Choose from a wide range of NEWCV resume templates and customize your NEWCV design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised Resume and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our Resume builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your Resume faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create Resume
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create ResumeA strong restaurant server resume must prove one thing fast: you can deliver a great guest experience while handling orders accurately, working under pressure, and following service standards. Hiring managers look for clear evidence of customer service, POS system use, menu knowledge, upselling ability, and reliability. If your resume doesn’t show these within seconds, you’ll be skipped—regardless of experience.
This guide breaks down exactly what employers expect, how to position your experience, and how to build a resume that gets interviews across casual dining, fine dining, hotels, and catering environments.
A restaurant server resume is a targeted job application document that demonstrates your ability to manage guest interactions, take and deliver orders accurately, and maintain service standards in a dining environment.
A restaurant server resume showcases your experience in customer service, order management, food safety, and teamwork in hospitality settings. It highlights your ability to provide efficient, friendly service while handling POS systems, payments, and high-volume dining situations.
Hiring managers often search resumes using multiple job title variations. These are not different roles—they represent the same core function.
Restaurant Server
Food Server
Waiter / Waitress
Dining Room Server
Hospitality Server
Banquet Server
Fine Dining Server
Employers are not just hiring someone to carry plates—they’re hiring someone who can manage the entire guest experience.
Greet guests and create a welcoming environment
Take accurate food and beverage orders
Deliver orders efficiently and correctly
Handle payments and POS transactions
Upsell menu items and specials
Maintain cleanliness and table readiness
Follow food safety and sanitation standards
Casual Dining Server
Most applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan for these variations. Including at least 2–3 relevant titles in your resume headline or experience section increases your visibility.
Communicate with kitchen and front-of-house staff
Resolve guest complaints professionally
The top resumes don’t just list duties—they prove performance. Employers want evidence like “handled 10+ tables during peak hours” or “increased average check size through upselling.”
Your resume should clearly demonstrate both technical and soft skills. Missing these is one of the biggest reasons candidates get rejected.
POS systems and order entry
Cash handling and payment processing
Menu knowledge and allergen awareness
Food safety and sanitation practices
Table management and service timing
Customer service and communication
Multitasking under pressure
Memory and attention to detail
Team collaboration
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
If your resume only says “good communication skills,” it’s weak. Show it through action:
“Resolved guest complaints quickly, maintaining 95% positive feedback.”
This is where most candidates fail—they either list generic duties or copy job descriptions. Instead, you need to show impact.
Delivered high-quality service to 50+ guests per shift in fast-paced dining environment
Managed 8–12 tables simultaneously while maintaining service standards
Processed payments accurately using POS systems, reducing errors by 20%
Upsold menu items, increasing average ticket size by 15%
Maintained compliance with food safety and sanitation guidelines
“Responsible for serving food and taking orders”
“Provided efficient table service for high-volume restaurant, ensuring accurate order delivery and guest satisfaction during peak hours”
If you don’t have direct experience, employers still expect proof of transferable skills.
Customer service roles (retail, cashier, etc.)
Volunteer or event service experience
Communication and teamwork examples
Ability to work under pressure
Reliability and attendance
“Assisted customers in fast-paced retail environment, handling transactions and resolving issues efficiently—transferrable to restaurant service roles.”
Entry-level candidates are judged more on attitude and work ethic than experience. Show consistency, reliability, and willingness to learn.
Not all server roles are the same. Employers expect different levels of service depending on the environment.
Advanced menu knowledge (wine, pairings, ingredients)
Formal service techniques
High-end guest interaction
Attention to detail and presentation
Speed and efficiency
High table turnover
Multitasking during rush hours
Friendly, approachable service
Applying to fine dining with a basic resume is a common mistake. You must elevate your language and highlight sophistication.
Banquet and event service requires a different approach compared to traditional restaurant roles.
Serving large groups simultaneously
Following event timelines and coordination
Pre-set table service
Team-based execution
“Coordinated banquet service for events of 100+ guests, ensuring timely food delivery and adherence to event schedules.”
Many resumes get rejected simply because they don’t mention POS experience.
Experience with systems like Toast, Square, Micros
Order entry accuracy
Payment processing efficiency
Training new hires on POS systems takes time. If you already have experience, you become a lower-risk hire.
This is a non-negotiable expectation in the U.S.
Knowledge of food handling and sanitation
Awareness of allergens and dietary restrictions
Responsible alcohol service (if applicable)
Certifications (if you have them)
“Maintained compliance with food safety regulations and ensured proper handling of allergens and dietary requests.”
Restaurants are team environments. Your resume must reflect that.
Collaboration with kitchen staff
Communication with hosts and bartenders
Supporting bussers and other servers
Following manager instructions
“Worked closely with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and timely order delivery.”
This is one of the most important hiring factors—and most candidates ignore it.
Restaurants operate on strict schedules. Unreliable staff disrupt service and cost money.
Consistent employment history
Punctuality mentions
High attendance record
“Maintained strong attendance record and punctuality in fast-paced restaurant environment.”
Tailor your resume based on where you’re applying.
Focus on speed, multitasking, and guest service
Highlight professionalism, guest experience, and teamwork
Emphasize alcohol service, fast pace, and crowd handling
Show organization, coordination, and large group service
Avoid these if you want interviews.
Listing duties instead of achievements
Not including POS or technical skills
Using one generic resume for all jobs
Ignoring food safety knowledge
Failing to show measurable impact
Hiring managers spend 6–8 seconds scanning your resume. If they don’t see relevant skills immediately, you’re out.
A high-performing resume includes:
Clear job title with relevant keywords
Measurable achievements
Service-focused language
Technical skills (POS, payments)
Food safety awareness
Evidence of teamwork and reliability
If your resume checks all these boxes, you’re already ahead of most applicants.
Upload Resume
Import from Linkedin
