Food Service & Hospitality Resume Examples

Server / Waitress Resume Example & Writing Guide

Create a standout server resume for restaurant jobs. Expert examples with customer service skills, upselling achievements, and food service experience.

ATS-Optimized Expert-Written Updated 2026

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Server / Waitress Resume Example

Here's a professional server / waitress resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.

Alex Johnson

Server / Waitress

New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson

Professional Summary

Experienced Server with 3+ years in fast-paced fine dining and casual restaurant environments. Skilled in providing exceptional customer service to 80+ guests per shift while managing multiple tables. Known for strong upselling abilities, menu knowledge, and maintaining high tip averages.

Work Experience

Senior Server / Waitress

2022 – Present

ABC Corporation, New York, NY

•Served an average of 80+ guests per shift in a high-volume restaurant generating $15K+ daily revenue
•Consistently maintained the highest check average on the team ($45/person) through effective upselling techniques
•Achieved 4.9/5.0 average customer satisfaction rating on feedback surveys

Server / Waitress

2019 – 2022

XYZ Company, Chicago, IL

•Trained 10 new servers on menu items, POS system, and restaurant service standards
•Managed a section of 6-8 tables simultaneously, turning tables 30% faster than average

Skills

Customer Service • POS Systems • Menu Knowledge • Upselling • Wine/Beverage Service • Food Safety/ServSafe • Cash Handling • Order Management • Team Collaboration • Conflict Resolution • Multitasking • Table Management • Food Allergen Awareness • Reservation Systems • Side Work Completion

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Hospitality

Use This Template in Resume Builder

Server / Waitress Resume Summary Examples

Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for aserver / waitress with 3+ years of experience:

Good Example

“Experienced Server with 3+ years in fast-paced fine dining and casual restaurant environments. Skilled in providing exceptional customer service to 80+ guests per shift while managing multiple tables. Known for strong upselling abilities, menu knowledge, and maintaining high tip averages.”

Avoid This

“Hardworking server / waitress looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”

Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a server / waitress resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:

Served an average of 80+ guests per shift in a high-volume restaurant generating $15K+ daily revenue
Consistently maintained the highest check average on the team ($45/person) through effective upselling techniques
Achieved 4.9/5.0 average customer satisfaction rating on feedback surveys
Trained 10 new servers on menu items, POS system, and restaurant service standards
Managed a section of 6-8 tables simultaneously, turning tables 30% faster than average

Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”

Key Skills for a Server / Waitress Resume

Include these skills on your server / waitress resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:

Customer Service

POS Systems

Menu Knowledge

Upselling

Wine/Beverage Service

Food Safety/ServSafe

Cash Handling

Order Management

Team Collaboration

Conflict Resolution

Multitasking

Table Management

Food Allergen Awareness

Reservation Systems

Side Work Completion

ATS Keywords for Server / Waitress Resume

These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in server / waitress resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:

servercustomer servicefood servicerestaurantPOSupsellingfood safetycash handlinghospitalityfine diningtable management

Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.

Education & Certifications

Education

High School Diploma
Associate Degree in Hospitality

Certifications

ServSafe Food Handler
TIPS Alcohol Certification
Wine Certification (WSET Level 1)

Expert Tips for Your Server / Waitress Resume

Highlight your check average and upselling success – these directly impact revenue

Include POS systems you've used (Toast, Square, Aloha)

Mention wine/beverage knowledge and any certifications

Show you can handle high-volume service with specific guest counts

Include food safety certifications (ServSafe is essential)

Server / Waitress Salary & Job Outlook

Entry Level

$22K

Median Salary

$31K

Experienced

$55K

Job Outlook

5% growth (2022-2032), about 438,800 openings per year

Source: BLS 2024 + tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a server put on a resume?

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Customer service experience, POS system proficiency, upselling achievements, food safety certifications, and metrics like guests served and customer satisfaction scores.