In an industry so dynamic and competitive, you always need to have a great waiter resume ready at hand. But how to make it outstanding?

If you're looking for tips and examples that actually work, you're in the right place. Our easy-to-follow guide, accompanied with real-life waiter resume samples and templates, is here for you!

Cedar Creek Grille Hostess Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Cedar Creek Grille

Starbucks Barista Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Starbucks

Server at Texas Roadhouse Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Texas Roadhouse

See more examples like these

Keep reading to learn all about: 

• Navigating handy resume examples for waiters and waitresses
• Picking the best format for your resume
• Crafting an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• Highlighting your best skills in a waiter resume
• Showcasing your most relevant work experience
• Using powerful action words throughout your resume
• Including relevant education and certifications
• Selecting extra sections that'll make your resume stand out
• Avoiding common mistakes in a waiter resume
• Pairing your resume with a relevant waiter cover letter
• Exploring the average salary and job outlook for waiters and waitresses
• Accessing top resources for job-seeking waiters and waitresses

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Waitress resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Clear profile statement: The candidate provides a concise and effective profile statement. It clearly outlines their experience, skills, and what they're looking for in a new position. This sets a positive tone and gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of their qualifications.
• Relevant experience: The work experience section is relevant and specific to the role being applied for. The candidate outlines responsibilities at La Maer Restaurant, showcasing abilities essential for a waiter, such as customer communication, managing payments, and maintaining cleanliness.

What could be improved?

• Lack of quantifiable details: The resume would benefit from more quantifiable details. For example, instead of saying "communicated with customers," the candidate could specify approximately how many customers were served per shift or any increase in sales contributed to. Numbers help to clearly demonstrate the level of impact.

Beverage server resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Customer-focused profile: The candidate clearly emphasizes a customer-focused approach in the profile statement. Highlighting over 2 years of experience and certification as a bartender immediately establishes credibility and relevance to the role.
• Achievement-driven work experience: The work experience section not only lists responsibilities but also highlights quantifiable achievements. For instance, improving customer satisfaction from 92% to 98% is a concrete metric that showcases the candidate's impact.

What could be improved?

• Expand on technical skills: While the candidate lists inventory management and cash handling, it would be useful to specify any software or systems used. This shows familiarity with industry tools and can be a big plus.

Restaurant cashier resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Quantifiable impact in experience: The work experience section for Blenheim includes quantifiable achievements like "spearheaded a 70% increase in cash tallying efficiency." These metrics provide a clear picture of the candidate’s contributions and effectiveness.
• Relevant extracurricular activities: The educational background includes participation in clubs and sports teams, illustrating teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills. These are transferable skills that are valuable in a cashier role.

What could be improved?

• Soft skills and personal qualities: There is mention of customer satisfaction and high energy levels, but adding more about soft interpersonal skills would be beneficial. Employers value soft skills greatly in service-oriented roles.

1. Pick the best format for your resume

Your waiter resume is like your first introduction to a potential employer — get it right, and you can open the door to that coveted restaurant job. Here’s how to format your resume to make sure you shine.

There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Each has its own strengths and is suited to different situations. Let’s break them down:

• The chronological format is the most traditional and widely used. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It’s best for those with a solid history of working in the restaurant industry without significant gaps. If you’ve worked as a waiter at multiple reputable restaurants, this format helps show your continuous growth and reliability.
• The functional format focuses on your skills and experience rather than your work history. Instead of listing jobs in order, you group your experience by skill areas. This format is useful if you're changing careers, have employment gaps, or are just entering the workforce. It emphasizes what you can do rather than where you did it. If you’ve gained relevant skills through various jobs or experiences that don’t necessarily align with traditional restaurant roles but are still valuable, this format lets you highlight abilities like customer service, multitasking, and team collaboration.
• The combination format blends elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills while also providing a timeline of your work history. If you have a strong set of skills and a steady employment history, this format allows you to showcase both. It’s particularly useful when you want to show a well-rounded picture of your experience and abilities.

Choosing the right format for your waiter resume is all about presenting your experience and skills in the best light possible. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s clear, concise, and directed at showing why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

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2. Write a strong resume summary or objective for a waiter job

Crafting a compelling resume summary or objective is crucial for catching a hiring manager's attention, especially in a fast-paced industry like hospitality. Whether you choose a summary or an objective depends on your experience level and career goals.

When to use a summary vs. an objective:

Resume summary

Use a summary if you have several years of experience. It highlights your most notable accomplishments and skills, quickly showing employers why you're a great fit for the role.

Key elements for a resume summary:

• Experience: Detail your years of experience in the field.
• Notable achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments that make you stand out.
• Key skills: Emphasize skills that are crucial for the job.
• Immediate value: Show what you bring to the table right now.

Why is it so bad? This summary is too generic and doesn’t provide any tangible evidence of the candidate’s abilities. It lacks specifics and doesn’t differentiate the candidate from others.

Why is it strong? This summary is detailed and specific. It highlights the candidate’s extensive experience, key skills, and measurable achievements, making it clear why they would be an asset to the restaurant.

Resume objective

Use an objective if you're an entry-level candidate, changing careers, or have gaps in your employment. It focuses on your career goals and how you plan to use your skills in the new role.

Key elements for a resume objective:

• Career goals: Clearly state what position you are seeking.
• Relevant skills: Highlight skills pertinent to the job you want.
• Alignment with employer needs: Explain how your background fits with what the employer is looking for.

Why does it fall short? This objective is vague and self-centered. It doesn’t specify any particular experience or skills and doesn’t mention how the candidate can contribute to the employer.

Why is it effective? This objective is specific and relevant. It highlights the candidate’s enthusiasm and key skills (hospitality and multitasking) and directly aligns with the responsibilities of a waiter.

Writing a strong resume summary or objective tailored to a waiter job involves focusing on relevant experience, specific skills, and aligning with the employer’s needs. Whether you opt for a summary or an objective, make sure it's clear and impactful, showcasing why you're the ideal candidate for the position.

3. Highlight your best skills in a waiter or waitress resume

Selecting the most relevant skills for your waiter resume is crucial for making a strong impression on potential employers. Understanding the difference between hard and soft skills, and highlighting the right ones, can surely boost your chances of landing the job.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be quantified and measured. For a waiter, these skills might include knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications, and cash handling.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal attributes and personality traits that determine how you interact with others. These are particularly important for waiters as they directly impact customer satisfaction. Soft skills include customer service, communication, and teamwork.

It's essential to prioritize the skills mentioned in the job ad at the top of your resume. Employers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. Including these skills ensures your resume meets the initial screening criteria and gets noticed by hiring managers.

Here are some key skills to consider for your waiter resume:

By carefully selecting and presenting the most relevant skills, you'll create a meaningful connection between your qualifications and the needs of the employer. This focused approach makes your resume stand out and increases your chances of securing an interview.

4. Showcase your most relevant work experience

Your work experience and key projects section is essential for showcasing your qualifications and accomplishments. A well-structured format with clear descriptions can significantly impact how potential employers view your waiter resume.

When describing your work experience, use a bulleted list format to keep the information clear and easy to read. Each bullet point should contain your job title, the company’s name, the dates of employment, key responsibilities, and notable achievements. Providing quantifiable accomplishments where possible adds credibility and impact.

Why is it completely weak? This example is too vague and lacks detail. It doesn’t highlight specific skills or accomplishments and fails to differentiate the candidate from others.

Why is this example strong? It's detailed and specific, highlighting key responsibilities and achievements. What's more, the use of quantifiable data (e.g., “enhanced customer satisfaction scores by 20%”) adds credibility and demonstrates the candidate’s impact.

Fresh graduates: Stand out with these insider tips

If you’re a fresh graduate or have limited work experience, focus on relevant skills and any experience that can translate to a waiter role. Include:

• Part-time jobs
• Internships
• Volunteer work
• Relevant coursework
• Highlight transferable skills such as customer service, communication, teamwork, and multitasking

Remember, your work experience and key projects section isn't just about listing past jobs — it's an opportunity to showcase your impact and growth in the hospitality industry. Use this section to tell your unique story through specific achievements and quantifiable results.

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5. Use powerful action verbs to boost your waiter resume

Using action words in your resume is crucial. They not only make your experience sound more dynamic but also demonstrate your accomplishments effectively. Conveying a sense of initiative and achievement, they help hiring managers visualize your contributions and understand your role.

In the context of a waiter resume, action words can highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks, provide excellent customer service, and work efficiently under pressure.

In a nutshell, action verbs:

• Grab attention: They make your resume engaging and impressive.
• Showcase abilities: They highlight specific skills and achievements.
• Increase readability: They make your resume easier to read and more dynamic.

Let’s put these action words into action. Instead of "Took orders from customers," say "Efficiently managed customer orders to ensure timely service." "Increased daily specials sales by highlighting key menu items" sounds more impressive than "Promoted daily specials."

The key is to present yourself as proactive and effective, not just a doer but a problem-solver and an achiever.

All in all, including a wide range of powerful action words in your resume can transform a bland resume into a compelling narrative of your professional strengths. So, spice up your waiter resume with these powerful action words and watch it catch the eyes of hiring managers!

6. Include relevant education and certifications

Listing your education on a waiter resume might seem trivial at first, but it plays a crucial role. Whether you're advancing in the hospitality field or simply showcasing a well-rounded background, including your education provides a more complete picture of you as a candidate.

Education indicates a level of discipline and commitment. It can also highlight transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Even if your degree isn't in hospitality, it shows you're capable of learning and achieving goals.

Imagine you have a degree in Economics. While it may not scream "waiter material," it still adds value:

Here, courses like Business Communication and Organizational Behavior can be linked to effective customer service and teamwork, indirectly enhancing your qualifications.

Now, let’s say your degree is directly related to the field:

Courses and projects clearly aligned with the waiter role add significant value to your resume, reflecting relevant knowledge and practical skills.

But there's one more thing you shouldn't overlook — certifications.  they can be game changers. For instance, adding a "Food Handler Certification" or "Certificate in Wine and Beverage Knowledge" makes you stand out. Certifications show you’ve taken the extra step to refine your skills.

Including your education on your waiter resume is not just a formality. It serves as a testament to your broader capabilities and dedication. Whether your education directly relates to hospitality or not, it offers a fuller picture of your skill set and potential. And remember, don’t shy away from adding relevant certifications — they elevate your credibility and set you apart from the competition.

7. Select the right extra sections for your waiter resume

Choosing the right extra sections for your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Extra sections allow you to display additional skills, experiences, and qualities that don’t necessarily fit into the standard resume headings of Work Experience and Education.

When deciding which extra sections to include, focus on what enhances your profile as a candidate for a waiter position. Consider experiences and skills that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent customer service, manage multiple tasks, and work effectively under pressure.

Here are three extra sections that can elevate your waiter resume:

• Volunteering: Can show that you're proactive, community-minded, and have experience in relevant environments.
• Awards and honors: An Awards and Honors section can further demonstrate your achievements and dedication, both academically and professionally.
• Languages: Being multilingual can be a significant asset in a customer-facing role like waiting tables, especially in diverse or tourist-heavy locations.

Why is it relevant? Volunteering in a food-related environment illustrates that you’re familiar with serving food and operating in a dynamic setting. It also showcases soft skills like teamwork and communication.

Why is it relevant? This section underscores your commitment to excellence and recognition by others, whether through work or academic endeavors. It reinforces your reliability and team spirit.

Why is it relevant? Your language skills can enhance the customer experience by allowing you to communicate effectively with a broader range of patrons, making you a more valuable team member.

Including extra sections is not just about filling space on your resume. They provide deeper insights into your character, capabilities, and accomplishments. They help paint a fuller, richer picture of you as a candidate, showcasing qualities that make you a valuable addition to any hospitality team. Use these sections wisely to stand out and make a lasting impression on prospective employers!

8. Avoid common mistakes on a waiter resume

Creating an impressive waiter resume is crucial, but it's easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing the job. Here’s a concise guide on how to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your resume stands out for all the right reasons.

• Typos and grammatical errors: Nothing says unprofessional like a resume riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Use spell check tools, but don't rely on them completely. Have someone else proofread your resume to catch mistakes you might have missed. Attention to detail matters.
• Overloading with irrelevant information: While it's important to be thorough, including too much irrelevant information can dilute the impact of your resume. Focus on experiences and skills directly related to the role. For instance, your high school drama club participation might not be as relevant as your experience handling high-pressure environments or multitasking in a customer service setting.
• Using vague language: Avoid generic descriptions like "Worked as a waiter." Instead, use specific action words that convey your contributions and achievements. For example, "Delivered high-quality service to an average of 50 diners per shift, boosting customer satisfaction and generating repeat business."
• Neglecting to tailor your resume: One size does not fit all. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills. Analyze the job description and use keywords that match the employer’s requirements.
• Ignoring soft skills: While technical skills (like knowledge of POS systems or menu familiarity) are essential, don’t forget soft skills. Highlight abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers value waiters who can connect with customers and work well with colleagues.
• Omitting quantifiable achievements: Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of saying you "Improved service," say you "Increased table turnover rate by 15% during peak hours." Quantifiable achievements give a clearer picture of your impact.
• Lack of formatting consistency: A clean, easily readable resume makes a great impression. Use consistent fonts, bullet points, and spacing. Avoid cluttered layouts; keep it clean and professional. If you’re not sure about the design, stick to a simple template.

Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your waiter resume. Keep in mind, your resume is often your first introduction, so make it a memorable and professional one.

9. Include a relevant waiter cover letter

A cover letter can be a powerful addition to your job application. Think of it as your personal sales pitch, complementing your resume by adding more depth to your experiences and skills. But when should you include it, and how should it differ from your resume?

While your resume provides a snapshot of your work history, skills, and achievements, your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself more personally. The resume is a structured, factual document, while the cover letter allows you to tell your story and explain why you're the perfect fit for the role.

When to include a cover letter? Whenever the job posting requests it. Even if it's optional, submitting a cover letter can show you’re willing to go the extra mile, demonstrating your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Remember, your cover letter should be tailored specifically for the waiter position you’re applying for. Here’s how to make it relevant and compelling:

• Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself and mention the job you’re applying for. Capture the reader’s attention with a brief but engaging opening statement.
• Middle paragraphs: Explain why you’re interested in the role and the company. Highlight your relevant experience and skills by drawing on your resume. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities, like how you handled a particularly busy shift or improved customer service.
• Closing paragraph: Summarize why you’re a good fit for the role and express your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

All in all, including a well-crafted cover letter with your resume can significantly boost your application. While the resume provides the facts, the cover letter offers a narrative, drawing connections between your experience and the job you're applying for.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for waiters

Understanding the average salary and job outlook for waiters can help you make informed decisions about your career choices and expectations. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for waiters and waitresses was $31,940 in May 2023. This figure provides a benchmark for what you might expect to earn and can vary based on location, employer, and experience.

The employment outlook for waiters and waitresses presents a mixed picture. While the overall employment is projected to decline by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, there is a silver lining. Despite the projected decline, the industry will still generate about 440,000 openings for waiters and waitresses each year, on average, over the decade.

So what does this mean for you? Although the field may experience a slight decline in employment, the significant number of job openings indicates a steady demand for waiters and waitresses. This demand ensures that opportunities will be available, particularly for those who demonstrate strong customer service skills and a willingness to work in various settings.

Whether you're considering entering the field or are an experienced waiter looking to advance, these insights provide a perspective on what to expect and how to plan your career path effectively.

11. Top resources for job-seeking waiters

You know the drill. Job seeking inevitably means hours and hours spent behind a computer screen. And a lot of that precious time gets wasted on trying to figure out where to look for job postings in the first place. If you're currently stuck in this exact place, you may find the following sources all the more useful. 

• Industry-specific job boards: Websites such as Hcareers, Hospitality Online, and Caterer.com specialize in hospitality jobs, including waiter/waitress positions, offering a wide range of listings from casual dining to high-end restaurants.
• Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest online job boards that advertises job offers from all over the world. Just enter relevant keyphrases into the search bar and make your pick. 
• Glassdoor: Apart from job postings, Glassdoor also offers insights into the company culture and salaries through employee reviews. Get to know your potential employer before you submit your application! 
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the perfect means to explore the world of professional waiters. You can get in touch with hiring managers directly, or gain new and useful contacts by networking.
• Local restaurant websites and social media pages: Don't underestimate the power of the internet! You can reach out to establishments through their social media accounts or web pages. Take a chance!
• Continuous learning: Upskilling can make any resume more appealing to the eyes of recruiters. Take your time and browse through websites like Coursera, Udemy, or edX to find a course that best suits your goals.

Regardless of what restaurant you’re hoping to join, your resume needs to fit the bill of a waiter. You’re more than just someone delivering food and your resume is the place to prove it. Including the right skills and experience can help your CV stand out in a stack of resumes.

If you need some ideas to get you started, these Kickresume waiter resume examples are guaranteed to impress any restaurant manager.