increased check averages by 17%. Trained 12+ new hires and developed strong regulars who specifically request my section. Looking to bring my hospitality expertise to a fine dining establishment.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Server – Cypress Bistro, San Francisco, CA
March 2021 – Present

  • Manage a 6-table section in fast-paced environment serving 60+ guests nightly
  • Increased wine sales by 23% after completing Level 1 Sommelier certification
  • Lead pre-shift meetings for team of 8 servers, covering menu changes and VIP guests
  • Handle guest conflicts with 97% resolution rate without manager intervention
  • Assist with training new staff on POS system and restaurant-specific protocols

Server – Rustica Trattoria, San Francisco, CA
June 2019 – February 2021

  • Maintained knowledge of 40+ rotating seasonal menu items, specials, and wine pairings
  • Recognized as “Server of the Month” 4 times for consistently high guest satisfaction scores
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies
  • Managed closing duties 3 nights weekly, including reconciling cash drawers and daily reports

Server Assistant – The Harbor Grill, Oakland, CA
August 2018 – May 2019

  • Supported 4 servers during peak weekend shifts in 180-seat waterfront restaurant
  • Maintained water service, bread delivery, and table clearing for 15+ tables simultaneously
  • Promoted to server after 9 months due to excellent performance and menu knowledge

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
City College of San Francisco – 2019

Certifications:

  • Level 1 Certified Sommelier – Court of Master Sommeliers (2022)
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (Current)
  • Responsible Alcohol Service Certification (Current)
  • CPR/First Aid Certified (2021)

SKILLS

  • POS Systems: Toast, Aloha, Square
  • Wine & beverage knowledge
  • Suggestive selling techniques
  • Cash handling & reconciliation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Food allergies & dietary restrictions
  • Team training & mentoring
  • Basic Spanish language skills
  • Multi-tasking under pressure

Senior / Experienced Server Resume Example

Marcus Harding

Atlanta, GA | (404) 555-8721 | mharding@emaildomain.com | linkedin.com/in/marcus-harding

Dedicated restaurant server with 9+ years of progressive experience in fine dining and upscale casual establishments. Known for exceptional wine knowledge, attentive tableside manner, and consistent upselling that increased check averages by 17%. Proven track record training new staff and managing sections of 8+ tables while maintaining superior guest satisfaction scores.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Server – Heirloom Kitchen & Bar, Atlanta, GA (May 2019 – Present)

  • Maintain #1 server position based on guest feedback (4.9/5.0 rating) and sales performance, averaging $1,850 in nightly sales
  • Lead pre-shift meetings for teams of 12-15 staff members, communicating menu changes and daily specials
  • Train new servers on wine service protocols and fine dining etiquette, reducing onboarding time from 3 weeks to 10 days
  • Develop and implement tableside presentation techniques for signature dishes that increased dessert sales by 24%
  • Recognized as Employee of the Quarter twice (Q3 2020, Q1 2022) for exceptional service and team contributions

Server – Bistro Nouveau, Atlanta, GA (June 2016 – April 2019)

  • Managed 6-8 tables simultaneously in fast-paced upscale bistro environment, maintaining 45-minute average table turnover
  • Memorized extensive wine list of 120+ selections, providing pairing recommendations that increased wine sales by 22%
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, receiving specific commendation from management
  • Assisted in developing seasonal cocktail menu that became top-selling item category (winter 2018)

Server/Bartender – The Local Grill, Decatur, GA (August 2014 – May 2016)

  • Served tables during peak hours while managing bar operations during slower periods
  • Maintained accurate cash handling with zero discrepancies over 22 months
  • Created signature cocktail (“The Decatur Mule”) that remains on menu 7 years later
  • Increased regular customer base by 15% through personalized service and drink recommendations

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Georgia State University – Bachelor of Arts in Communications (2010-2014)

Court of Master Sommeliers – Level 1 Sommelier Certification (2018)

ServSafe Alcohol Certification – Advanced (2021, renewed)

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – Level 2 Award in Wines (2020)

SKILLS

  • POS Systems: Toast, Aloha, Square
  • Wine Service & Pairing
  • Tableside Food Preparation
  • Menu Knowledge & Food Allergies
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Cash Handling & Reconciliation
  • Team Training & Leadership
  • Inventory Management
  • French & Italian Cuisine Knowledge
  • Basic Spanish Language

How to Write a Server Resume

Introduction

Landing a great serving job in today's competitive restaurant industry means standing out from dozens (sometimes hundreds) of other applicants. Your resume is often the first impression a hiring manager gets—and in an industry where first impressions are everything, yours needs to shine. I've reviewed thousands of server resumes over my career and I've noticed the ones that get interviews aren't just lists of past jobs—they tell a story about your service style, attention to detail and ability to boost a restaurant's bottom line.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your server resume clean and scannable—just like a well-organized table setting. Hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each resume, so clarity is key.

  • Length: Stick to one page unless you have 10+ years of diverse experience
  • Font: Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia in 10-12pt size
  • Margins: 0.5-1 inch all around (don't cram the page!)
  • Sections: Contact info, summary, experience, skills, education
  • File format: Submit as PDF unless specifically asked for another format
Pro Tip: Name your file strategically (FirstName_LastName_Server.pdf) rather than "Resume.pdf" - this helps busy managers keep track of applicants and shows your attention to detail.

Profile/Summary Section

Think of your summary as the "specials" pitch—it should be brief, enticing and highlight your best qualities. For servers, focus on your personality traits, service philosophy and notable achievements.

Example: "Personable server with 4+ years experience in fast-paced Italian dining. Known for maintaining 97% customer satisfaction ratings while handling 25-table sections. Upselling specialist who increased average check size by $7.50 through wine recommendations."

Professional Experience

This is the meat of your resume. Don't just list job duties—showcase your impact:

  • Quantify whenever possible (tips earned, tables served, sales numbers)
  • Highlight specific service skills (wine knowledge, POS systems you've mastered)
  • Show progression if you've moved up (hostess → server → lead server)
  • Include non-serving roles that demonstrate transferable skills

For each position, include restaurant name, location, dates employed and 3-5 bullet points that highlight achievements rather than just responsibilities. Compare these examples:

Weak: "Served food and drinks to customers"
Strong: "Maintained 99% order accuracy while serving 80+ guests during peak weekend shifts, resulting in frequent mentions in positive Yelp reviews"

Education and Certifications

While formal education isn't always required for serving positions, any relevant certifications can set you apart:

  • Alcohol service certification (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, etc.)
  • Food handler's permit or ServSafe Food certification
  • Wine certification (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers)
  • CPR/First Aid training
  • Foreign language proficiency (great for tourist-heavy areas!)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many restaurants—especially chains and hotel dining—use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these industry-specific keywords to make it past the digital gatekeeper:

  • Point of Sale systems (Aloha, Toast, Square, Micros)
  • Customer service, guest relations
  • Upselling, suggestive selling
  • Cash handling, bank reconciliation
  • Menu knowledge, food allergies
  • Multi-tasking, high-volume service

Industry-specific Terms

Pepper your resume with restaurant lingo that shows you speak the language:

  • Pre-bussing
  • Table management
  • Ticket times
  • Mise en place
  • Check averages
  • Expediting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen countless server resumes tank because of these errors:

  • Typos and grammatical errors (would you trust a server who can't remember details?)
  • Being too generic ("hard worker" tells me nothing)
  • Including irrelevant personal interests (unless they relate to food/hospitality)
  • Using an unprofessional email address (beerpong_champion@email.com isn't making the cut)
  • Focusing only on tasks instead of accomplishments

Before/After Example

Before: "Took orders and served food at Olive Garden."

After: "Memorized 35+ menu items and wine pairings at Olive Garden, earning 'Server of the Month' twice for maintaining 94% guest satisfaction while averaging $1,290 in nightly sales."

Your server resume should showcase not just where you've worked, but how well you've performed. Remember—in this industry, details matter. Just like you wouldn't forget a customer's special request, don't leave out the details that make you the perfect candidate!

Soft skills for your Server resume

  • Conflict resolution – defusing tense situations with unhappy customers while maintaining professionalism
  • Memory management – juggling multiple table orders without writing everything down
  • Non-verbal communication – reading body language to anticipate guest needs before they ask
  • Team adaptability – smoothly shifting roles between food runner, host, or bartender during unexpected rushes
  • Time awareness – balancing efficient service with creating a relaxed dining experience
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity – connecting with diverse clientele through respectful, personalized service

Hard skills for your Server resume

  • POS Systems (Aloha, Micros, Toast)
  • Wine Service & Pairing Knowledge
  • Food Safety Certification (ServSafe Level 2)
  • Cocktail Preparation & Mixology
  • Inventory Management & Stock Rotation
  • Table-side Food Preparation Techniques
  • OpenTable Reservation Management
  • Menu Knowledge & Allergen Awareness
  • Cash Handling & End-of-Shift Reconciliation