SERVER RESUME TEMPLATES - USER GUIDE =============================================== WHAT'S INCLUDED This package contains 5 professionally formatted server resume templates: 1. Entry-Level Server Resume Template - For first-time servers or career changers - Emphasizes transferable skills and customer service experience - Ideal for 0-1 years of restaurant experience 2. Experienced Server Resume Template - For servers with 2-5 years of experience - Focuses on measurable achievements and career progression - Balances guest service with sales performance 3. Fine Dining Server Resume Template - For upscale and luxury dining establishments - Highlights wine knowledge, formal service, and VIP guest experience - Emphasizes refinement and attention to detail 4. Casual Dining Server Resume Template - For family restaurants, chain establishments, sports bars - Focuses on personality, energy, and high-volume service - Emphasizes team collaboration and guest relationships 5. High-Volume Server Resume Template - For busy restaurants with fast table turnover - Highlights speed, efficiency, and stamina - Shows ability to manage large sections under pressure =============================================== HOW TO USE THESE TEMPLATES STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR TEMPLATE Select the template matching your experience level and target restaurant type. Use different templates when applying to fine dining versus casual establishments. STEP 2: REPLACE PLACEHOLDER TEXT All text in [brackets] should be replaced with your actual information: - [YOUR FULL NAME] = Your actual name - [City, State] = Your location (city and state only) - [Phone Number] = Your contact number - [Email Address] = Your professional email - [X] = Specific numbers (years, percentages, amounts) - [Restaurant Name] = Actual restaurant names - [Month Year] = Actual dates of employment STEP 3: CUSTOMIZE FOR EACH RESTAURANT Do NOT send identical resumes to every restaurant. Customize each application: - Research the restaurant type and atmosphere - Match your tone to their style (formal for fine dining, energetic for casual) - Emphasize relevant experience (wine knowledge for upscale, high-volume for busy spots) - Use keywords from the job posting - Highlight achievements relevant to their environment STEP 4: QUANTIFY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS Replace generic statements with specific, measurable results: WEAK: "Provided good customer service" STRONG: "Served 60+ guests per shift while maintaining 4.8/5 guest satisfaction rating" WEAK: "Upsold menu items" STRONG: "Increased dessert sales by 34% through enthusiastic recommendations, generating $180+ additional weekly revenue" Use these metrics wherever possible: - Guest satisfaction scores or ratings - Number of guests served per shift - Table turnover times - Average check sizes or upsell percentages - Sales achievements or contest wins - Section sizes managed - Training completion for new servers STEP 5: FORMAT FOR READABILITY FORMATTING RULES: ✓ DO: - Keep resume to one page (two pages only if 10+ years experience) - Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) - Keep font size between 10-12 points - Use 0.5 to 1 inch margins - Bold job titles and restaurant names - Use consistent bullet points - Save as PDF to preserve formatting ✗ DON'T: - Use colors, graphics, or images - Include your photo - Use unusual fonts or sizes - Create multi-column layouts - Add tables or text boxes - Use headers or footers NAMING YOUR FILE: Save professionally: FirstName_LastName_Server_Resume.pdf Example: John_Smith_Server_Resume.pdf STEP 6: PROOFREAD CAREFULLY Before submitting: - Check for spelling and grammar errors - Verify all dates are accurate - Ensure contact information is current - Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing - Ask someone else to review - Confirm all numbers are realistic and accurate =============================================== SECTION-BY-SECTION GUIDANCE PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY (2-3 sentences) - State your years of experience - Mention your service style (energetic, refined, efficient) - Include your key strength or biggest achievement - Keep it under 50 words ENTRY-LEVEL EXAMPLE: "Enthusiastic customer service professional seeking server position to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Strong communication skills with 2 years retail experience serving 100+ daily customers. Available nights, weekends, and holidays." EXPERIENCED EXAMPLE: "Experienced server with 4 years in high-volume dining. Proven track record maintaining 96% satisfaction ratings while managing 8-table sections. Expert in suggestive selling, menu knowledge, and creating memorable guest experiences." PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first) - Include 3-5 bullets per position - Start each bullet with action verbs - Follow this formula: Action + What You Did + How/Tools + Result - Focus on achievements, not just duties - Quantify everything possible ACTION VERBS FOR SERVERS: - Served, delivered, provided (service actions) - Increased, boosted, generated (sales achievements) - Managed, coordinated, organized (operational skills) - Maintained, achieved, ensured (consistency) - Trained, mentored, guided (leadership) - Resolved, handled, addressed (problem-solving) SKILLS SECTION Group your skills into clear categories: TECHNICAL SKILLS: - Specific POS systems you've used - Payment processing - Reservation systems - Food safety certifications CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS: - Communication abilities - Conflict resolution - Building guest relationships - Anticipating needs SERVICE SKILLS: - Multitasking - Time management - Section organization - Upselling techniques Only list skills you actually have. Restaurants test knowledge during interviews. CERTIFICATIONS Always include: - Food Handler's Certificate (required in most states) - TIPS or alcohol service training - Any wine certifications - Other relevant hospitality training List the issuing organization and expiration date. EDUCATION Keep this section brief: - High school diploma or GED - College degree if you have one - Relevant hospitality courses For servers, education matters less than experience and skills. =============================================== CUSTOMIZATION BY RESTAURANT TYPE FINE DINING RESTAURANTS: Focus on: Wine knowledge, formal service, VIP guests, attention to detail Tone: Professional, refined, sophisticated Key phrases: "Impeccable service," "extensive wine knowledge," "discerning clientele" Emphasize: Wine certifications, tableside service, upscale experience CASUAL DINING RESTAURANTS: Focus on: Personality, energy, families, team collaboration Tone: Friendly, upbeat, approachable Key phrases: "Welcoming atmosphere," "building rapport," "diverse guests" Emphasize: High-volume experience, flexibility, positive attitude HIGH-VOLUME RESTAURANTS: Focus on: Speed, efficiency, stamina, large sections Tone: Energetic, capable, reliable Key phrases: "Fast-paced environment," "efficient service," "maintaining quality under pressure" Emphasize: Number of guests served, table turnover, multitasking UPSCALE CASUAL: Focus on: Quality service with approachable style Tone: Professional but friendly Key phrases: "Elevated experience," "knowledgeable recommendations," "attentive service" Emphasize: Product knowledge, sales achievements, guest relationships SPORTS BARS/ENTERTAINMENT VENUES: Focus on: Energy, handling crowds, game-day service Tone: High-energy, team-oriented Key phrases: "High-energy environment," "managing rushes," "creating fun atmosphere" Emphasize: Ability to work during chaos, handling large groups, stamina =============================================== COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID 1. USING GENERIC DESCRIPTIONS "Took orders and served food" could describe any server anywhere. Be specific about your environment, achievements, and impact. 2. LISTING DUTIES INSTEAD OF ACHIEVEMENTS Show what you accomplished, not just what you were supposed to do. Use numbers to prove your effectiveness. 3. EXAGGERATING OR LYING Restaurants verify employment and test knowledge during interviews. Only claim skills you genuinely possess. 4. POOR FORMATTING Messy formatting suggests lack of attention to detail. Keep it clean, simple, and easy to scan quickly. 5. SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ERRORS These mistakes suggest you might make order errors. Proofread multiple times. 6. TOO LONG Most server resumes should be one page. Remove outdated or irrelevant information. 7. INCLUDING IRRELEVANT INFORMATION Skip personal details like age, marital status, photo, or hobbies unless directly relevant to hospitality. 8. FORGETTING TO UPDATE Update your resume after each position. Include your most recent and impressive achievements first. 9. USING THE SAME RESUME FOR EVERY RESTAURANT Customize for each establishment type. Fine dining needs different emphasis than sports bars. 10. NEGATIVE INFORMATION Never include reasons for leaving previous jobs or complaints about past employers. =============================================== ACHIEVEMENT EXAMPLES BY METRIC TYPE GUEST SATISFACTION: - "Maintained 4.8/5 guest satisfaction rating over 2-year period" - "Achieved 96% positive feedback on guest surveys" - "Earned 15+ positive online reviews mentioning service by name" SALES PERFORMANCE: - "Increased average check size by $12 through wine pairing recommendations" - "Generated $7,500+ in weekly sales through efficient service and upselling" - "Achieved 85% success rate on dessert recommendations" EFFICIENCY: - "Maintained 45-minute table turnover during peak dinner service" - "Processed 150+ orders weekly with 99% accuracy" - "Served 70+ guests per shift while managing 8-table section" VOLUME: - "Handled 10-table section during weekend brunch serving 200+ covers" - "Served 400+ guests during special events without service quality decline" - "Managed sections ranging from 6-12 tables based on floor needs" LEADERSHIP: - "Trained 8 new servers on POS system, menu knowledge, and service standards" - "Acted as shift lead during evening service, coordinating team of 12 servers" - "Mentored 5 junior servers resulting in 100% successful completion of training period" PROBLEM-SOLVING: - "Resolved guest concerns with 95% same-visit satisfaction recovery" - "Handled dietary restrictions and allergies for 20+ guests daily with zero incidents" - "Addressed service issues promptly, preventing negative reviews" =============================================== TIPS FOR DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE LEVELS ENTRY-LEVEL SERVERS (0-1 years): - Emphasize ANY customer service experience - Include retail, front desk, or volunteer work - Highlight your food handler's certificate - Mention availability and flexibility - Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn - Include any food service exposure (hosting, bussing) - List relevant coursework if applicable MID-LEVEL SERVERS (2-5 years): - Show career progression across roles - Include increasing sales achievements - Demonstrate reliability and consistency - Highlight any training or leadership duties - Show expertise in specific restaurant types - Emphasize specialized skills (wine, cocktails) EXPERIENCED SERVERS (5+ years): - Demonstrate advanced expertise - Show progression to upscale establishments - Highlight leadership and mentoring - Include specialized certifications - Emphasize VIP guest experience - Show consistent performance over time - Consider two-page resume if truly necessary =============================================== KEYWORDS FOR SERVER RESUMES Common terms hiring managers look for: BASIC SERVICE: - Customer service - Guest satisfaction - Order accuracy - Table management - Section organization - POS systems - Payment processing SALES & UPSELLING: - Suggestive selling - Upselling - Menu knowledge - Wine pairing - Average check size - Revenue generation WORK STYLE: - Fast-paced environment - High-volume service - Multitasking - Time management - Team collaboration - Working under pressure FOOD & BEVERAGE: - Menu knowledge - Dietary restrictions - Allergen awareness - Wine service - Beverage pairing - Food safety GUEST RELATIONS: - Building rapport - Conflict resolution - Anticipating needs - VIP service - Creating experiences - Guest feedback =============================================== FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMITTING □ Replaced all [placeholder text] with actual information □ Customized resume for this specific restaurant □ Included metrics and numbers for achievements □ Used action verbs to start each bullet point □ Kept resume to one page (or two if truly necessary) □ Proofread for spelling and grammar □ Verified all dates are accurate □ Checked that contact info is current and professional □ Used appropriate tone for restaurant type □ Saved as PDF with professional filename □ Removed any irrelevant or outdated information □ Ensured all claimed skills are accurate □ Reviewed one final time before sending =============================================== COVER LETTER TIPS While not always required for server positions, a brief cover letter can help: KEEP IT SHORT: - 3-4 short paragraphs - Under 200 words total - Easy to read quickly INCLUDE: - Why you want to work at THIS specific restaurant - 1-2 relevant achievements with numbers - Your availability - Enthusiasm for the position AVOID: - Repeating your entire resume - Generic statements that could apply anywhere - Negative information about past jobs - Excessive length EXAMPLE STRUCTURE: Paragraph 1: Express interest in the specific restaurant Paragraph 2: Highlight 1-2 relevant achievements Paragraph 3: Mention availability and close with call to action =============================================== INTERVIEW PREPARATION Once your resume gets you the interview: RESEARCH THE RESTAURANT: - Visit and observe the service style - Review the menu thoroughly - Check online reviews - Note the atmosphere and dress code - Learn about their specialty items PREPARE TO DISCUSS: - Why you want to work there specifically - Your greatest strengths as a server - How you handle difficult situations - Your availability and flexibility - Questions about the position BRING TO INTERVIEW: - Additional copies of your resume - Valid ID - Food handler's certificate - Any other relevant certifications - Professional appearance matching restaurant style COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: - "Tell me about your serving experience" - "How do you handle difficult guests?" - "What would you do if you made a mistake on an order?" - "How do you prioritize multiple tables?" - "Why do you want to work here?" - "What's your availability?" =============================================== FOLLOWING UP AFTER APPLYING TIMING: - Wait 3-5 days after applying - Call during slow hours (2-4pm weekdays) - Ask to speak with the hiring manager WHAT TO SAY: - State your name and that you applied - Express continued interest - Ask about timeline for interviews - Keep it brief and professional EMAIL FOLLOW-UP: Subject: Following Up - Server Position Application - [Your Name] Body: Brief message reiterating interest, referencing your application date, and asking about next steps. =============================================== ADDITIONAL RESOURCES For more job search tools and application automation: - RoboApply: Streamline your applications to multiple restaurants - RoboApply AI Resume Builder: Create optimized resumes quickly - RoboApply AI Resume Score: Get feedback on your resume Visit https://roboapply.co for more information. =============================================== GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOB SEARCH! Remember: Your resume is your first impression. Make it count by being specific, honest, and professional. Highlight what makes you valuable as a server, quantify your achievements, and customize for each restaurant type. Keep this document for reference as you update your resume throughout your serving career. Track your achievements regularly so you always have impressive numbers ready when updating your resume. Most importantly, let your passion for hospitality and genuine desire to create great guest experiences shine through in both your resume and interviews. ===============================================