resume skills examples for waitress

Top 12 Waitress Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-paced and demanding world of hospitality, having a resume that showcases a comprehensive set of waitress skills is crucial for standing out to potential employers. This article delves into the top 12 skills that can elevate your resume, highlighting the essential attributes that demonstrate your capability to provide exceptional service and contribute to a positive dining experience.

Waitress Skills

• POS Systems
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Sales Techniques
• Conflict Resolution
• Stress Tolerance
• Flexibility
• Detail-Oriented

1. POS Systems

A POS (Point of Sale) system for a waitress is a digital platform used to manage orders, process payments, and track sales in a restaurant setting, streamlining the service and payment process for both staff and customers.

Why It's Important

POS systems streamline the ordering and payment process, enabling waitresses to efficiently manage customer orders, process transactions quickly, and improve overall dining experience through faster service and accurate billing.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

Improving POS (Point of Sale) systems, especially for a waitress, involves enhancing efficiency, usability, and customer service capabilities. Here are concise strategies:

User-Friendly Interface : Ensure the POS system has an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface to reduce order-taking time and errors. Square offers customizable layouts suitable for fast-paced environments.

Mobile POS Integration : Equip staff with mobile POS devices to take orders directly at the table, speeding up service and improving accuracy. Toast provides robust mobile solutions for restaurants.

Integrated Payment Solutions : Incorporate diverse payment options including contactless and mobile payments for customer convenience. Shopify POS supports various payment methods seamlessly.

Real-Time Updates : Use systems that update inventory and menu items in real-time to avoid order discrepancies. Lightspeed offers real-time menu management.

Training and Support : Ensure ongoing training for staff on the POS system and provide access to 24/7 customer support for troubleshooting. Clover is known for its comprehensive support and training resources.

By focusing on these areas, POS systems can be significantly improved, leading to faster, more efficient service and a better overall customer experience.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume

2. OpenTable

OpenTable is an online reservation platform that allows customers to book tables at restaurants, helping waitresses manage dining reservations and guest seating efficiently.

OpenTable is important for a waitress because it streamlines the reservation process, helps manage table assignments efficiently, and reduces the chances of overbookings or guest wait times, enhancing the dining experience for both staff and customers.

How to Improve OpenTable Skills

Improving OpenTable from a waitress's perspective involves enhancing both the user experience and the operational efficiency of the platform. Here are a few concise suggestions:

Real-Time Table Management : Implement a more dynamic and responsive table management system that updates in real time, allowing waitstaff to instantly see table availability and status. This would streamline seating and reduce wait times for customers.

Waitlist Integration : Integrate a digital waitlist feature that allows customers to add themselves to a waitlist via the OpenTable app before arriving at the restaurant. This can help manage customer expectations and improve the hostess's ability to manage incoming guests. Waitlist Integration Guide.

Server Performance Tracking : Include a feature for tracking server performance through customer feedback directly linked to their dining experience. This can help identify areas for improvement or reward outstanding service. Feedback System .

Enhanced Communication Tools : Provide in-app messaging or notification tools for waitstaff to communicate special requests or issues directly to the kitchen or management, improving service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Communication Tools.

Training Resources : Offer online training resources and tutorials for new staff to quickly get up to speed on using OpenTable, ensuring smooth operation during service. Training Resources.

By focusing on these areas, OpenTable can significantly improve the dining experience for customers, streamline operations for waitstaff, and ultimately drive more business for restaurants.

How to Display OpenTable Skills on Your Resume

3. Customer Service

Customer service, in the context of a waitress, involves courteously attending to guests' dining needs, efficiently taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

Customer service is crucial for a waitress as it ensures customer satisfaction, encourages repeat business, and fosters a positive dining experience, directly impacting the restaurant's reputation and revenue.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a waitress, involves enhancing the dining experience through attentive, efficient, and friendly interactions. Here's a concise guide:

Be Attentive: Listen carefully to customers' requests and preferences. Mindful listening can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of service.

Know the Menu: Have a thorough understanding of the menu items, including ingredients and preparation methods, to confidently answer questions and make recommendations. Food knowledge is key to customer trust and satisfaction.

Communicate Clearly: Keep customers informed about wait times and promptly address any issues that arise. Effective communication skills build customer rapport and trust.

Be Friendly and Positive: A warm greeting, smile, and positive attitude can enhance the customer's dining experience. Positive body language also plays a crucial role in non-verbal communication.

Follow Up: Check back with customers during their meal to ensure satisfaction and quickly rectify any problems. This follow-up strategy shows attentiveness and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Handle Complaints Gracefully: Address complaints with empathy, apologize sincerely, and offer solutions promptly. Dealing with complaints effectively can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Seek Feedback: Encourage and act on customer feedback to continuously improve service quality. Implementing a feedback system can provide valuable insights for improvement.

By focusing on these areas, a waitress can significantly enhance the dining experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

4. Time Management

Time management for a waitress involves efficiently prioritizing and organizing tasks such as taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, and attending to customer needs, to ensure timely and quality service in a fast-paced environment.

Time management is crucial for a waitress to efficiently serve multiple tables, ensure timely delivery of orders, and provide a positive dining experience, thereby maximizing customer satisfaction and restaurant productivity.

How to Improve Time Management Skills

Improving time management as a waitress involves prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and efficiently managing your time to provide excellent service. Here are concise tips:

Prioritize Tasks: Quickly determine the order of importance for tasks such as taking orders, serving food, and clearing tables. Focus on urgent and high-impact activities first.

Stay Organized: Keep your workspace and items you need in order. Use a waitstaff organizer to manage orders and bills efficiently.

Communicate Effectively: Clear communication with both your team and customers can save time. Discuss team strategies for busy periods.

Batch Activities: Group similar tasks together to reduce back-and-forth. For example, clear multiple tables in one trip to the kitchen.

Use Technology: Employ restaurant management software for reservations and orders to streamline operations.

Learn to Say No: When overwhelmed, communicate your capacity. It’s better to provide quality service to fewer tables than to underperform across many.

Self-Care: Adequate rest and self-care improve focus and efficiency, directly impacting time management.

By focusing on these strategies, a waitress can enhance her time management skills, contributing to better service and a more enjoyable work experience.

How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume

5. Multitasking

Multitasking for a waitress involves efficiently handling multiple tasks at once, such as taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, and attending to customer needs, all while ensuring timely and quality service.

Multitasking is important for a waitress because it enables efficient handling of multiple tasks—such as taking orders, serving food, and managing payments—simultaneously, ensuring prompt and satisfactory customer service in a fast-paced environment.

How to Improve Multitasking Skills

Improving multitasking, especially for a waitress, involves enhancing memory, time management, and prioritization skills. Here are short and concise strategies:

• Prioritize Tasks : Start with the most critical tasks. Understanding the sequence of service can help prioritize effectively.
• Batch Similar Tasks : Group similar activities together to reduce the mental load. For example, taking orders from multiple tables in one round.
• Use Checklists : Keep a checklist for recurring tasks to ensure nothing is forgotten. MindTools offers insights on using checklists efficiently.
• Improve Memory Techniques : Utilize mnemonic devices or the Method of Loci to remember orders without writing them down.
• Practice Stress Management : High stress can impair multitasking. Techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness can help manage stress levels.
• Continuous Learning : Always look for ways to learn and improve. Online resources like Coursera and edX offer courses on time management and productivity that can be beneficial.

Remember, multitasking is about efficiently juggling tasks without compromising the quality of work.

How to Display Multitasking Skills on Your Resume

6. Sales Techniques

Sales techniques for a waitress involve strategies to enhance customer experience and increase sales. This includes recommending popular or high-margin menu items, upselling (suggesting higher-priced alternatives or add-ons), and building rapport to encourage repeat business. It also involves attentive service to anticipate customer needs, creating a positive dining experience.

Sales techniques are crucial for a waitress as they enhance the dining experience by recommending suitable menu items, upselling to increase sales, and ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.

How to Improve Sales Techniques Skills

Improving sales techniques as a waitress involves enhancing customer service skills, understanding the menu thoroughly, and learning how to upsell effectively. Here are concise tips:

Build Rapport : Greet customers warmly and engage in small talk to make them feel welcome. Personal connections can encourage more orders.

Know Your Menu : Be well-versed in your restaurant's offerings. Understanding the menu allows you to answer questions confidently and make recommendations based on customer preferences.

Upsell Wisely : Learn the art of upselling by suggesting premium items or add-ons in a way that enhances the customer's experience.

Read the Table : Assess your customers' behavior and preferences to tailor your approach. Not everyone will respond well to upselling, so it's important to be observant.

Close Strong : As you close the meal, suggest a dessert or after-dinner drink, and remind them of any specials or upcoming events.

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your sales techniques and contribute positively to your restaurant's success.

How to Display Sales Techniques Skills on Your Resume

7. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution, in the context of a waitress, involves effectively addressing and resolving disagreements or complaints from customers to ensure a positive dining experience and maintain a harmonious environment.

Conflict resolution is important for a waitress to ensure a positive dining experience by quickly resolving misunderstandings or complaints, maintaining a harmonious work environment, and preventing minor issues from escalating into larger problems that could affect customer satisfaction and the restaurant's reputation.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially for a waitress, involves key strategies aimed at de-escalating situations and finding solutions that satisfy all parties. Here are concise steps for effective conflict resolution:

Listen Actively: Ensure you fully understand the customer's concerns without interrupting. Active Listening is crucial.

Stay Calm: Maintain your composure to think clearly and respond appropriately. Staying Calm under pressure is essential.

Empathize: Show empathy towards the customer's situation to build a connection. Empathy Skills are vital for understanding.

Offer Solutions: Propose solutions or alternatives to resolve the conflict. Problem Solving techniques can help.

Follow Up: Ensure the solution is implemented and check back with the customer to confirm satisfaction. Effective Follow-Up strengthens relationships.

For more detailed guidance, refer to resources on Conflict Resolution Skills and consider training in Customer Service Excellence for further skill enhancement.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume

8. Teamwork

Teamwork, for a waitress, involves collaborating effectively with kitchen staff and other front-of-house colleagues to ensure prompt, seamless service and a positive dining experience for customers.

Teamwork is crucial for a waitress as it ensures efficient service, enhances communication for smooth operations, and improves the dining experience for customers by coordinating tasks and support among staff.

How to Improve Teamwork Skills

Improving teamwork, especially for a waitress, involves enhancing communication, fostering a supportive culture, and encouraging collaboration. Here are concise steps:

Enhance Communication : Ensure clear, open, and respectful communication among team members. Utilize tools like communication apps or regular briefings to keep everyone informed and connected.

Define Roles Clearly : Make sure each team member knows their responsibilities and how they contribute to the team's success. This guide provides insights on defining roles effectively.

Encourage Collaboration : Promote a culture where team members actively support each other. Sharing tips and experiences can be a great way to start. Team-building activities can also strengthen bonds.

Provide Training and Development : Offer opportunities for team members to improve their skills together. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy have relevant courses on teamwork and hospitality.

Give and Receive Feedback : Constructive feedback helps team members grow and improve. Encourage a culture where feedback is regularly exchanged in a positive manner. Learn more about effective feedback here .

Celebrate Successes : Acknowledge and celebrate the team's achievements, no matter how small. This boosts morale and reinforces the value of teamwork.

By focusing on these strategies, a waitress along with her team can significantly improve their teamwork, leading to a better working environment and enhanced customer satisfaction.

How to Display Teamwork Skills on Your Resume

9. Stress Tolerance

Stress tolerance in a waitress refers to her ability to efficiently manage and perform under high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple customer demands, working in a fast-paced environment, and dealing with difficult patrons, without letting stress negatively affect her performance or well-being.

Stress tolerance is crucial for a waitress as it enables her to remain calm and efficient under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain a positive attitude with customers, ensuring a high-quality dining experience.

How to Improve Stress Tolerance Skills

Improving stress tolerance, especially for a waitress, involves developing strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of stressful situations. Here are key steps:

Practice Mindfulness : Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay present and reduce anxiety. Mindful.org provides resources and practices.

Time Management : Prioritize tasks to manage your workload efficiently. Use techniques from MindTools for effective time management.

Healthy Lifestyle : Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep to boost resilience. The American Heart Association offers guidance on living a healthy lifestyle.

Seek Support : Build a support system with coworkers, friends, and family. Sharing concerns can lighten your emotional load.

Learn Relaxation Techniques : Techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can help manage stress in the moment. HelpGuide offers a variety of relaxation strategies.

Set Realistic Goals : Recognize your limits and set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can enhance your stress tolerance and improve your overall well-being.

How to Display Stress Tolerance Skills on Your Resume

Memory, in the context of a waitress, refers to the ability to accurately recall customers' orders, preferences, and special requests, ensuring efficient and personalized service.

Memory is crucial for a waitress as it enhances efficiency and accuracy in taking orders, serving customers correctly, and providing personalized service, ultimately improving the dining experience and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Memory Skills

To improve memory, especially useful for a waitress, focus on these concise strategies:

Practice Visualization : Picture orders or faces in your mind vividly. Visual Memory Techniques

Use Mnemonics : Associate menu items with familiar objects or stories. Mnemonics Memory Tricks

Stay Organized : Keep notes and lists in a small notebook or digital app. Organizational Skills

Healthy Lifestyle : Eat brain-boosting foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Brain Foods

Practice : Regularly challenge your memory and practice recalling orders. Memory Improvement Tips

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance memory retention and recall in a high-paced environment like waiting tables.

How to Display Memory Skills on Your Resume

11. Flexibility

Flexibility, in the context of a waitress, refers to the ability to adapt quickly to varying tasks, schedules, and customer needs while maintaining efficiency and a positive attitude.

Flexibility is crucial for a waitress as it allows for efficient adaptation to varying customer needs, unexpected shifts in workload, and the ability to handle multitasking and sudden changes in the work environment, ensuring a smooth and responsive service.

How to Improve Flexibility Skills

Improving flexibility, particularly for a waitress who needs to move swiftly and efficiently, involves consistent practice of stretching exercises. Focus on dynamic stretches before shifts to warm up and static stretches after work to improve overall flexibility. Here are key strategies:

Dynamic Stretching : Perform movements like leg swings and arm circles to warm up muscles before starting your shift. This prepares your body for the range of motions needed.

Static Stretching : After your shift, target key muscle groups (hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders, and lower back) with static stretches. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds to increase flexibility.

Yoga : Incorporate yoga into your routine. Poses like Downward Dog, Pigeon Pose, and Cat-Cow Stretch target the whole body, enhancing flexibility and reducing stress. Yoga With Adriene offers accessible, waitress-friendly routines: Yoga With Adriene .

Consistency : Dedicate at least 10-15 minutes daily to stretching. Consistency is key to seeing improvements.

Hydration and Nutrition : Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Proper hydration and nutrition support muscle recovery and flexibility.

For more detailed stretching routines tailored to improving flexibility, consider exploring resources like StretchIt – an app offering targeted stretching classes.

How to Display Flexibility Skills on Your Resume

12. Detail-Oriented

Detail-oriented, in the context of a waitress, refers to attentiveness to all aspects of service, including accurate order taking, timely delivery, understanding customer preferences, and maintaining a clean and welcoming dining environment.

Being detail-oriented is crucial for a waitress because it ensures accurate order taking, personalized customer service, and the ability to anticipate and meet guests' needs, leading to a satisfactory dining experience and repeat business.

How to Improve Detail-Oriented Skills

Improving detail-oriented skills as a waitress involves enhancing your ability to focus on small yet significant aspects of service to ensure customer satisfaction. Here are concise steps with resources:

Practice Active Listening : Pay close attention to customers' requests and preferences. Mind Tools offers techniques for honing this skill.

Organize Tasks : Use tools or apps to manage tasks efficiently. Todoist is a simple tool for keeping track of orders and responsibilities.

Prioritize Attention to Detail : Focus on the presentation of meals and accuracy of orders. The Balance Careers provides strategies for improving attention to detail.

Learn Continuously : Stay updated on menu items and restaurant protocols. Coursera offers courses on customer service and hospitality.

Seek Feedback : Regularly ask for feedback from customers and colleagues to identify areas for improvement. Harvard Business Review discusses effective feedback practices.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your detail-oriented skills, leading to improved customer service and job performance.

How to Display Detail-Oriented Skills on Your Resume

• • Managed a team of 10 wait staff in a fast-paced environment, improving team efficiency by 30% through targeted training.
• • Led the redesign of the menu in collaboration with the head chef, resulting in a 25% increase in customer orders for featured dishes.
• • Implemented a new table management system that decreased customer wait times by 15%.
• • Negotiated with suppliers to reduce costs by 10%, positively impacting the restaurant's profitability.
• • Organized and executed multiple large-scale events, accommodating up to 200 guests, which boosted the restaurant's reputation in the local community.
• • Introduced a customer feedback system, leading to a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
• • Increased wine sales by 40% through effective upselling techniques and in-depth knowledge of the wine list.
• • Trained 5 new staff members, ensuring high service standards and consistency.
• • Collaborated with the kitchen team to streamline order processes, reducing order errors by 25%.
• • Developed a regular customer base, contributing to a 20% increase in repeat business.
• • Managed inventory and order supplies, reducing waste by 15%.
• • Provided excellent table service to guests, enhancing dining experience and satisfaction.
• • Assisted in hosting wine tasting events, leading to a 30% increase in wine club memberships.
• • Helped implement a new POS system, improving transaction efficiency by 20%.
• • Contributed ideas for menu updates based on customer feedback and seasonal availability.

10 Waitress Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your waitress resume must highlight excellent customer service skills. Show how you've consistently provided a welcoming and satisfying dining experience. Demonstrate your ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Detail your expertise in order management and payment processing to underscore your proficiency.

All resume examples in this guide

Waitress No Experience

Waitress Cashier

Bartender Waitress

Cocktail Waitress

Hostess Waitress

Bottle Service Waitress

Head Waitress

Resume guide.

Formatting Tips

Experience Section

Hard & Soft Skills

Education & Certifications

Summary & Objective

Additional Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Starting a job as a waitress is an exciting opportunity, full of different challenges and rewards. It's a role that demands not just balancing a tray, but also patience, careful attention to small details, and great organization. This job is all about interacting with people, maintaining  a smile, and staying friendly, even when customers are unhappy.

To do well, you need to be good at multitasking and know the menu like the back of your hand , including any food allergies. You also need to know a lot about drinks, like different kinds of wines, and cocktails, as well as what food they go best with. Nevertheless, this is a job where you’ll never find yourself bored to death, as it always keeps you on your toes meeting new people and navigating dynamic situations.

If you're ready to tackle these challenges, let's dive into how to craft a memorable waitress resume that can land you a new job.

Find many more resume templates , each with easy-to-follow  tips and good ideas. So, in  this guide, you'll learn:

• Effective strategies for customizing a waitress resume that captures attention.
• Key resume sections for waitresses and tips on how to compose them.
• The importance of aligning your resume with the job description for greater impact.
• Methods to highlight your work experience that will engage recruiters.
• The most valued hard and soft skills to feature in your resume.

Interested in other food service jobs? Check out these resume examples for various positions.

• Waiter Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Busser Resume
• Hostess Resume
• Barista Resume
• Dishwasher Resume

How to format a waitress  resume

If you're an experienced waitress, using the reverse-chronological resume  format can greatly benefit you. This layout showcases your career growth and notable achievements in various restaurants or serving positions.

For those new to waitressing, a functional resume format  or a hybrid version  might be more advantageous. These formats emphasize your skills and strengths, focusing less on your job history.

Besides that, choosing an attractive resume design is crucial for standing out from other candidates. Our professionally designed resume templates  provide a modern and elegant appearance that captures attention immediately.

When preparing your waitress resume, consider these guidelines:

• Convert your resume to a PDF  to ensure the layout remains consistent across different devices.
• Clearly list your contact details , including your email, phone number, and current location.
• Maintain 1-inch margins  for a clean and easy-to-read  look.
• Select resume fonts  like Rubik, Volkhov, or Montserrat that keep the size between 10 and 12 points for readability and concise presentation.
• When choosing colors for your resume , select ones that are both professional and pleasant to look at. Blue is often recommended for its association with calmness.
• Making your resume compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems   (ATS) by including relevant keywords related to skills, education, and work experience is essential.

Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job that  requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical resume format, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout  might help you get invited for an interview as most other waitresses have boring resume designs.

If you're uncertain whether your resume shows your good memory, patience, and abilities in multitasking, use our free AI resume checker to help. It offers 16 evaluations and gives personalized tips to refine your resume.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Formatting is crucial , but now let's turn our attention to the essential sections that must be included in a waitress's  resume.

The top sections on a waitress resume

• Summary or objective statement: This gives a quick overview of your career goals and why you're applying for a waitress job, showing your eagerness for the role.
• Relevant experience: Highlight your past jobs related specifically to waitressing, displaying your competency and expertise in the industry.
• Skills:  Listing down specific skills such as customer service, multitasking, and food safety knowledge proves your suitability and capacity for the role.
• Certifications: Including any food handling or alcohol service certifications shows that you meet fundamental industry requirements.
• References: References from previous employers can give recruiters an insight into your work ethic and performance, reinforcing your credibility.

Ensure your waitress resume is structured in a way that immediately shows recruiters you're the best choice for the role.

What recruiters want to see on your resume

• Customer service skills: Waitresses interact directly with customers. Excellent customer service skills are vital to ensure a positive experience for guests.
• Multi-tasking abilities: Waitresses often juggle multiple tasks at once. This skill shows that a candidate can handle the fast-paced nature of the job.
• Knowledge about food and beverages: Comprehensive knowledge about various food and beverages indicates the waitress's ability to explain the menu to customers and make recommendations.
• Experience in the food industry:  Past experience in similar roles suggests that the candidate has a clear understanding of industry standards and procedures.
• Physical stamina and speed: Waitressing can be physically demanding. Candidates with high physical stamina and speed can efficiently meet the demands of the role.

Attract recruiters with your waitress resume by presenting a clear work experience section  that demonstrates your value to their team.

How to write your waitress resume experience

A waitress aims to improve customer service, focusing on comfort, safety, and satisfaction. This enhances the dining experience for all guests. Highlight your own successes from past jobs, with examples of service improvements and the positive results they brought.

• • Promptly served food and beverages to guests, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
• • Collaborated effectively with the restaurant team to maintain seamless service.
• • Addressed and fulfilled guests' requests to enhance their meal enjoyment.
• • Managed transactions for meal payments accurately and efficiently.

The example isn't good because:

• It's too broad and could fit many jobs, not just waitressing.
• It doesn't share any special achievements or results.
• It misses responsibilities unique to waitressing.

Now let's improve it a bit.

• • Served about 100 guests each shift, keeping everyone happy with fast and friendly service.
• • Assisted with training 5 new staff members, helping them to quickly meet the restaurant's service standards.
• • 95% of customers said they were happy with the service on feedback cards.
• • Took care of around 100 payments a day without any mistakes.
• • Learned the entire menu and specials, helping sell 10% more by giving good suggestions.

The second example is better because it:

• Demonstrates direct impact by efficiently serving a large number of guests, making achievements clear.
• Quantifies the positive effects on customer satisfaction through feedback scores.
• Shows leadership by training new staff well.
• Points out careful work with many daily payments without mistakes.
• Illustrates ease in mastering new menu offerings and enhancing sales.

Action verbs  (also known as power verbs) are great for describing your achievements and responsibilities. They highlight your skills and show you’re able to take responsibility. Use these gems to make your experience section shine!

Customizing your waitress resume also includes determining its length. A one-page resume  can be straightforward, while a two-page layout  allows a more comprehensive description of your customer service skills. Concentrate on what showcases your abilities most effectively.

In the following section, we'll discuss how to include numbers in your resume  to highlight your work as a waitress.

How to quantify impact on your resume

Based on our expert assessment, here's our advice:

• Include the number of tables served per shift.
• Record the number of shifts worked per week.
• Highlight if you have trained any new staff and the number of them.
• Indicate the number of menu items you were familiar with.
• Document any reductions you've contributed to in terms of service complaints or errors.

For every task you list, aim to add specific numbers and measurable outcomes to back up your work. This method effectively boosts your professional image and underlines your skills as a waitress.

How do I write a waitress resume with no work experience

If you're new to waitressing and don't have much work experience , show off your people skills and ability to handle busy situations.

For instance, look for jobs at local restaurants while studying. Working in a dining hall, a nearby café, or at catering events can teach you about serving customers, working with a team, and keeping up in a fast-paced  environment.

Now let's check some practical tips on how to boost your waitress resume.

• Objective statement : Write a few sentences about why you love working with people, any experience you have talking or working with others, and what you want to accomplish in this job. Make sure it shows you fit well with what the restaurant wants in its team.
• Skills: List the main skills you need for waitressing, like talking clearly, managing your time, and being friendly. Include skills from volunteering, classes, or other jobs that relate to helping customers.
• Education and certifications:  Share details about your high school and any college education, including your major or areas of interest, plus if you have any extra certifications like food safety that are useful for waitressing.
• Work experience: Mention jobs you've had where you used skills that would also help in waitressing, like being part of a team, fixing problems, and dealing with customers.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

When putting together your resume for a waitress position, it's crucial to highlight both your soft and practical skills . Consider your strengths and compile a list of skills that will catch the eye of hiring managers.

Make sure your resume gets through Applicant Tracking Software by adding a section on hard  skills  that fits the job description  and your abilities.

Best hard skills for your waitress resume

• Point of Sale (POS) systems
• Cash register operation
• Food safety regulations
• Wine pairing
• Cocktail mixing techniques
• Table setting
• Order management systems
• Dietary restrictions awareness
• Event coordination
• Beverage preparation
• Reservation systems
• High volume dining
• Food running
• Coffee brewing machinery
• Payment processing
• Beer and wine knowledge

When tailoring your skills section  for a waitress position, carefully review the job listing and ensure your abilities match the requirements mentioned. If your memory is your strong side, put the focus on it. Showcase your ability to remember all ingredients and allergens in each dish. This skill is becoming more and more appreciated as special food diets become more commonplace.

Best soft skills for your waitress resume

• Excellent communication
• Multitasking
• Excellent customer service
• Time management
• Ability to work under pressure
• Positive attitude
• Problem-solving
• Active listening
• Ability to handle criticism
• Attention to detail
• Emotional intelligence
• Adaptability
• Strong people skills

After discussing the skills needed for excellent service as a waitress, let's dive into the education that supports these skills. This section will cover relevant degrees and certifications.

How to list your education and certifications on your resume

A high school diploma is sufficient for a waitress position. The key is to position it correctly on your resume.  Here's an example:

If you're an active university student, you might want to broaden the education section of your resume  in the following way:

On your waitress resume, mention when you expect to graduate  and your GPA  if it's over 3.5 .  This shows off your academic achievements.

If you hold a certain major and a minor , your majors should be mentioned first.

Adding extra certifications to your resume, like those in food safety or customer service, shows you're keen on learning more and getting better at your job as a waitress. Here are five good certifications for waitressing.

Best certifications for your waitress resume

• The Certified Professional - Food Safety by NEHA
• Food Allergy Awareness Certification
• Certified Restaurant Server
• Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)

Making every section of your resume clear is important, especially for waitresses, where a strong summary can grab the attention of hiring managers.

How to write your waitress resume summary or objective

Writing a good resume summary or objective for a waitress job means briefly showing your skills, experience, and what you bring to the job. Whether you use a summary or objective depends on your work history and goals. Here's how to approach each choice.

Resume summary

A resume summary  works best for waitresses with plenty of experience. It should highlight your key achievements, crucial skills, and how you can meet the restaurant's needs.

Resume objective

A resume objective  is a good fit for those new to waitressing. It focuses on your ambitions, key skills, and how you aim to grow and help the restaurant succeed.

Tips for writing your summary or objective:

• Be Concise: Keep it to a short 3-4 sentences that clearly outline your work history or career objectives.
• Customize: Tailor your summary or objective to the waitress position and restaurant you're applying to, showing how your skills and experience are a perfect match for their needs.
• Highlight achievements: Use specific examples and numbers to show your success in previous roles (e.g., "served up to 100 guests per shift with high customer satisfaction").
• Focus on relevant skills:  Emphasize skills that are key to waitressing, such as customer service, multitasking, and knowledge of food safety, especially if they're listed in the job description.

Taking the time to create a tailored and precise summary or objective can significantly boost your resume's impact, making a great first impression.

Additional sections for a waitress resume

To make your waitress resume stand out, choose one or two additional sections to help recruiters get a fuller picture of who you are, both as a person and as a professional:

• Passions: Share your hobbies and interests , like participating in culinary workshops or community service, to show a well-rounded personality.
• Language Skills : Mention any additional languages you speak and demonstrate your ability to communicate with a diverse clientele.
• R eferences : Add people from previous jobs, teachers, or community figures who can speak to your skill set, diligence, and character.
• Vol unteer  work : If applicable, talk about your volunteer work, especially if it involves serving food or working with people.

Key takeaways

• Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation.
• Be specific about your experience, accomplishments, and future goals in your summary or objective.
• Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience.
• Add all of the certifications that you have and match the job description.
• Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills .

Waitress resume examples

Explore additional waitress resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

The Busser role has evolved significantly within the hospitality industry. Here are some tips to enhance your resume for this job:

• Highlight your knowledge of cleanliness standards and practices. These standards govern the entire restaurant, and showcasing your familiarity with them is crucial.
• Emphasize your physical capabilities, such as strength and endurance. In this position, the ability to move quickly and lift heavy items is essential.
• Indicate your customer service skills. Do not just list them. Implement the “skill-action-results” pattern to illustrate how your skills enhanced the dining experience for patrons.

The Waitress Cashier role melds serving with cashiering tasks. To apply for this role:

• Highlight your hands-on experience with POS systems and cash handling. Demonstrate how your efficiency contributed to smoother operations.
• Show your ability to multitask and provide excellent customer service under pressure.
• Remember to convey your mathematical skills and attention to precision. These are vital for accurate transactions and balancing cash drawers.

As a Waiter, being a critical touchpoint for the customers is essential. When crafting your resume:

• Showcase your extensive menu knowledge. Discuss how you used this knowledge to upsell menu items and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Talk about your interpersonal skills. Detail how your skills have led to exceptional customer service experiences.
• Place an emphasis on your ability to handle high-pressure environments and constant customer interaction. Show how your patience and professionalism in dealing with difficult situations boosted the restaurant's reputation.

The Hostess Waitress role combines greater responsibilities. For a successful application:

• Show your experience and excellence in customer service, especially in greeting and seating guests.
• Highlight your organizational skills. Detail how these skills contributed to managing the waiting list and seating arrangement.
• Discuss your cleanliness and sanitation practices that you've executed for the waiting area and tables.

Just as the product manager role originated from software engineering, the Bottle Service Waitress job evolved from the hospitality industry. Here are a few tips to enhance your application for a Bottle Service Waitress position:

• Firstly, highlight your experiences in similar roles - restaurants, clubs or bars. Understanding different types of alcohol, knowing how to serve champagne, and having knowledge of bar equipment can all be beneficial.
• Feature your customer service skills prominently. If you've increased customer satisfaction or been commended for your service at previous roles, mention it in your resume.
• Don't just list your skills - explain how they have impacted your work. For example, instead of merely mentioning that you are detail-oriented, state how your attention to details ensured a high level of service.
• Lastly, highlight your multi-tasking and communication skills. Show how you managed multiple tables efficiently or how your communication skills helped resolve customer complaints. Follow the "SKILL - ACTION - RESULTS" pattern.

Despite not being as tech-centered as product management, the role of a Head Waitress can be similarly nuanced. The following tips should help increase your odds when applying for a Head Waitress position:

Understanding hospitality practices is crucial. Different restaurants subscribe to various service styles - fine dining, fast casual, pop-up, etc. You are likely to be asked about your experience dealing with different styles.

Highlight your leadership experience. As a Head Waitress, you will be expected to lead a team of servers. Emphasize any past leadership roles and how they have enabled you to successfully manage a team.

Prioritize service-centric experiences. Restaurants are businesses of service, and you must have provided exceptional service to thrive in this role. Highlight your achievements, such as “improved customer satisfaction through…” or “decreased customer complaints by…” in your applications.

Most importantly, don’t just say what you did— demonstrate how your actions led to positive outcomes.

Looking to build your own Waitress resume?

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Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• How To Write a Waiter/Waitress Resume
• Resume Text Examples

How to Write a Waiter/Waitress Resume

You can write a great resume for your waiter or waitress job search by showing you provide guests with a positive dining experience. To convince hiring managers you’re right for their restaurant, you’ll want to emphasize relevant skills such as engaging with customers, working quickly with kitchen staff, or handling special orders and menu questions. You can also enhance your resume by giving background details that align with your job targets, such as the types of cuisine you’ve served or the size of restaurants you’ve worked at.

The following tips and examples will help you organize your best information into a resume that gets you closer to your next waiter or waitress job.

• Entry-level
• Senior-level

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your waiter/waitress qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your Profile should describe your top qualifications for your target waiter or waitress role. Think about the ways you’ve excelled in past service jobs and what you’ve been praised for by restaurant managers, customers, or other waitstaff. For instance, maybe you’ve shown high efficiency in bringing food and drink orders to customers. Or you’ve taken on training duties for junior waitstaff at your current restaurant and want to continue those in your next role. You may also want to cite your experience in a similar dining environment or type of cuisine, if possible, so restaurant managers see that you’d train quickly.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Energetic Waiter with 2+ years of experience in a high-volume chain restaurant. Provide courteous, attentive service while driving sales of daily specials, appetizers, and desserts. Fast learner who adapts readily to new work challenges and conditions.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Personable Waitress with 10+ years of experience in fast-paced restaurant settings. Skilled at memorizing menus, training new hires, and providing top-caliber service to customers. Draw on strong knowledge of POS systems, including Toast, TouchBistro, and Upserve.

2. Outline your waiter/waitress experience in a compelling list

A strong Experience section describes not just your relevant duties but also the positive impact of those duties on each restaurant where you’ve worked.

You can show your impact as a waitress or waiter by giving specific numbers on your performance. These may include how many customers you served, how much revenue you brought in, or where you ranked on your team for guest satisfaction. When data isn’t available, you can still show results by explaining how the job responsibility promoted the restaurant’s overall success. For instance, if one of your task areas was side work like cleaning and restocking, you could mention how these duties helped the kitchen staff stay efficient and on-task preparing food orders.

Entry-Level Experience Example

Waiter , Applebee’s, Philadelphia, PA | October 2020 to Present

• Quickly and courteously serve food and beverage orders to ~30 customers per shift
• Use Lightspeed POS system to process cash, credit, debit, and gift card payments
• Support other servers and kitchen staff by completing side work such as cleaning, restocking, and food running
• Used cross-selling methods to increase personal appetizer and dessert sales by 25%

Mid-Career Experience Example

Waitress , Le Virtu, Philadelphia, PA | April 2019 to Present

[Rustic Italian restaurant with 75 seats]

• Take and serve food and drink orders to patrons of this popular local restaurant
• Proactively learn new seasonal food and cocktail menus
• Use POS system to input orders and process cash, debit, credit, and gift card payments
• Perform side work (including setup, sanitization, restocking, and assisting other servers) to help maintain a clean, efficient facility
• Named “Employee of the Month” 3 times for top-quality customer service and team support

3. Include your waiter/waitress-related education and certifications

For purposes of finding a waiter or waitress job, your education and certifications are probably less important than any service experience you have. But know that for some restaurant managers, a school diploma or relevant certification can give you an edge over other applicants, so you’ll want to include those credentials. Also, consider citing any formal training you’ve had on safe food handling since that’s a requirement for servers in some states.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details on your resume. Note that optional template areas are in [brackets].

• Degree Name — [Major], School Name, City, ST | [Year]

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• ServSafe Food Handler, National Restaurant Association

4. List your waiter/waitress-related skills and proficiencies

You can enhance your waiter or waitress resume with a “Key Skills” section covering customer relations, payment processing, and food and beverage service. In addition to these core areas, you may want to add any skills you have in restaurant POS systems.

Also, consider using this section to show your background in the type of dining environment you’re now seeking. For instance, if you’d like to work in a high-volume restaurant and have experience, include the phrase “High-Volume Restaurant Operations.” Below is a list of common skills for waitress or waiter resumes:

How to Pick the Best Waiter/Waitress Resume Template

As with most vocations, waitresses and waiters should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Choose a visual format that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most impressive career details. Select a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Waiter/Waitress Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Clark Ryan (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

• Customer Service & Satisfaction
• Efficiency Improvement
• Food & Beverage Service
• High-Volume Restaurant Operations
• Lightspeed POS
• Menu & Order Memorization
• Payment Processing
• Task Prioritization
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management

Work Experience

Waiter, Applebee’s, Philadelphia, PA | October 2020 to Present

Highlight :

Receptionist, LMN Incorporated, Philadelphia, PA | September 2019 to September 2020

• Consistently praised for strong efficiency and customer relations in a fast-paced environment

Candidate: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | expected May 2023

Carly Williams (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Collaborative Waitress with nearly seven years’ experience at popular Italian restaurants. Enjoy working on a team to provide guests a memorable and positive dining experience. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Customer Relations & Service
• Menu & Ingredient Memorization
• POS Systems (Toast, Upserve)
• Process Streamlining
• Product Sales & Promotions

Professional Experience

Waitress, Le Virtu, Philadelphia, PA | April 2019 to Present [Rustic Italian restaurant with 75 seats]

• Proactively learn new seasonal food and cocktail menus to provide guests up-to-date information on menu and specials
• — Named “Employee of the Month” 3 times for top-quality customer service and team support

Waitress, Birra, Philadelphia, PA | June 2016 to April 2019 [Casual Italian restaurant with 90 seats]

• Took orders and promptly delivered food and beverages to guests
• Increased personal sales 20% by effectively promoting specials and food-alcohol pairings
• Fluency in Spanish

Julie Bonner (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

• Cross-Team Collaboration
• New Hire Training
• Personnel Management
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
• Team Leadership & Motivation

Head Server, The Capital Grille, Philadelphia, PA | December 2019 to Present [Upscale restaurant with 100 seats]

• Oversee shifts of 10-12 servers in a high-pressure work environment
• Take food and drink orders for ~40 guests per shift
• Memorize daily specials, seasonal cocktail list, and regular menu to quickly address customer questions and advise on possible allergens and substitutions
• Onboarded and trained 20 new servers to date

Waitress, Talula’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA | October 2016 to November 2019 [Farm-to-table restaurant with 50 seats]

• Served food and drink orders to ~20 guests per shift
• Studied extensive list of locally sourced ingredients to accurately answer guests’ menu questions
• Anticipated customers’ needs by promptly refilling drinks, providing extra napkins, and clearing away empty plates
• Recommended food-beverage pairings on request

Waitress, Cantina Los Caballitos, Philadelphia, PA | August 2012 to September 2016 [Popular casual Mexican restaurant]

• Served food and drink orders to guests in a fast-paced work setting
• Performed side work such as cleaning and restocking to help maintain a pleasant, efficient facility
• Processed cash, credit, debit, and gift card payments on POS system

Chris Shatto - Hospitality Recruiter and Expert Contributor, Linkedin

Meet our Expert: Chris is a respected hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in upscale and luxury hotels and clubs, and is the owner of Gecko Hospitality, a renowned recruiting firm.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for waitstaff that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -

Hard skills:

• Knowledge of POS systems: Familiarity with common restaurant software and hardware is crucial.
• Food safety knowledge: Understanding of food handling and sanitation guidelines.
• Menu knowledge: Ability to explain menu items, make recommendations and answer customer queries.

Soft skills:

• Communication: Articulate, clear, and patient communication with guests and team members.
• Multitasking: Managing multiple tasks at once, keeping cool under pressure.
• Conflict resolution: Handling customer complaints and issues calmly and effectively.

Additional qualities:

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in stressful situations.
• Certifications/awards: Any relevant recognitions, such as ServSafe certification or 'Employee of the Month' awards.

2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in a waitstaff? -

• Prior serving experience: This is often the first thing hiring managers look for. Whether it's in a fast food joint, a casual dining establishment or a high-end restaurant. Your ability to handle customers, take orders, serve food, and clear tables efficiently and professionally can significantly boost your chances.
• Customer handling: You should have experience dealing with a variety of customers. This includes handling complaints, providing excellent service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
• Food and drink handling: Experience with handling food and drinks is crucial. This includes knowledge of different types of cuisine, beverages, and the appropriate serving etiquette.
• Menu familiarity: You should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the restaurant's menu, including the ability to make recommendations and answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and dish pairings.
• POS system experience: Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems is often required.
• Knowledge of safety and health guidelines: Understanding and adhering to health and safety guidelines, such as food handling procedures and cleanliness standards, is essential in this role.
• Communication and teamwork skills: These are key in a busy restaurant environment. You must be able to communicate effectively with customers, kitchen staff, and other waitstaff to ensure smooth operations.
• Adaptability: Restaurants are fast-paced environments. Your ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as sudden rushes or unexpected issues, will be highly valued.
• Extended hours capability: The ability to work long hours, often on your feet, is a common requirement in the restaurant industry.
• Personal attributes: Hiring managers also value personal qualities like attentiveness, patience, and a positive attitude. These traits can greatly enhance the dining experience of customers.

3. What else besides a resume should a waitstaff candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -

• Cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter allows us to gauge your communication skills and understand your motivation for applying to our restaurant. It also shows their knowledge about our establishment, demonstrating their commitment and interest.
• Sample menu: Candidates who provide a sample menu with suggested drinks and dishes demonstrate creativity and an understanding of our cuisine and branding. This could be especially beneficial for restaurants that frequently change menus or have a unique culinary focus.
• Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from previous employers give us insights into their work ethic, reliability, and team spirit. This is crucial in the fast-paced hospitality industry, where teamwork is key.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as food safety or alcohol service training, underscore a candidate's dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
• Additional job experiences: Experiences outside of waitstaff roles, perhaps in customer service, event planning, or even theater (for performance and presentation skills), can bring additional value to their role within our restaurant.
• Availability schedule: A candidate's schedule gives us an idea of their flexibility. In the restaurant industry, the ability to work during peak hours, weekends, and holidays is often a necessity.
• Personal testimonials: Testimonials from previous customers can provide a firsthand account of the candidate's customer service skills, attentiveness, and ability to create a positive dining experience.

4. What advice would you give a waitstaff candidate about their job search? -

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, includes a professional photo, and showcases your skills and experience. Consider asking colleagues or previous employers for recommendations to boost your profile's credibility.
• Network: Reach out to contacts within the hospitality industry. Attend industry events, join online forums or groups related to your profession. Networking can often open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised.
• Research potential employers: Before applying, research each restaurant to understand their style, values, and customer base. This information will help you tailor your applications and prepare for interviews.
• Apply to relevant job opportunities: Use job search engines, industry-specific job boards, and company websites to find suitable opportunities. Don't limit yourself to advertised positions; consider sending speculative applications to restaurants you're interested in.
• Prepare for interviews: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses. Practice makes perfect. Also, think about questions you can ask the interviewer to show your interest in the role.
• Follow-up: After an interview, send a thank you note expressing your continued interest in the role. If you haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, it's acceptable to follow up with a polite inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions: Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for waiter/waitress resumes +.

You might do dozens of things during a busy shift to provide guests with a great dining experience. But it can be hard to put that in writing on your resume. You may find yourself running out of action verbs to describe your work. To help you vary the language in your job descriptions, we put together this list of strong resume verbs for waiters and waitresses:

How do you align your waiter/waitress resume with a job posting? +

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for waiters and waitresses will increase by about ten percent between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is faster than the average for all US jobs.   You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application. One great way to do this is by adding brief descriptions of the restaurants where you’ve worked in brackets right next to or below the restaurant name. Restaurant descriptions let you show any similarities between your past workplaces and the one that posted the job. For instance, maybe you’ve worked for restaurants of a similar size, cuisine, or service philosophy. By adding these details to your descriptions, you can make your resume that much more relevant to each new waiter or waitress job opportunity.

What is the best waiter/waitress resume format? +

In nearly all cases, you should use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience – it’s also easiest for you to modify based on your job goals.   With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your Experience or Work History section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Usually, your resume intro should include a Profile summary and a Key Skills section. You may also include an Awards or Career Highlights section. Choose the details for these intro sections carefully. Make sure each item helps show your overall excellence as a waitress or waiter.

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Waitress Resume Writing Guide, Skills Template and Examples

As a waitress, you are the face of the restaurant, and your resume is the face of your career. A well-crafted resume can mean the difference between landing that dream job and missing out on the opportunity altogether.

Your resume is not just a document that lists your work history and contact information; it is an advertisement for your skills, experience, and personality. A good resume showcases your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, your knowledge of customer service, and your professionalism.

It is important to remember that your resume is often the first impression that a hiring manager will have of you, so it needs to stand out. A well-crafted resume can help you secure the interview and give you the opportunity to showcase your skills in person.

In this article, we will explore the key elements of a well-crafted waitress resume, including the skills template and examples that will help you create an attention-grabbing and compelling document. By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to create a resume that will help you stand out in the crowded restaurant industry. So, let’s get started!

Researching the Company and Position

One of the most important aspects of creating a strong waitress resume is conducting thorough research on the company and position you are applying for. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of the company culture, values, and mission, which can help tailor your application to fit the job requirements and showcase your qualifications effectively.

Here are some steps you can take to conduct effective research on the company and position:

1. Review the Job Posting

Start by carefully reviewing the job posting, paying attention to the skills and qualifications required for the position, as well as any specific duties or responsibilities that are mentioned. This will help you tailor your resume to the specific job and position you are applying for.

2. Visit the Company Website

Visit the company website to learn more about the organization and its mission. Look for information about the company culture, values, and history, as well as any recent news or press releases. This will help you understand the company’s priorities and goals, and how you can contribute to their success.

3. Check Social Media

Check the company’s social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, to gain additional insights into the company culture and values. You can also look at the profiles of current and former employees to get a better sense of what it’s like to work for the organization.

4. Use LinkedIn

Use LinkedIn to research the company and position further. Look for connections within the company and reach out to them for informational interviews or insights into the organization. This can help you gain a greater understanding of the company’s culture and what they’re looking for in an employee.

5. Read Reviews

Read reviews of the company on websites such as Glassdoor to gain additional insights into what it’s like to work for the organization. This can help you prepare for interviews and understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses.

By following these steps, you can conduct effective research on the company and position you are applying for, which can help you tailor your application to fit the job requirements and showcase your qualifications effectively. This can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing the job.

Resume Formatting

As important as the content of your resume is its formatting. To make the best possible impact with potential employers, follow these tips for formatting your waitress resume:

Tips for formatting your resume for the best possible impact

Keep it concise: Your resume should be one page (two pages maximum). Stick to the most relevant information and cut anything unnecessary.

Use white space: This will make your resume easier to read and highlight your key information and achievements.

Include keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords to help your resume stand out and demonstrate your expertise.

Tailor it to the job: Customize your resume for each job you apply for to show employers that you meet their specific needs.

Best font types and sizes for waitress resumes

Your font choice can be as important as the content itself. Use a clear and easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid using fonts with fancy styles or sizes that are too small (less than 10pt) or too big (more than 12pt).

Use of bullet points

Bullet points are a great way to highlight key achievements and responsibilities. Use them to make your resume more readable and showcase your skills and accomplishments in a clear and concise manner. Remember to keep your bullet points short and sweet, focusing on quantifiable accomplishments wherever possible.

Key Skills to Include

When it comes to writing a waitress resume, highlighting your skills is essential. Employers want to know that you have the necessary experience and abilities to handle a fast-paced restaurant environment. Here are the essential skills to highlight on your waitress resume:

1. Communication Skills

As a waitress, you will be interacting with customers, taking orders, and communicating with the kitchen staff. You need to have excellent communication skills to convey customer requests accurately and ensure that orders are correct. Additionally, you must be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues to avoid any misunderstanding that may impact the customer experience.

2. Customer Service

Customer service is another critical skill for a waitress. Working in a fast-paced environment means having to deal with customers of different temperaments, including angry or unsatisfied ones. Your ability to effectively manage these customers and deliver top-notch customer service can make a significant impact on the customer’s experience and loyalty to the restaurant.

3. Multi-tasking

A busy restaurant can be overwhelming, with customers constantly coming in and multiple orders to manage simultaneously. You need to have excellent multi-tasking skills to prioritize your tasks and ensure you are meeting customers’ needs promptly. A good waitress knows how to balance multiple responsibilities and complete them without compromising the quality of service.

4. Time Management

Time is of the essence when it comes to Waitressing. You need to have excellent time management skills to keep up with the demand and keep the flow of service smooth. You must be able to stay organized and prioritize tasks for efficient service delivery to ensure customers do not have to wait too long for their orders or service.

Example of Relevant Skills for the Job

Here are few examples of relevant skills for the job:

• Proven track record of prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient and seamless service, resulting in a high rate of customer satisfaction.
• Have excellent communication skills that help me to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues, strengthening communication and building solid customer relationships.
• Demonstrable track record of successful problem-solving skills, which have been instrumental in resolving customer issues promptly and efficiently, ensuring that the customer leaves satisfied.
• Skilled at multitasking and performing various tasks simultaneously, making sure I remain focused on delivering a high level of service to customers.
• Strong stamina and ability to work for long hours in a fast-paced environment, making sure that customer service remains top-notch throughout.

Highlighting these essential skills on your waitress resume gives you an edge in the highly-competitive job market. Make sure you tailor your skills and experience to suit the job you are applying for. It’s also a good idea to use specific examples of how you used these skills in previous roles to land the job of your dreams as a successful waitress.

Waitress Resume Examples and Samples

When it comes to crafting a standout waitress resume, it can be helpful to have some inspiration to get you started. Here are a few examples of well-written waitress resumes that can help you develop your own:

Objective:  To obtain a waitress position at a high-volume restaurant where I can utilize my customer service skills and provide outstanding service to guests.

Experience:

Waitress, ABC Restaurant (2018-present): Provide exceptional service to patrons in a fast-paced environment, take orders, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Hostess, XYZ Restaurant (2016-2018): Greeted guests, managed waiting lists, and assisted servers.

• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of food and beverage service
• Experience handling cash and credit card transactions

Objective:  To secure a waitress position at an upscale restaurant and provide patrons with a memorable dining experience.

Waitress, DEF Steakhouse (2019-present): Serve high-end cuisine to discerning guests, recommend wine pairings, and ensure guests feel welcomed and appreciated.

Waitress, GHI Cafe (2016-2019): Take orders, serve food and drinks, and maintain cleanliness of dining area.

• Upscale dining experience
• Wine knowledge and pairing
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail

Objective:  To obtain a waitress position at a family-friendly restaurant where I can utilize my outgoing personality and love for working with children.

Waitress, JKL Diner (2018-present): Provide friendly service to families with children, take orders, and keep children entertained with coloring pages and games.

Waitress, MNO Grill (2016-2018): Greeted guests, took orders, and provided excellent customer service.

• Experience working with children
• Outgoing personality
• Ability to multitask
• Attention to detail

These waitress resume examples showcase various skills and experiences that can be tailored to fit different types of establishments. Whether you are looking for a job at an upscale restaurant, a family-friendly diner, or anything in between, these examples can serve as a starting point for developing your own eye-catching waitress resume.

Resume Summary or Objective Statement

When writing a waitress resume, it is essential to start with a clear and concise statement that summarizes your skills and qualifications. Typically, this is done by creating either a resume summary or an objective statement.

Differences between a summary and objective statement

A resume summary is a brief statement that highlights your most significant achievements, skills, and experience in the field of waitressing. It should be a snapshot of your career, conveying why you are the best candidate for the job. On the other hand, an objective statement is a more traditional approach that outlines what you hope to achieve in your career.

The main difference between the two is that a summary emphasizes your past accomplishments and how they relate to the job posting, while an objective statement focuses on what you want to achieve. Therefore, it is essential to choose the one that best suits your personal experience, the job posting, and your career goals.

When to use each one

Knowing when to use a summary or objective statement is crucial when crafting a waitress resume. Here are some situations that can help guide your decision:

Resume Summary

A resume summary is an excellent choice when:

• You have substantial experience working in the restaurant industry and want to highlight your achievements.
• You are applying for a job that explicitly requests a summary statement.
• You are changing careers, and want to emphasize how your transferable skills make you a strong candidate.

Objective Statement

An objective statement is an excellent choice when:

• You are just starting your waitress career and want to outline your goals and aspirations.
• You are applying for a job that requires little experience, and you want to relay your eagerness and willingness to learn.
• Your career trajectory has changed, and you want to emphasize your goals for this new career path.

Whether you use a resume summary or objective statement, it’s important to craft a strong opening statement that showcases your skills, experience, and career goals. A well-written statement can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Work Experience

As an experienced waitress, your work experience section is the heart of your resume. You need to showcase your industry knowledge, skills, and achievements in this section to convince a potential employer that you are the perfect fit for the job.

Writing about your work experience as a waitress

When writing about your work experience as a waitress, start by mentioning the name of the restaurant, the duration of your employment, and your role. Your job responsibilities may include greeting customers, taking and serving their orders, handling cash, and even cleaning up tables. Ensure to mention the type of cuisine served or the specialty of the restaurant if relevant, as this shows that you are familiar with industry terms.

Showcasing your achievements in your previous roles

It’s also essential to showcase your achievements in your previous roles. For instance, mentioning how you increased sales through upselling or multi-tasking by handling several tables at once. If you’ve received recognition for your excellent customer service skills, like awards or tips from satisfied customers, don’t forget to mention this.

Using relevant waitress industry terms

Using relevant industry terms is essential to show your knowledge of the job. For instance, terms like POS (point of sale) system, FOH (front of house), BOH (back of house), and dishies (dishwashers) are widely used in the industry. Adding those relevant industry terms to your resume will give a clear idea to the employer that you know what you are talking about.

When writing your work experience section, be sure to quantify your accomplishments where possible. If you increased sales, what percentage was the boost? It helps to provide specific numbers to highlight your achievements better.

When writing the work experience section of your waitress resume, be sure to showcase your industry expertise, quantify your accomplishments, and use relevant waitress industry terms to stand out from the competition.

Education and Certifications

When it comes to crafting a waitress resume, the question of whether or not to include education and certifications can be a tricky one. However, in most cases, it is recommended to include these details as they can showcase your level of knowledge and expertise in your field.

If you possess a degree or relevant certifications, be sure to include them in your resume. This signals to potential employers that you take your profession seriously and have invested in your education to enhance your skills.

While a degree or certification may not be necessary to work as a waitress, some programs may provide coursework or practical experience in customer service, food safety, or hospitality management that could be useful for this position. Additionally, certifications like TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) or ServSafe can show employers that you have knowledge of alcohol service laws and food safety regulations.

When listing educational qualifications and certifications on your waitress resume, keep in mind that only relevant information should be included. If you have multiple degrees or certifications, consider selecting the ones that are most closely related to the position you’re seeking.

Including education and certifications on your waitress resume can be beneficial if they showcase your expertise and provide evidence of your commitment to your profession. Relevant qualifications like TIPS or ServSafe can demonstrate your knowledge of industry regulations and enhance your competitiveness in the job market.

Additional Sections to Enhance Your Resume

In addition to the standard resume sections, including a section on awards can help showcase your achievements and highlight your strengths as a waitress. This section should include any relevant awards or recognition you’ve received that demonstrate your exceptional customer service, work ethic, or any other valuable skills.

Another important section to consider adding is a list of your technical skills. As a waitress, this may include expertise in point-of-sale systems, knowledge of food safety protocols, proficiency in using handheld devices to input orders, and familiarity with different types of restaurant software. Including a comprehensive list of your technical skills can show potential employers how capable and prepared you are to handle the demands of the job.

When creating your resume, it’s important to tailor these additional sections to the specific job you’re applying for. Be sure to read the job description thoroughly and highlight any specific skills or requirements mentioned. By customizing your resume in this way, you’ll increase the chances of catching the employer’s attention and showing them that you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

Cover Letter Writing Guide

As a waitress, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression on potential employers. Here are some tips for writing a stand-out cover letter:

How to write a stand-out cover letter as a waitress:

• Address the hiring manager by name – this personal touch shows that you have done your research and are serious about the job.
• Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs their attention and highlights your skills and experience.
• Use specific examples to showcase your skills and capabilities as a waitress. For example, highlight your ability to handle a busy and fast-paced environment, exceptional customer service skills, and expertise in menu descriptions and recommendations.
• Provide details about your availability, including any scheduling flexibility you may have.
• Finally, close the letter with a strong and confident conclusion that expresses your interest in the position and invites the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.

Example of a great cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I was excited to come across the job posting for a waitress position at [Restaurant Name]. With [Number] years of experience in the hospitality industry, I am confident in my ability to excel in this role.

During my time as a waitress at [Previous Restaurant], I gained valuable experience in handling a fast-paced and high-pressure environment while providing exceptional customer service. I am skilled in menu descriptions and recommendations, as well as managing orders and ensuring prompt delivery to the table.

In addition to my experience, I am available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and am able to provide schedule flexibility as needed.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your team at [Restaurant Name], and am confident that I would be a great asset to your establishment. Thank you for considering my application.

Dos and Don’ts of Waitress Resume Writing

When writing a waitress resume, it is important to keep in mind some common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few dos and don’ts to consider:

Common Mistakes

Listing irrelevant information : Be sure to only include relevant information that showcases your skills and experience as a waitress. Avoid listing hobbies or interests that are not related to the job.

Using a generic resume : Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Each restaurant may have different needs and requirements, so make sure to highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to that specific position.

Failing to highlight your skills : Make sure to emphasize your strengths as a waitress, such as your attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Best Practices

To present your skills and experience effectively on your waitress resume, consider the following best practices:

Start with a strong objective statement : Include a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that highlights your experience and goals as a waitress.

Use bullet points : Organize your information using bullet points to make it easier for hiring managers to scan your resume. Use action verbs to start each bullet point and quantify your achievements when possible.

Include relevant keywords : Make sure to use relevant keywords throughout your resume that align with the job description. This can help your resume get noticed by automated screening systems.

Highlight your education and training : If you have completed any training or certification programs related to restaurant service or hospitality, be sure to highlight them on your resume.

By following these dos and don’ts and best practices, you can create a strong waitress resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.

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Waiter Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

You’re a waitress or waiter.

You serve unbeatable service to your hungry customers.

But now it’s time to serve an unbeatable resume to your future employer.

This involves presenting your skills and experiences on a silver platter.

Not sure how to do this?

Well, just follow the simple steps in this guide.

• An example of a finished waiter or waitress resume that works
• How to write a waiter or waitress resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your waiter or waitress resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s a waiter and waitress resume example, created with our very own resume builder:

Looks great, right?! Follow the steps below to create a resume that’ll have the restaurants in a frenzy to invite you for a trial shift.

Hunting for a different job in the customer service industry? Check out more resume examples that might interest you:

• Server Resume
• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Customer Service Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume

How to Format a Waitress or Waiter Resume

Before you can serve the hiring manager, you need to set the table!

But what does this mean?

Well, the resume needs to follow a format that is easy to digest.

This will please the hiring manager, which is always a good thing!

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is one that we always recommend to waiters and waitresses.

Essentially, this format allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you, rather than having to dig down to the bottom of the page. We recommend all waiters and waitresses start with this format.

The following two resume formats also get our approval:

• Functional Resume – If you’re confident in your ability, but lack the restaurant experience, this resume format is recommended. A functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for those who lack experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – Got both skills AND work experience? Then you’ll want to use this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”.

Once you’ve chosen the correct format for your personal situation, you need to organize set a few resume layout rules.

For a professional look, we recommend…   

• Margins - Border with a one-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a professional font that stands out, but not too much
• Font Size - Use 11-12pt for general text and 14-16pt for headings
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Try and stick to a 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates .

Use a Waitress or Waiter Resume Template

There’s no argument that Word is a great program for creating simple files.

But when it comes to presenting a well-formatted resume, you should look elsewhere.

You see, Word isn’t the best for holding structure.

Want to avoid an afternoon of headache? Use a waiter or waitressing resume template .

What to Include in a Waiter or Waitress Resume

The main sections in a waiter or waitress resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really make an impression, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the resume sections , but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to know more about the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, there’s no need for creative content here, but it must be factually correct. 

Get this section wrong, and you can forget about receiving any interview invitations!

The contact information section must include:

• Title - Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Waitress” or “Waiter”
• Phone Number – Check each number carefully 
• Email Address - Keep your email professional ([email protected]), unlike that one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Hanna Fakester - Waitress. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Hanna Fakester - Superwoman Waitress. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Waitress/Waiter Resume Summary or Objective

Restaurants are always on the lookout for staff.

But this is a fact that only increases competition among your peer group.

With so much competition in the job market, it is no surprise that recruiters spend less than 6 seconds on each resume.

Yep, you heard that correctly!

Although scary, this fact highlights the importance of a powerful resume.

Specifically, you need an opener that hooks the reader in a matter of seconds.

To do this, use a resume summary or objective .

As a waitress or waiter, you know that a friendly introduction is important. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives are short introductions that go on top of your resume, just under your contact information.

But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable restaurant experiences and achievements.

• Experienced waitress with more than five years of restaurant experience providing personable table service at prestigious establishments in London. Awarded “Employee of the Month” for 36 months out of 48 months. Seeking a waitressing role at Restaurant X, where my service skills can be leveraged to achieve the highest quality of service at Restaurant XYZ.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your goals and aspirations.

• Enthusiastic and friendly waitress looking for a waitressing role at Restaurant Z. Passionate about keeping customers happy and satisfied. Relevant experience includes serving groups of customers at a local cafe. Skilled in POS and table setting, with a vast knowledge of Italian cuisine. 

So, should restaurant staff use a summary or an objective?

Generally, applicants with relevant work experience should choose a resume summary. An objective is suited to people with the basic skills, but lack relevant experience, like those who are transferring to the restaurant industry for the first time.

How to Make Your Waiter or Waitress Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters love nothing more than an employee with work experience.

As such, this section is your best chance to impress.

Here’s the best way for waitresses and waiters to structure the work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

The Rising Sun

07/2017 – 03/2020

• Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time
• Educated customers on menu items and daily specials, while offering my personal recommendations based on their feedback
• Welcomed and seated customers in a 96-guest restaurant , while taking their preferences into account to keep everyone happy
• Always engaged customers with a personal, yet professional manner, which helped me to win “Employee of the Month” four months in a row

Focus on how you were a valuable asset at your previous place of work. Doing so will allow the recruiter to see the obvious benefits to making you a member of the team.

Instead of saying:

“Member of bar staff”

“Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time”

Simply put, the first statement says nothing. It shows you were a member of staff, but doesn’t go into any other details about your position.

The second statement shows that you had to serve tables under stressful conditions to a large amount of customers. 

Hard numbers that prove your skills – can’t argue with that!

What if You Don’t Have Any Restaurant Work Experience?

Maybe you’re studying and looking for your first waitress or waiter job?

Or maybe, you have experience in hospitality, but never in a restaurant setting?

Don’t worry, there are other options.

You just need to show that you have the basic skills and that you’re willing to learn.

For example, if you’ve worked as a hotel receptionist, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a waitress, you would have to be friendly, deal with groups of people, and operate a cash register. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Waiter or Waitress Resume POP!

Spare a thought for the hiring manager for a minute…

You see, they are faced with the same words in every single resume they read. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. 

In fact, you can use some action words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

There’s nothing too complicated with this section, just simply enter your education history in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

Majoring in Culinary Arts

Boston State University

2018 - Present

• Relevant Courses: Food and Beverage Operations, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Kitchen Techniques, and Pastry Techniques

Now, you don’t need a degree or higher education to be a waitress, so you may have a few questions in regards to this section. Here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

What if I haven’t completed education yet?

• Simply mention every year or the modules that you have studied to date.

Should I include my high school education?

• Generally, you should only include your highest form of education.

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• For a waiter or waitress role, your experiences always come first.

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Waiter or Waitress Resume

Whether you’re skilled enough to juggle three plates with one hand or have the ability to remember five orders from the top of your head, the hiring manager will want to know.

However… you can’t list every skill in your arsenal.

So, what do hiring managers want to see?

Essentially, you need to look at the job ad to identify which skills the restaurant is looking for.

Here are some of the most common skills...

Hard Skills for Waiter/Waitress Resume:

• Math (basic calculations)
• POS & cash register 
• Table setting
• Italian cuisine 
• Cognac, whisky, vodka, rum, gin

Soft Skills for Waiter/Waitress Resume:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• The hiring manager will typically ask interviewees for examples of when they have shown the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year.

What Else Can You Include?

Hurrah! We’ve now covered all of the essential sections.

But don’t call final-orders just yet. 

Your resume needs to stand out !

Adding the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the waitress or waiter role.

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever been employee of the month?

Have you completed any relevant courses on coursera?

If you’ve got something to be proud of, put it in your resume!

• “Employee of the Month” - The Rising Sun
• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate

Applying to an Italian restaurant?

Then being fluent in Italian is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether the job description requires it or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “ how is my soccer hobby related to my work as a waiter?”

Well, your hobbies allow the hiring manager to learn more about you as a person. 

Interests show that you’ll be a good addition to the team, especially if your hobbies involve social interaction.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want to really make an impression?

Then you should write a convincing cover letter .

You see, a resume is great at giving the essential facts, but nothing speaks to a hiring manager like a well-written cover letter .

The hiring manager has to read through generic resume after generic resume. 

In fact, it’s not uncommon for the hiring manager to get confused between multiple applications!

A cover letter instantly allows you to make a personal connection .

Oh, and cover letters shows the hiring manager that you care about working for their company.

Here’s how to create a structure that works:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, the start of your resume needs to pack a punch. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the hiring manager’s interest, you can delve further into the following specifics...

• Why you chose this specific restaurant
• What you know about the restaurant culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the restaurant
• If there are any similar industries or positions you have worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more how I can Restaurant X” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although you should remain personal, the letter should end in a professional manner. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Because if you follow the above advice, you’re about to get that waitress or waiter job!

Let’s total up everything we’ve consumed:

• Choose the correct format for your specific situation. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Draw the recruiter in with a short, snappy resume summary or objective
• In your work experience section, highlight your most relevant and best achievements rather than your restaurant duties
• Make your application personal and specific with a convincing cover letter

Suggested reading:

• 10+ Best Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?
• Why Should We Hire You - 10+ Best Answers
• 22+ Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews [2024 Best Answers]

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5 Beginner Waitress Resume Examples That Work in 2024

• Beginner Waitress
• Beginner Waitress 2
• Beginner Waitress 3
• Beginner Waitress 4
• Beginner Waitress 5
• Beginner Waitress Resume Writing 101

As a beginner waitress, you’re just about to take your first steps into the food service industry. Equipped with a pleasing smile, a knack for multitasking, and a dash of resilience, you’re more than ready to face the challenge.

Step one to begin your career: build a resume . However, it can be tricky when you’re just getting started. Fortunately, we know exactly what you need to do to land your first role.

Check out our beginner waitress resume templates and resume tips . We’ll guide you through the process of applying for a new job, help you write a cover letter , and let you focus on preparing for interviews instead!

Beginner Waitress Resume

or download as PDF

Beginner Waitress 2 Resume

Beginner Waitress 3 Resume

Beginner Waitress 4 Resume

Beginner Waitress 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Cocktail Waitress
• Waitress Hostess
• Bottle Service Waitress
• Head Waitress

What Matters Most: Your Customer Service Skills & Hospitality Experience

If you asked anyone who’s ever worked a day waiting tables, they’d tell you that it’s a job that takes a deceptive amount of skill. Those who never worked with customers often don’t realize that—which is why your resume needs to accurately reflect your diverse skill set.

As a waitress, you play multiple roles—an advisor, an assistant, and a crucial representative for your restaurant. Your interpersonal skills are unmatched and they play a big part in creating repeat customers and scoring larger tips.

The skills section of your resume is where you can sum all of these things up into one neat package. The idea is to add useful buzzwords that will instantly help you get your foot in the door.

9 best beginner waitress skills

• Cash Handling
• Payment Processing
• Beverage Service
• Food Service

Sample beginner waitress work experience bullet points

You’re used to dealing with disgruntled customers, cleaning up messy tables, and apologizing for orders that weren’t fulfilled correctly. You’re also juggling multiple orders at the same time, presenting menus, and handling point-of-sale systems while maintaining absolute accuracy. 

Fortunately, there’s also the other side of the coin, with grateful customers who love the inviting dining experience that you provide. 

While challenging on a day-to-day basis, this builds a strong base for the “work experience” part of your resume. Use this section to discuss your accomplishments, and where possible, add some metrics to give them a little more pizzaz. 

This can be as specific as mentioning the volume of customers you’ve handled per shift or how you’ve improved customer satisfaction.

Here’s how to make the most of this part of your resume:

• Reduced order errors by 7% through careful order-taking and efficient communication with the rest of the staff
• Earned a customer satisfaction rating of 98% by responding to customer questions and concerns
• Leveraged Square POS system to manage customer orders and payments for up to 100 customers per shift, ensuring accurate transactions
• Maintained cleanliness and performed sanitation tasks in the dining area, reducing health safety incidents and risks by 19%

Top 5 Tips for Your Beginner Waitress Resume

• Don’t worry if you’ve never worked as a waitress before—you most likely have a lot of transferable skills from past roles or even just your education. Highlight experience in customer service and hospitality, but also skills related to math, teamwork, and sanitation.
• As a waitress, you may need a food handler’s permit or a special certification to be allowed to serve alcohol. It’s a good idea to sort these out before applying for jobs, and once you have one (or both), display it on your resume.
• If you speak more than one language, even on a basic level, make sure to display it proudly on your resume. Being able to serve international patrons will give you an edge over other applicants.
• Many restaurants will expect you to work varying shifts, including mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. If you’re willing to do shift work or you’ve worked such a job in the past, include it in your resume or cover letter . 
• Dealing with customers can be equal parts lovely and stressful, so highlight your skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation. You can list them in your resume skills section , but you can also mention times when you were able to avoid fetching the manager and resolved the problem all on your own.

We really don’t recommend it. Although skills and experience may be similar across different jobs, tailoring your resume to the job description shows the employer that you’re paying attention—a crucial trait in the hospitality industry.

It may not be required, but it gives recruiters more insight into your skill set and knowledge. If you lack professional experience, lean into your education and school projects to show that you work well in a team.

The reverse-chronological order is the way to go, meaning that you should list your most recent experience at the top. At a certain point in life, those old jobs and schools become less relevant, so recruiters are used to checking the very top first.

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Waitress Resume Examples

Are you looking to make a career in the restaurant industry? Do you have the experience and skills needed to be successful as a waitress? Then having a well-crafted resume is essential. Writing a resume for a job in the restaurant industry can be tricky because competition is stiff and employers are looking for specific skills and experience. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can create a resume that will catch the eye of employers. This guide will give you an insight on how to write an effective waitress resume and provide you with examples of waitress resumes to use as inspiration.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

Start building your dream career today! 

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123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

I am an experienced waitress who has worked in various settings ranging from casual restaurants to high- end establishments. I have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service, taking orders accurately, and managing tables efficiently. I am knowledgeable about food, wine, and spirits, and have a natural talent for creating an enjoyable dining experience.

Core Skills :

• Excellent customer service
• Accurate order taking
• Table management
• Food and wine knowledge
• Multi- tasking
• Problem solving

Professional Experience :

• Waitress, The Grille, May 2020 – Present
• Provide top- notch customer service and friendly, efficient service
• Accurately take orders and communicate with kitchen staff
• Professionally and efficiently manage tables
• Offer advice on food and wine pairings
• Resolve any customer complaints

Education :

• High School Diploma, 2020
• ABC High School, Anytown, USA

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Waitress Resume with No Experience

Highly enthusiastic and motivated Waitress eager to provide exceptional customer service and hospitality. A passionate individual with excellent communication and organizational skills. Looking for an opportunity to build a career in the hospitality industry.

• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms
• Organized and efficient multi- tasker
• Strong problem- solving abilities
• Highly motivated to learn and grow
• Knowledgeable in food safety regulations

Responsibilities

• Greeted customers and presented them with menus
• Took orders and served food and drinks
• Checked customers’ IDs to ensure they meet minimum age requirements
• Addressed customer inquiries and concerns
• Processed cash, card, and other payments
• Cleaned and organized the dining area
• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assisted in preparing food items when needed
• Provided excellent customer service by delivering a positive and friendly experience

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Waitress Resume with 2 Years of Experience

Highly motivated Waitress with 2 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Possessing strong customer service and communication skills, an outgoing personality and an ability to work in a fast- paced environment. Experienced in delivering excellent customer service to ensure customer satisfaction while taking orders, handling payments, and responding to customer inquiries.

• Excellent Customer Service
• Attention to Detail
• Strong Time Management
• Cashiering and Table Management
• Flexibility

Responsibilities :

• Greeting customers and taking orders
• Serving food and beverages
• Clearing tables and resetting for new customers
• Accurately ringing up orders and taking payments
• Maintaining knowledge of menu items and specials
• Providing excellent customer service and answering customer inquiries
• Ensuring a clean and organized dining area at all times

Experience 2+ Years

Waitress Resume with 5 Years of Experience

Friendly and experienced waitress with 5 years of work experience in hospitality- related industries. Skilled in providing outstanding customer service, taking orders, accurately handling payments and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Strong communicator with a knack for multitasking and keeping cool under pressure in high- volume settings.

• Customer service
• Menu knowledge
• Cash handling
• Food preparation
• Team collaboration
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Greeted customers, answered questions, and took orders.
• Communicated with kitchen staff to ensure orders were correct.
• Delivered food to tables in a timely manner.
• Monitored customer satisfaction and addressed customer complaints.
• Ensured tables were properly set and sanitized.
• Assisted with food preparation.
• Accurately handled payments and reconciled cash drawers.
• Replenished drinks and condiments as needed.
• Communicated and maintained positive relationships with customers.

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Waitress Resume with 7 Years of Experience

Experienced Waitress with 7 years of working in the hospitality industry. Possesses an excellent customer service record, knowledgeable in restaurant operations and experiences in order- taking and food and beverage service. Proficient in POS systems and cash handling. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant dining experience.

• Food and beverage service
• POS systems
• Order- taking
• Interpersonal communication
• Problem- solving
• Greet customers and present menus
• Suggest food and beverage items to customers
• Answer questions regarding menu items
• Take orders and enter them into the POS system
• Deliver food and beverages to customers
• Check on customer satisfaction throughout the meal
• Handle payments and cash transactions
• Handle customer complaints and provide solutions
• Clean and reset tables
• Ensure all restaurant regulations are met regarding hygiene and safety

Experience 7+ Years

Waitress Resume with 10 Years of Experience

I have 10 years of experience working in the hospitality industry as a waitress. I have extensive knowledge in providing excellent customer service, preparing and serving food and beverages, and handling cash transactions. I am an excellent team player and I am always willing to lend a hand when needed. I am also confident in my ability to multi- task and remain professional in a fast- paced environment.

• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service
• Knowledgeable in food and beverage preparation
• Skilled in managing cash transactions
• Demonstrated ability to multi- task
• Excellent team player
• Ability to remain professional in a fast- paced environment
• Greet and serve patrons in a friendly and professional manner
• Prepare and serve food and beverages to customers
• Restock and replenish supplies throughout the shift
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations
• Monitor customer satisfaction and take action to ensure customer satisfaction
• Handle cash and credit card transactions accurately and efficiently
• Assist with cleaning duties as needed

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Waitress Resume with 15 Years of Experience

An experienced and customer service- focused waitress with 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Possesses an excellent record of providing outstanding customer service and working collaboratively with team members in a fast- paced environment. Demonstrates strong knowledge of food and beverage menus, table settings and sanitation guidelines. Committed to maintaining a professional and friendly demeanor at all times while delivering efficient and high- quality service.

• Excellent customer service skills
• Knowledge of food and beverage menus
• Time management
• Positive attitude
• Greet customers and take orders
• Prepare and serve food and drinks
• Check customer satisfaction with food and drinks
• Clean and clear tables and other areas
• Answer customer queries and resolve issues
• Follow all health and safety regulations
• Maintain up- to- date knowledge of menus and specials
• Collect payments from customers
• Ensure proper table settings

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Waitress resume?

A waitress resume should include all the essential elements that make up a professional resume, including a summary and work experience section. To make your resume stand out from other applicants, here are some tips for what should be included:

• An informative summary that highlights your customer service skills, and any other applicable skills that make you a great waitress
• Relevant work experience in the food and beverage industry, such as experience as a waitress, bartender, or other similar roles
• Any certifications or licenses you have earned related to the food and beverage industry
• Your availability, such as the days and hours you are available to work
• Any special skills you might have, such as your ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, handle difficult customers, or any other special skills that would make you a great waitress
• Any educational background that is relevant to the job, such as a hotel management degree or a degree in hospitality management
• Any awards or special recognition you have received for your work as a waitress, such as a customer service award
• References from previous employers who can speak to your qualifications for the position

By including all these elements, you will be able to create a comprehensive resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get the job as a waitress.

What is a good summary for a Waitress resume?

A waitress resume should be concise and include pertinent information about a candidate’s experience, skills and achievements. It should demonstrate an applicant’s ability to provide outstanding customer service and ensure the satisfaction of each patron. It should also include detail about any previous experience in the restaurant industry, such as working as a hostess or bartender, and any additional skills that would be beneficial to the position. Finally, it should outline any specific certifications or trainings that may make the candidate more qualified than other applicants. A good summary for a waitress resume will highlight a candidate’s experience, skills, and achievements that make them a great fit for the position.

What is a good objective for a Waitress resume?

A waitress resume should focus on the skills and qualities that make you a great candidate for the job. By using an objective, you can showcase the most important aspects of your candidacy. A good objective for a waitress resume should include:

• Highlighting your customer service skills: A great waitress is not only knowledgeable about the menu, but also provides top-notch customer service. Make sure to emphasize your ability to create positive customer experiences.
• Demonstrating your multitasking abilities: Working as a waitress is a fast-paced job that requires you to juggle multiple tasks at once. Let employers know that you can handle the pressure.
• Showcasing your time management skills: As a waitress, you must be able to manage your time well in order to keep up with customer demands. Show employers that you’re an organized and efficient worker.

By including these qualities in your resume objective, you’ll be sure to stand out as an excellent waitress candidate.

How do you list Waitress skills on a resume?

Creating a resume to showcase your Waitress skills can make the difference between getting the job and being overlooked. A well-crafted resume can showcase your ability to balance customer service with efficiency, multitasking, and effective communication skills.

To effectively list Waitress skills on your resume, include:

• Knowledge of Food Handling and Safety: Demonstrate your knowledge of food safety, preparation, and storage.
• Multitasking: Showcase your ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
• Customer Service: Showcase your ability to provide exceptional customer service by providing a friendly and welcoming environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: List your ability to interact with customers and co-workers in a professional manner.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your skills in resolving customer service issues and conflicts.
• Cash Handling: Showcase your ability to manage cash transactions, make change, and balance registers.
• Menu Knowledge: List your ability to properly explain menu items and special offers.
• Product Knowledge: Showcase your knowledge of food items, ingredients, and cooking methods.

By using the above tips and listing your Waitress skills on your resume, you can make sure you stand out from the competition and land the job you want.

What skills should I put on my resume for Waitress?

Are you looking to be a waitress and want to include the right skills on your resume? Having the right skills on your resume will make sure that you stand out to potential employers. Here is a list of the most important skills to include on your resume when applying for a waitress position:

• Table Service: You should be able to provide excellent table service to customers, from taking orders to delivering food and beverages.
• Customer Service: You must be able to provide excellent customer service to guests, from greeting them to making sure their experience is positive.
• Knowledge of Menu: You should have a good understanding of the menu and the items it includes.
• Multi-Tasking: You need to be able to handle many tasks at once and prioritize them accordingly.
• Organizational Skills: You should be able to stay organized and manage your time efficiently.
• Cash Handling: You should be able to handle cash and credit card transactions accurately.
• Teamwork: You should be able to work well in a team environment, collaborating with other staff members.
• Problem-Solving: You should be able to quickly assess and resolve customer complaints.

These are the most important skills to include on your resume for a waitress position. Make sure to highlight your skills and qualifications that make you stand out from the competition. Doing so will make sure your resume stands out to potential employers and helps you get the job you want.

Key takeaways for an Waitress resume

When writing a waitress resume, it is important to include any pertinent information that can help you stand out from the competition. This includes education, experience, and skills that are specific to the role. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when crafting your waitress resume:

• Highlight your experience: Showcase your experience in the food service industry, such as in previous waitressing roles and any food-related certifications you may have. Demonstrate your knowledge of customer service and hospitality, as well as your ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Highlight your skills: List any relevant skills you may have, such as knowledge of food safety and being able to handle customer complaints. Also list any computer skills you have, such as familiarity with restaurant scheduling software.
• Include education: Include any education you have related to the service industry, such as culinary school or a food and beverage management degree. Also include any relevant certifications you may have, such as food safety certification.
• List your references: Include at least three professional references that can speak to your work ethic, experience, and skills.

By following these key takeaways, you can create a compelling waitress resume that will help you stand out from the competition. Showcase your experience, skills, and education, and include references who can vouch for your abilities. With a well-crafted resume, you can land your dream job as a waitress.

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Waitress resume example & writing guide

Landing a top job

Finding stronger words, extra roles, when you’re new to the job, achievements, soft skills, hard skills.

Today’s special: a complete guide to everything you need to know about how to prepare a job-winning waitress resume.

From drinks to dessert and everything in between, waiters and waitresses work to make sure customers enjoy their restaurant experience from the moment they walk in the door until the meal is over. With the wait staff being an essential part of any restaurant operation, waitress jobs offer a great way to get a first-hand look at the hospitality and catering industry.

Waiting tables is a favorite part-time or summer job, but that doesn’t mean it’s light stuff. Waiters and waitresses are expected to handle even the busiest days with grace, speed and a smile. So how do you show a busy restaurant manager you’ve got what it takes? 

A well-crafted waitress resume will do exactly that. And you’re in the right place for ideas, inspiration and expert advice to help you get started. Resume.io has developed more than 300 occupation-specific resume guides and resume samples , along with professionally designed, field-tested templates and a builder tool.

Let’s get started with a waitress resume designed to land the job that’s right for you. Ultimately, that could be a better-paying position at a high-end restaurant. We’ll show you how to polish your previous experience and show off personality traits that would make you an excellent member of the restaurant staff — someone with a passion for serving others.

This resume writing guide, along with the corresponding waitress resume example, will cover the following topics:

• Role of waitresses and the job market outlook
• General writing tips for a waitress resume
• The best format for structuring your waitress resume
• Advice on each resume section: header, summary, work history, education and skills
• Professional resume layout and design tips.

For more materials to inspire and advise you, take a look at related job positions like: 

• Pastry Chef resume sample
• Food Service Worker resume sample
• Barista  resume sample
• Hotel Management  resume sample 
• McDonald's resume sample
• Doorman resume sample
• Cook resume sample
• Restaurant manager resume sample
• Hostess resume sample
• Caterer resume sample
• Recreational Facility Attendant resume sample
• Food and Beverage Director resume sample
• Food service manager resume sample
• Concierge resume sample
• Bartender resume sample
• Hotel Front Desk Employee resume sample
• Server resume sample
• Sommelier resume sample

What does a waitress do?

Probably almost all people think they know what waitresses do. And probably most people think it’s a pretty easy job — if they’ve never done it. Consider the following partial list of a waitress’s duties.

Waitresses welcome customers to restaurants, offer them a table, give them menus, explain any specials and answer any questions about the menu. They bring drink orders and take food orders, keeping track of who ordered what and at which table. At finer restaurants, they may have to open a bottle of wine, tableside (and make it look easy). 

When transmitting food orders to the kitchen, waitresses explain any special requests to the cooks. When the food is ready, they pick it up and bring it to the table, sometimes acrobatically carrying four plates at once, and magically remembering who ordered what. They ask diners if they need anything else, perhaps glancing at their drinks to see if they should offer a refill. 

Good waitresses will check back on the table after a few minutes to see if everything is alright, or if anybody wants anything else. If a menu order displeases someone, the waitress may have to pick up the meal and take it straight back to the kitchen, explaining to the chef that the customer wanted the steak cooked medium-well, not bloody. 

A good waitress will notice when diners have stopped eating and will offer to clear the table. They might mention the dessert options or offer an after-dinner coffee. And at some point, finally, they bring diners their check, and it had better be right. A few minutes later it’s time to pick up the payment and either process a credit card or bring diners their change. And just hope they get a decent tip for all their hard work.

Waitresses are often responsible for busing the table, wiping it clean for the next guests, setting the table with flatware, and making sure everything that goes in the center of the table (like napkins and condiments) is stocked. Depending on the restaurant, they may also be responsible for cleaning it after it’s closed. And that’s after spending a long shift on their feet wearing an ever-present smile, even when dealing with sometimes rude customers. Now, exactly which part of this sounds easy?

Understanding how restaurants hire

Compared to employers in other industries and larger organizations that use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — sort of like robots that read resumes looking for key job qualifications — most restaurants are a bit more traditional in their hiring practices. Job applicants email their resume or perhaps drop it off in person for the hiring manager to evaluate. 

That makes it important for your waitress resume to be reader-friendly and demonstrate quickly and concisely that you have industry knowledge and a teachable spirit. A top-caliber resume also increases your chances of working in a more respected restaurant, which translates to more customers and better tips.

According to the National Restaurant Association (U.S.), one in three Americans have their first job experience in restaurants. Nearly six in 10 adults have worked in restaurants at some point. It’s a great way to start your professional journey. 

If you’ve worked in the industry for any length of time, you know one problem all kitchens suffer from is a high turnover rate — sometimes as high as 75 percent. An employer can spend thousands of dollars each year hiring and training staff. When those new employees walk out the door, the owner loses a significant investment. That means you can up your chances of landing a waitressing job by constructing a resume that demonstrates your commitment and contribution to previous positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for wait staff is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, on par with the average for all occupations. This translates to almost 100,000 new jobs, which means the work is there — if you know how to sell yourself. 

But statistics also show that while work in run-of-the-mill restaurants is plentiful, positions at the sort of tuxedo-clad dining rooms that bring in top-notch tips are much more competitive. For these types of jobs, you need to prove that you know the ins and outs of formal service and have an exceptional level of professionalism. If you’re after that type of job, it’s worth putting more effort into your resume now. Waitresses report that high-end restaurant work can pay more than six figures in tips annually. 

Whereas most other sectors have seen their turnover rates decline during the past decade, restaurants have seen an increase. According to the National Restaurant Association (U.S.), hiring and keeping employees is one of the biggest challenges restaurants face. In 2018, the turnover rate was at its highest level since the Great Depression.

How to write a waitress resume

Writing a waitress resume is sort of like taking the orders for a table of eight. You have to be organized and succinct — meaning short — yet, you can’t leave out anything important.

A waitress resume should be one page only, and it should follow this basic structure:

• The resume header • The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement) • The employment history section • The education section • The resume skills section The header is the attractively designed section at the top of the resume that includes your name, occupation, address, phone and email. It may also include your photo, and perhaps your LinkedIn profile. 

Review some of resume.io’s resume templates to find a header you like. When you find a design that suits your taste, simply click on it and replace the text with your own information, and you’ll have a great start on a professionally designed resume.

Before taking you through each of the other resume sections one at a time, let's look at some important general considerations,

Although your neighborhood diner may not use ATS software to filter resume, some larger chain restaurants certainly do, and it’s always best to optimize your resume to respond to these electronic gatekeepers.

ATS screening algorithms scan each incoming resume for certain specific phrases that employers expect to see on the resume of anyone who is qualified to do the job they’re offering. 

Read advertised job listings closely, and mirror the job description language they use as much as possible. If an employer is looking for a waitress who is experienced, dependable and fast, it might be a good idea to mention on your waitress resume that you’re experienced, dependable and fast.

Choosing the best resume format for a waitress

One important consideration is the best resume format for structuring your waitress resume, particularly the way your employment history is organized. 

If you have recent and somewhat continuous experience as a waitress, it’s probably best to list your work history in reverse chronological order , meaning last job first and first job last. In the course of a normal career (almost any career), people tend to start out small and move up to better jobs as they gain experience. 

So your last (or current) job is likely to be the one that would be most impressive to an employer, and that’s why you should list it first. But if your career path has been a bit unorthodox, or you have limited experience, you can also opt for a functional or hybrid resume format.

Resume summary example : Show off that sparkling personality

Just like a waitress, the summary of your waitress resume is an expert multitasker. It’s the best place to catch an employer’s interest and convince the reader to keep reading. The best resume summary recipe includes a sprinkle of your strongest attributes, a dash of previous experience and a taste of your most impressive accomplishments. 

An impressive summary should highlight your strongest personal and professional characteristics, along with key facts. How many years of experience do you have? Were you a top earner at your last restaurant? What skills did you master? Maybe it’s bartending, maybe it’s upselling the menu. Whatever your greatest strength is as a waitress, now is the time to mention it. If you have formal training or certifications, give hiring managers a taste for that, too. They can read the details later.

Descriptors that are clear, precise and energetic give the restaurant manager a stronger feeling about how you are and what you can do. Instead of “friendly,” try "attentive," "welcoming" or "approachable." Instead of saying you were motivated, explain how you quickly and effectively managed a dining room of 115 seats.

Below is a waitress resume example summary you can customize.

Welcoming and efficient waitress with 4 years of experience. Attentive to customer needs with a knack for remembering details. Delivered quick and efficient service in a 100+ seat dining room, without sacrificing the customer experience. Completed hospitality management courses. Bartending certified.

Employment history sample: Your accumulated experience

The employment history section of your waitress resume is where the jobs you've held are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent at the top. Below each employer name and dates, provide a short description or bullet-point list of your duties and accomplishments. Provide concrete examples of excellent performance, backed by facts and figures wherever possible. 

Some possible sources of numbers for your waitress resume:

• How big was the team that you worked with? Did you have any leadership roles like training others?
• How many seats were in the restaurant? How many customers did you routinely serve during a shift?
• How many dishes were on the menu? Were you able to memorize their names and components?

Waitresses do much more than just make sure the food gets from the kitchen to the table. Waitresses are often asked to prepare cold dishes, salads, desserts and drinks, set up the dining room before the service and make sure utensils and glasses are washed and properly stored when the night is over. 

During the shift, they put orders into the point-of-sale (POS) system and make sure customers are able to pay and leave in a timely manner. All these tasks show that the waitress is a well-rounded custodian of the dining experience, not merely a food runner.

Below is a waitress employment history resume sample you can use while writing your own.

• Managed staff of 8 as the head waitress in a high-end restaurant
• Created flower arrangements and prepared tables in an aesthetically-pleasing manner before the service
• Memorized a 20+ dish menu and made personalized recommendations to customers
• Routinely served 50 customers during evening shifts and offered quick and friendly service
• Prepared hot dishes, salads and desserts and assembled drinks at the bar

Waiting tables is a popular part-time gig for students and young people. Local restaurant owners know this and are looking for teachable candidates who can demonstrate a great work ethic and strong set of interpersonal skills. You have personality and determination on your side, but if you have any additional experience that might be relevant, make sure to mention it! 

According to the Restaurant Success Report (U.S.), 51% of all restaurant operators name staffing as a top challenge to success, and 35% say training staff is a top challenge. 

This means that employers will pay special attention to your employment history, trying to evaluate how likely you are to stay long-term. If you can, reassure them with detailed descriptions of your past jobs. If that’s not possible, make sure to emphasize your diligent and hardworking character is emphasized throughout the resume.

Possible related activities:

• Babysitting or childcare
• Teaching or tutoring
• Camp counseling
• Working at a retail store
• Working in an organization as a member of a team
• Volunteering in a soup kitchen or other volunteer food work.

How these skills can translate:

• Handling customers’ needs while working in a retail store
• Ability to work long hours on your feet after spending a summer in lawn care
• Attention to detail and the individual needs of each customer after working as a camp counselor.

Here is an employment history sample for someone without waitress experience.

• Was approachable and offered quick serve to customers as a retail associate in a large clothing store
• Had the stamina to work long days and evenings as a lawn care professional
• Attended to children’s individual food allergies and dietary restrictions while preparing lunches as a camp counselor
• Exuded patience and persistence while tutoring teenagers in foreign languages
• Handled money and the POS system with accuracy and attention to detail while working at a local ice cream shop

Look for the most important qualities in your existing experience and mold them to fit the fast-paced demands of the life of a waitress.

It’s important to quantify your abilities as a waitress to show a manager that you’re not just a friendly face, but a committed team member. If you streamlined a nightly process, won a customer-voted award or initiated a staff training event, include such accomplishments as the second two bullet points under that workplace. Any accolades the restaurant itself has received can also go a long way in proving your competence. After all, a restaurant can only be as good as its staff!

The waitress example below illustrates.

• Voted waitress of the year by customers (2020)
• Advanced from new employee to lead server in just six months
• Delegated tasks to create new set-up routine that saved an hour of time each night
• Lead server in Italian restaurant named Baltimore’s best in 2020

If your potential employer asks for references, you can add them as a custom section in our resume builder . If not, spend the extra space filling out your experience section. You can also include the line “references available on request” to let a manager know you’re prepared.

Waitress resume education example

Whether you have formal education or are just starting out, this section is about showing you’re willing to learn and improve. Waitresses often don’t need formal education in the area of hospitality since many responsibilities can be learned on the job. However, if you are knowledgeable in the areas of tourism, hospitality management or food service this can be a major bonus, especially when looking for higher-level jobs. 

Even if you don’t have a degree in a related field, it doesn’t hurt to show that you’ve studied. If you’re just starting out, you can include your high school diploma or, for high school students, your diploma in progress. This is also the time to mention any additional certificates in bartending, restaurant service, food safety or other related areas.

Below is the education section from a waitress resume example.

2012 – 2016: John H. Patterson High School, Fresno, CA

2016 – present: University of Southern California, B.S. Psychology

Expected graduation: May 2021

Everyone looks for jobs with no job experience so don't worry! There are several ways to show what you are capable of!

Tips earned from bartending can make your serving job much more profitable. If you already have a certification, make sure to include it in your education section. If not, consider the laws where you live. In the U.S., the legal age for serving alcohol varies from state to state. Most states require the server to be at least 18 years old, but some places won’t hire bartenders who are younger than 21. 

The Restaurant Success Report (U.S.) indicates that53% of restaurants offer food safety and alcohol certification training.

Some states offer online certifications, while others mandate an in-person course. Whatever the requirements, being a certified bartender can help you boost your income and broaden your reach when looking for a job.

Below is a sample of bartender training listed in the education section of a waitress resume.

Courses and certifications: 

2020 – Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD)

Completed an 8-hour program designed to help servers understand alcohol laws and safe drinking to protect customers and the public

2019 – Servsafe course (16 hours)

Completed certification and training on food safety regulations, kitchen cleanliness techniques, food allergens and more

CV skills section : Where you shine

The skills section of your CV (which is what resumes are called in many places outside the U.S. or Canada) is where your greatest strengths must shine through. Regardless of your experience level, showing off your communication and people skills is essential to landing your next job.

Dependable, honest, hard-working, attentive, efficient — these characteristics are hard to train in someone who never learned them. That’s why employers care about your soft skills even if you’ve never worked in a restaurant before. Don’t forget to mention that not only do you take feedback well, you actively seek it out as part of the learning process.

If you’ve been a waitress for a while now, a manager assumes you know how to treat guests with respect. Now, show them that you’ve picked up more precise industry knowledge. Do you know how to:

• Quickly and effectively use the POS system to put in orders and modify them based on requests and food allergies?
• Upsell menu items like wine and dessert in a way that is honest and makes customers happy they decided to spend a little more?
• Make a variety of drinks, salads and desserts?
• Create flower arrangements or other dining room decorations?
• Handle the cash register and money with confidence and accountability?
• Memorize a large menu and be able to recite individual ingredients if asked?
• Know the specific health codes and food sanitation laws for your area?

Check out a waitress resume sample for the skills section below.

Skills listing example:

• Enthusiastic
• Quick learner
• Competent with various POS systems
• Excellent memory
• Ability to upsell wine, appetizers and dessert
• Quickly handle sales and cash register with minimal errors
• Comfortable working in a team
• Calm and courteous even under pressure
• Able to clean and prepare the dining room with candles, decorations, etc. before and after service.

Sometimes the line between hard and soft skills can be blurry. To determine hard skills, try asking yourself if there’s a concrete action, precise knowledge or even an object involved. If not, keep the item on the soft skills list.

Speaking multiple languages can be very valuable in a restaurant setting where customers may come from all over the world. List each of your languages and your fluency level – a manager may be very thankful to find someone who can bridge the gap.

Spanish: Bilingual

French: Conversational

Russian: Beginner

Waitress resume layout and design: The visual story

Whether you’re new to waitressing or you’ve got a few restaurants under your belt, a clean and attractive layout sends the message that you are a professional. It’s not necessary to include color, pictures or more creative elements, since a manager is looking for someone who can do the job efficiently and with a smile. Our resume builder tool and wide-ranging template styles allow you to find just the right balance between a resume that’s straightforward and attractive. 

Try using a Simple template to highlight your skills in an easy-to-read format. These layouts are proven to get attention while maintaining a minimalist feel. For more unusual or thematic restaurants, you can also check out our Modern or Creative template categories. 

Since you’ll most likely be handing the resume to restaurant owners in person (or emailing to the manager prior to an interview), download your resume as a PDF. This will allow both for optimal printing and for clear, concise formatting that doesn’t change on different computers. The resume builder makes it easy to do in just a few clicks.

Key takeaways for a waitress resume

• Waiting tables remains one of the most popular entry-level jobs in terms of earning ability and available positions.
• The high turnover rate will continue to be a challenge in the industry, which means work will be plentiful as the market grows over the next decade.
• Higher paying jobs exist, but they are often very competitive, so it’s essential that your resume highlights your previous experiences in an authoritative way.
• A waitress job is about personality, but make sure managers have concrete facts about your abilities, especially at the top in the summary section.
• If you don’t have previous waiting experience, try to draw parallels between other types of work and the qualities needed for serving.

And if you want the perfect tool to save yourself time and land a serving job right away, use our tried-and-true resume builder with field-tested templates!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

2 Waitress Resume Examples [Job Description + Skills]

A waitress is responsible for taking customers’ orders, serving food and beverages, and performing other duties as assigned. They work in restaurants, clubs, hotels, bars, banquet halls, and private establishments.

A waitress’s resume is a critical job application document that decides whether or not you will get an interview.

The primary purpose of a waitress resume is to show that you have the right food service, communication, and customer service skills.

You have to write your resume in a way that persuades the reader to invite you for an interview.

How to Write a Professional Resume for Waitress Position?

The following waitress resume writing tips will help you in writing a great resume to get your next waitress job .

• Start your resume with a waitress resume objective , summary, or career highlights.
• Customize your resume as per the employer’s needs and expectations.
• Mention your quantified waitress achievements .
• Emphasize your waitressing skills, as well as food service and customer service expertise.
• Ensure that your contact details are updated and accurate.

The following 2 waitress resume samples will guide you in writing a resume that will bring more interviews.

Waitress Resume Sample 1

Olivia Mason Miami, FL 82321 (000) 414-5245 [email protected]

WAITRESS Successful record of delivering timely and courteous food service.

SUMMARY Friendly and customer service-oriented Waitress with 11+ years’ firsthand experience working in busy food service and hospitality environments. Highly skilled in greeting guests, presenting menus, delivering food and beverages, and offering a home-like environment to patrons. Multilingual: English, Spanish, and French.

CORE COMPETENCIES – Menu Presentation – Table Setting – Beverage Preparation – Bill Processing – Order Synchronization – Table Clearing – Guest Reception – Food Service – Salad Preparation – POS Handling – Special Items Promotion – Station Set-up

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS

• Provided first-class guest service, therefore, enhanced positive feedback by 30%
• Increased sales of daily specials and signature dishes by 70% through effective promotion strategies
• Implemented WHO-approved hygiene and sanitation guidelines in the service area
• Earned the ‘Waitress of the Month Award’ twice

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Waitress Kimpton Restaurant, Miami, FL 8/2016 – Present

• Explain various dishes on the menu to patrons and make recommendations
• Take orders and relayed the same to the kitchen staff
• Ensure simultaneous preparation of all requests for a single table and serve in a professional manner
• Inform patrons of each day’s specials
• Describe meal constituents and cooking methods to patrons
• Take dishes and glasses from tables and counters
• Prepare a list of overall meal costs along with sales taxes
• Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens
• Calculate meal costs and add taxes for the final bill calculation
• Receive debit/credit card and cash payments

Food Server Interstate Restaurant, Miami, FL 6/2011 – 7/2016

• Greeted guests, took orders, and served the same
• Cleared tables and set them before and after the guests left
• Assisted in the kitchen when needed
• Prepared food and mixed beverages as required
• Stocked bussing stations
• Cleaned stations and swept floors
• Assisted other restaurant personnel and performed room service

EDUCATION High School Diploma St Lawrance High School, Miami, FL | 2007

CERTIFICATION Current ServSafe

Waitress Resume Example 2 (Less-Experienced and Career-Changer)

KEIRA SMITH 35 Watson Avenue Stafford, VA 62335 (000) 414-1421 Email

WAITRESS Exceptional hospitality skills, and the ability to provide prompt and courteous service to the patrons in order to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction.

• Over 3 years of progressively responsible experience as a waitress and server
• Highly skilled in serving food and beverages to guests and patrons
• In-depth knowledge of standard operating procedures of hotels and resorts
• Well-versed in presenting the bill and accepting payment
• Adept at maintaining the inventory of beverages and wine glassware
• Bilingual: English/Spanish

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

• Greeting patrons, presenting menus, giving suggestions, and replying to questions
• Taking orders and relaying them to kitchen and bar staff
• Preparing and serving specialty foods at tables
• Assisting guests in menu selection and providing them with accurate and detailed information
• Recommending beverages that complement patrons’ meals

WORK EXPERIENCE

Waitress Pescatore Restaurant – Stafford, VA May 2022 – Present

• Greet guests and accompany them to their tables
• Present menus and respond to any questions regarding menu items.
• Serve food and beverages
• Check regularly with guests to make sure that they are enjoying their meals
• Take the necessary action to resolve any complaints
• Prepare and serve specialty dishes at tables

Key Achievements

• Reorganized beverages inventory procedures, shortening process time by 30%
• Trained and coordinated activities of 5 server assistants, whose efforts resulted in raising the profits by $8000 per month

Food Runner Starwood Hotels & Resorts – New York, NY Jan 2020 – May 2022

• Delivered food to the guests promptly and at the proper temperature
• Deposited dishes correctly in the dish room
• Cleaned and set tables to restaurant standards
• Emptied trash containers
• Performed buffet set-up and replenished items

Key Achievement

• Designed and implemented a new food-serving strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in sales

EDUCATION Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management NY City College, New York, NY Major: Food Service Strategies

Related: Waitress Resume No Experience

Waitress Job Description for Resume

The following job description statements will help you in creating the EXPERIENCE section of your resume.

• Set up and decorate tables for meals, and arrange silverware and napkins as per restaurant protocols
• Greet guests and guide them to available tables
• Present guests with a menu card
• Make recommendations for various meal courses and combinations
• Take orders from the patrons and inform them regarding serving time
• Relay orders to the kitchen staff manually or through the POS system
• Serve drinks from the bar as ordered
• Transport warm and ready meals to tables
• Prepare bills, take payment from the guests, and produce change
• Handle cash and credit card payments
• Keep the service area stocked with supplies
• Clear the table when guests leave
• Present feedback forms and accept the same once filled
• Help kitchen staff and bartenders as and when needed
• Pack meals for take-away orders and heat the same in the microwave
• Stack all the dishes into the dishwasher and operate the same
• Perform general cleaning duties such as wiping, mopping, and dusting
• Assist in lunch and dinner time preps and perform tasks like salad mixing and sandwich making
• Provide guests with information about the locality if needed
• Write order slips and enter the same into the computerized ordering software for posting in the kitchen

Waitress Skills for Resume

Hard Skills

• Greeting patrons
• Table setup
• Complaints handling
• Answering questions
• Menu items learning
• Orders taking, relaying, and delivering
• Food preparation
• Beverages refilling
• Tables clearing
• Bills generation
• Credit card and cash handling
• Cash registers
• MS Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Cleanliness
• Foodservice protocols
• Bartending and cooking

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Customer service
• Eye to detail
• Quick and alert
• Personal hygiene
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Friendly disposition
• Positive can-do attitude
• Able to follow instructions.
• Team player
• Buffet Waitress Job Description
• Food and Beverage Resume Sample
• Cocktail Waitress Resume: 3 Examples & Job Description
• Fine Dining Waitress Resume Example

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Waitress Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

• May 23, 2024

Calling all aspiring waitresses and champions of customer service! Get ready to serve up success with a show-stopping waitress resume.

In this article, we'll pour out expert advice and insider tips on how to create a resume that will make employers hungry to hire you.

From showcasing your impeccable serving skills to highlighting your ability to handle high-pressure situations with a smile, we've got you covered.

So grab your notepad and prepare to take orders for the ultimate waitress resume example that will have hiring managers requesting you as their main course!

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Waitress Resume Samples

Summary: Enthusiastic and dedicated waitress with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. Proven ability to provide efficient and friendly service in fast-paced restaurant environments. Adept at managing tables, taking accurate orders, and ensuring timely food delivery. Eager to contribute my skills and positive attitude to a dynamic restaurant team. Professional Experience: Waitress | Savor Bistro, Tempe, AZ | March 2022 - Present Greet and seat guests, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Take and accurately input customer orders using the POS system. Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery. Handle cash and credit transactions, processing payments accurately. Collaborate with team members to maintain a clean and organized dining area. Address customer inquiries and concerns with professionalism and efficiency. Waitress | Sunflower Cafe, Tempe, AZ | June 2020 - February 2022 Managed multiple tables, ensuring timely order processing and delivery. Memorized daily specials and promoted menu items to enhance sales. Handled cash transactions and provided accurate change to customers. Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow. Education: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ Graduated: May 2022 Skills: Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills. Strong multitasking and organizational abilities. Proficient in using POS systems. Effective communication and teamwork. Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Knowledge of food safety and hygiene protocols. Certifications/Achievements: Achieving Food Safety Authorization, 2023; Silver Medal Winner in National Waiter & Waitress Championship, 2022.

Cocktail Waitress Resume Example

Buffet service waitress resume sample.

Objective: Dedicated and experienced buffet service waitress with a passion for providing exceptional customer service. Seeking a position where I can utilize my skills and experience to contribute to a dynamic team and ensure guest satisfaction. Professional Experience: Buffet Service Waitress | Bella Vista Hotel & Resort, Los Angeles, CA May 2022 - Present Provide excellent customer service to guests dining at the buffet, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Greet guests upon arrival, escort them to their tables, and provide menus. Assist guests with any special dietary needs or requests. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the buffet area, including replenishing food and beverage stations as needed. Waitress | Riverside Café, Los Angeles, CA June 2020 - April 2022 Took orders from customers and relayed them accurately to the kitchen staff. Served food and beverages to guests promptly. Provided recommendations on menu items and specials. Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback professionally and promptly. Assisted with inventory management and restocking of supplies. Education: High School Diploma Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles, CA | Graduated June 2017 Skills: Exemplary customer service and hospitality. Refined communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient in upselling techniques and revenue optimization. Advanced knowledge of menu items and culinary concepts. Exceptional conflict resolution and diplomacy. Expertise in maintaining impeccable dining environments.

Beginner Waitress Resume Example

The majority of waiters and waitresses in the US are female. In fact, about 71% of the occupation is made up of women.

Restaurant Resume Style Guide

Compiling a waitress resume requires careful consideration of the overall style and words you use to describe yourself . It is important to use concise language and affirm that the text is plain, free of errors, and provides relevant information.

Job-specific terminology should be used to make the resume more professional and compelling. See some examples below: Serve : e.g. serve customers with a friendly attitude; Greet : e.g. greet guests, welcome customers, provide customer service; Prepare : e.g. prepare tables, set up dining areas, pre-bus tables; Monitor : e.g. Monitor guest satisfaction, maintain neatness and tidiness in dining areas; Clean : e.g. clear dishes and glasses, wipe down tables, sweep floors; Take orders : e.g. Record orders with accuracy and speed, enter them into the computer system; Deliver : e.g. deliver meals and drinks to customers, respond promptly to customer needs; Inform : e.g. inform customers of daily specials, answer questions about menu items; Train : e.g. train new members on restaurant policies and procedures; Cash handling : e.g. process payments accurately, maintain cash drawer accuracy; Supportive : e.g. provide support to kitchen staff, ensure timely delivery of food; Communicate : e.g. communicate effectively with customers and staff members; Problem solve : e.g. resolve customer complaints quickly; Meticulousness : e.g. observe safety protocols, follow health code regulations.

Write Contact Information

Include precise personal and contact data in the resume. This way, employers will have a clearer picture of who you are and how they can get in touch with you.

When listing contact information on a waitress resume, include:

• Phone number;

Confirm the info is up-to-date and accurate . Also, consider including any additional contact details such as your social media profiles or website URL.

You may also include a professional headshot photo , preferably in business attire, at the top of the resume section to create a good first impression. This will aid employers in swiftly recognizing you when they are examining resumes.

Specify Experience

Crafting a resume for a waitressing position necessitates the enumeration and structuring of all work backgrounds. This can help employers quickly assess the applicant's qualifications and decide if they are the right person for the firm.

Previous experience section should be organized in order of occurrence. Start with your most recent position and go back in time. Include particulars such as job title , name of the employer , dates of employment , and a brief description of your responsibilities .

Furthermore, helpful to include any awards or accomplishments you may have achieved while working as a waitress.

Below are two waitress resume examples of how to order experience:

Waitress at Happy Café , Riverside, CA (May 2020 - Present) Taking orders from customers; Preparing food items according to customer instructions; Offering top-notch customer care; Assisting with basic restaurant maintenance tasks. Server at Fine Dining Restaurant , Riverside, CA (February 2017 - April 2020) Delivered food items to tables promptly; Greeted customers and furnishing details of the menu; Followed up with customers to ensure satisfaction; Performed cashier functions, such as taking payments from customers.

Putting work-related experience can be an asset when applying for a waitressing job. It indicates to HRs that you have prior knowledge and expertise in the field.

Employers want to hire someone who can provide excellent guest service, handle cashier duties, and serve food according to company standards. Demonstrating your time as a waitress highlights the essential prowess and understanding necessary for the vacancy.

Providing an inadequate listing and format of work experience may be harmful.

Instead of putting experience chronologically, some applicants record their tasks under each employer without specifying dates or job titles. This creates a challenge for employers to comprehend an applicant's work history and may lead to them disregarding an otherwise suitable candidate.

Education Section

When creating a profile for an employment opportunity as a waitress, it is imperative to structure and arrange your academic credentials properly.

Your educational background ought to be arranged in chronological order , beginning with the most recent educational experience first.

If you have recently attained a college degree or achieved a certification, those should be the first items listed on the resume. This makes it easier for the employer to quickly identify your related qualifications and skills.

Waitress Resume Sample 1:

• Bachelor of Business Administration;
• The University of Washington (2017 - 2021);
• San Diego County's Nutrition Protection Program (2020) - Approved Food Safety Credential.

This example shows an applicant who has graduated college and obtained a food hygiene certification. Having these qualifications is favorable when seeking a waitressing job position.

The degree indicates a comprehensive knowledge of business practices and the certification denotes an acquaintance with FDA regulations.

Waitress Resume Sample 2:

• Professional Food Security Credential - San Diego County Food Protection Initiative (2020);
• Roosevelt High Diploma - Certificate of Completion (2015).

In this example, the applicant has most recently attained their licensed food sanitation accreditation, followed by their high school diploma.

Once again, both of these qualifications are useful to have when applying for a job as a waitress or waiter. They are a testament to the applicant's understanding of nutrition safety standards and basic background.

Incorrect ordering and formatting of education on a waiter resume (example):

• Graduation from Roosevelt High School;
• University of Washington - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;
• Professional Food Protection Credential.

Here the education experiences are not in chronological order and lack clarity. It is best to avoid this type of formatting since it can make it difficult for employers to quickly assess your qualifications and skills.

Waitress Resume Skills

The inclusion of both soft and hard skills on your waitress resume proves your range of talents and attracts the interest of hiring managers. Soft skills are the personal attributes that help you work with others, while hard skills cover technical abilities.

Begin by listing hard skills first , followed by your soft skills. Your hard skills should be specific to the job you are applying for; for example, apprehension of different types of wines, and customer service techniques.

Soft skills should demonstrate how personable and capable you are as a waitress.

To name just a few examples of soft skills that could be mentioned: possessing exceptional verbal and written communication , interpersonal and problem-solving skills, being organized, and having the ability to work well under pressure.

Ultimately, possessing a comprehensive waitress resume with skills is essential to reveal one's suitability. Make sure you list both sets of skills in an easy-to-read format.

Waitress Resume Examples of Hard Skills:

• Comprehension of various kinds of wines;
• Adherence to regulations for food preservation;
• Cash handling & client relations strategies;
• Knowledge of restaurant operations & policies;
• Basic math & computer literacy;
• Food preparation techniques & food handling procedures.

Waitress Resume Examples of Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication;
• Strong social & troubleshooting powers;
• Being organized & reliable;
• Capacity to perform in a stressful environment;
• Flexibility & adaptability;
• Time management;
• Positive attitude & friendly demeanor.

Being a waitress can be physically demanding due to extensive walking, standing, and carrying heavy trays of food and drinks.

Social Media in Waitress Resume

In general, adding social media links to the resume for a waitress is not common. However, it can be beneficial depending on the situation.

• Exhibits to potential employers your ability with technology and your understanding of the different forms of communication;
• Gives potential employers the opportunity to delve deeper into your character and pastimes outside of work.
• Let your bosses know what you are doing on your own time;
• Employers may be concerned about what they find if have a look at your social media accounts.

A good example would be a server who is seeking employment at a restaurant that is known for its creative atmosphere. Including a link to their Instagram page, where they present their own food creations, could be very beneficial.

For instance , a waitress who is applying to an upscale restaurant has an active presence on Twitter.

Linking to their own Twitter account - which includes reviews of other restaurants, advice on how to improve customer service, and recommendations for the best dishes - would show that they understand the importance of consumer relations in the industry.

Waitresses often earn a significant portion of their income through tips. The federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour, but if their hourly wage plus tips does not reach the regular minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour), the employer is required to make up the difference.

Waitress Resume Summary

A first-class summary for a waitressing resume should be succinct yet impactful and display why you are the ideal candidate for the role.

Example: Waitress with extensive experience and 4+ years in the hospitality industry. Proven track record of delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable dining experiences. Outstanding multitasker with excellent communication skills, adept at executing instructions precisely and quickly.

Tips for Writing a Great Resume Summary:

• Highlight Your Strengths. Focus on your skills, knowledge, and experience that are relevant to the position.
• Keep it Concise. Use short sentences and make your summary between four to six lines long.
• Showcase Your Experience. Demonstrate your background in the field by giving examples of how you have successfully completed tasks in the past.

Whenever you serve someone from your heart, the food tastes so much better. Bunmi Shonubi

Add More Information

Supplementing a waiter resume with additional personal information is of utmost importance. It enhances the impression that one is highly qualified and a potential asset to the company. It helps the manager understand who the interviewee is and how will be applicable.

Hobbies . Hobbies on a waitress resume must be tied to the occupation, such as being a member of a local restaurant association or volunteering at food-related events . It illustrates that they are excited about the sphere, have expertise in similar areas, and can bring innovative thoughts to the team.

Courses . Adding classes can reflect not only knowledge but also dedication to learning new things. This might be anything pertaining to hospitality , customer service , or the food industry .

Languages . Being able to communicate in numerous languages is an advantage, as it signifies versatility and communication skills that can help in dealing with different types of cultures.

Awards . Honors illustrate recognition for hard work and devotion to past projects . Accolades related to human relations or sales can help to evince excellence in these particular areas.

Internships . Interim positions are valuable experiences that convey a willingness to learn new skills and gain hands-on mastery in the industry. They also show that one has already gained some insight into how restaurants operate.

References . Letters of recommendation are important because they provide evidence of former work history . Having references that can attest to one's performance is vital to ensuring that employers get an accurate picture of whom they are considering.

Certificates . Certifications represent the validation of competencies acquired through learning or study. Obtaining a portfolio focused on FDA, customer service, or hospitality emphasizes a candidate's commitment to acquiring new knowledge and improving their professional development.

In areas with diverse populations or popular tourist destinations, being multilingual can be an advantage for waitresses. It allows them to communicate effectively with a broader range of customers.

Try a Resume Builder

Are you looking for a way to make an outstanding resume? You should consider employing a professional resume template from an online resume creator .

• Pre-designed waitressing resume templates allow you to customize it with your own information and create an outstanding document.
• Plus, when you use a waitress resume template, you don't have to worry about formatting issues such as font size, margins, spacing, and alignment.
• Using one also makes it easy to include job-specific keywords that can help your application stand out.
• The waitress resume examples available through an online service are designed by experts and look great on any device.
• In addition, many services offer additional resources such as writing tips and links to other career-related materials .

So why not give yourself a leg up by taking advantage of a waitress resume template ? It could be just what you need to take your job search to the next level!

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Waitress Resume

Crafting a letter of application for a waitressing resume can be an intimidating undertaking. Take a look at these suggestions to assist you in drafting an effective cover letter:

• Keep it short: A cover letter should be no longer than one page. Check that your letter is concise and to the point.
• Underline your skills: Illustrate how your capacities and experience make you the right fit for the role. Focus on your background, knowledge, and abilities.
• Show enthusiasm: Display to employers that you are excited and passionate about the opportunity. Discuss why you love working as a waitress and the way your desire will benefit their business.
• Tailor it to the position: Secure that you tie your cover letter to the job in question. This will demonstrate that you have taken the time to research the company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate.

Here is a great cover letter sample:

Dear Ms. Smithr,

I am inquiring about the position of a waitress at Flavor Fusion. I have extensive experience in offering high-quality customer service and working within busy hospitality environments. My carefulness, love of food, and upbeat attitude qualify me as a good candidate for this role.

I have faith that my skills in serving customers, taking orders, and ensuring guest satisfaction will serve your restaurant well.

I am confident I could contribute significantly to helping Flavor Fusion reach its goals. Additionally, my work ethic and dedication to delivering outstanding customer service would be beneficial in this role.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further.

James B. Neighbors

This is bad cover letter example:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the post of waitress at Aroma Avenue. I confidently possess all the required qualities for this job. Being a hard-working and reliable person, I enjoy interacting with people.

Plus, I know all about food safety so your customers will be safe when eating at Aroma Avenue.

Please take my application into account, as I am sure that my previous experience would be an asset to your business.

Best regards,

Frank M. Erickson

This is a weak cover letter due to the lack of applicable skills or information about why the individual is aspiring to this position. It does not state how his/her background will enhance the restaurant. It is also too generic, suggesting that the applicant did not take the time to tailor their cover letter specifically for this company.

Entry-Level Waitress Resume Cover Letter Example:

Dear Mrs McBride,

I am reaching out to showcase my enthusiasm for the role of waitress at Savor Street. I strongly believe that my excitement and devotion to supplying remarkable customer service make me an ideal pick for this role.

My background includes working with people in various settings, such as retail, food, and customer service. I have a strong record of solving customer problems and creating a positive environment. I am confident that my skills will prove beneficial to your restaurant.

I am aware of the necessity of attentiveness, speed, and accuracy when serving customers. In terms of ensuring that customers are satisfied with their experience at your restaurant, I strive to go above and beyond. Furthermore, I'm certain of my aptitude to cooperate, converse proficiently with customers and associates, and remain organized even during hectic shifts.

My desire for the profession is matched by an understanding of excellent customer service. My passion for food service makes me a supreme candidate for this position.

I eagerly anticipate speaking with you further about this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I am grateful for your time and thoughtfulness.

Blanca A. Mora

General advice on writing a cover letter for a waitress resume:

• Focus on your eagerness to provide superior customer support;
• Highlight your skillset;
• Demonstrate your capability of collaborating;
• Mention any previous experience in the food service industry;
• Signify knowledge of the company you are applying for;
• Be concise and include only relevant information;
• Use correct grammar and spelling;
• Address the letter directly to the hiring manager;
• Show professionalism throughout the letter;
• Consider using bullet points for better readability.

Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE

Proofread your waitress resume.

Thoroughly correcting any mistakes in your restaurant resume is indispensable. Even small errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation can make the difference between getting an interview or having your application overlooked.

Knowing how to use English syntax and words is important because it reveals that you have a good command of the language. Particularly in a waitress's job, which involves interacting with customers. It also displays attention to detail, which is an essential trait for a customer service job.

Use the following advice to review your resume and supporting letter: Read slowly and aloud; Focus on one sentence at a time; Take short breaks to clear your mind; Run grammar and spell check; Ask someone to review it for you, and look through it more than once.

Proofreading your resume and cover letter may seem like an arduous task, but it's worth it. It will tell potential employers that you are thorough and professional, increasing your chances of getting a great job as a waitress.

While many waitresses view their job as a temporary or part-time role, some choose to make it a long-term career. They may progress to supervisory or management roles within the restaurant industry or even open their own restaurants.

Drafting Waitress Resume: Conclusion

This article provides an in-depth guide for writing a waitress resume. No matter if you're an experienced waiter or just starting out, this detailed guide will step you through the process of creating an amazing resume.

Here are the most vital things to keep in mind:

• Make certain to include the relevant job duties, such as taking orders and serving food.
• Include any additional experience that demonstrates your skills, such as customer service or working with a Point of Sale system.
• Spotlight any awards or accomplishments that make you stand out as a waiter.
• Write a resume summary that underlines your skills and experience.
• Tailor the content of your resume to each job you're applying for by using keywords .

Writing a waitress resume can seem overwhelming. However, using the online resume builder will make the process easier.

This builder will let you rapidly assemble an organized, appealing resume that moves you one step closer to your next job.

So don't hesitate - begin crafting your waitress resume right now!

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Resume Trick

Alexandra Meyer is the editor-in-chief of Resume Trick. She was behind the launch of Icecream Apps in 2014 and continues to oversee the high content standards of the company's projects. Alexandra has years of experience writing and editing articles about technology, software and online services, and human resources.

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Waitress skills for your resume and career

A waitress must have technical skills for food preparation and customer service. They take orders for food and beverages, process payments, and maintain clean tables. They must also use technology, like a computer system for automated order taking. They must be able to handle customer complaints and have strong relationships with regular patrons.

Soft skills are also important for a waitress. They must have good communication skills for interacting with customers and other employees. They must be able to work under pressure and be organized. They need to be able to solve problems quickly and professionally. They must also have a good work ethic to maintain quality customer service.

15 waitress skills for your resume and career

1. food orders.

Food orders are the specific requests made by customers for their meals. Waitresses use food orders by taking them from customers, either by writing them down or memorizing them. They then communicate the orders to the kitchen staff, who prepare the dishes according to the customers' instructions. This ensures that the customers receive their meals exactly as they requested, and that the waitresses can efficiently serve them.

• Take detailed orders and deliver prepared food orders to consumers expediently.
• Processed food orders according to customer specifications.

2. Food Preparation

Food preparation is the process of planning, processing, and arranging food for consumption. Waitresses use food preparation to ensure that everything is cooked and served properly. They prepare salads, appetizers, and cold dishes, and they also portion desserts and brew coffee. They must maintain clean and organized food preparation areas and follow sanitary procedures to ensure that the food is safe for consumption.

• Prepared food quickly and efficiently, ensuring proper food preparation and sanitary procedures were maintained.
• Managed daily restaurant tasks including food preparation, organization of reservations and events.

3. Customer Orders

Customer orders are requests from customers for specific products or services. Waitresses use customer orders by receiving them, processing them, and ensuring they are fulfilled correctly. They also use customer orders to provide excellent customer service, by offering recommendations and up-selling when possible. For example, they might greet customers, take their orders, and submit them to the kitchen staff to prepare the food. They also handle customer complaints and ensure that orders are accurate and delivered promptly.

• Received and processed customer orders, Maintained food quality assurance, and provided excellent customer service.
• Take customer orders, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain the restaurants professional appearance

POS, or point-of-sale, is a system that allows businesses to process transactions. Waitresses use POS to operate cash registers, place orders, and process credit card payments. They also use it to input orders into the system for transmittal to the kitchen. For example, they might use POS to write down a customer's order or memorize it and then input it into the system.

• Operated POS system and telephone system Maintained timely/professional service to customers in all situations Formed strong work relationships
• Gained valued experience using Micros POS computer systems

5. Drink Orders

Drink orders are a crucial part of a waitress's job. They are responsible for taking orders from guests, handling cash and credit cards, and ensuring that orders are processed correctly. They also present menus and drinks to guests and ensure that their experience is enjoyable. Waitresses use drink orders to provide excellent customer service, create a fun and energetic environment, and keep track of customer preferences.

• Processed food and drink orders electronically.
• Take dinner and drink orders from guests, bring them their dinner, clean up at the end of the evening.

6. Customer Service

Customer service is the act of providing assistance and support to customers before, during, and after a purchase. Waitresses use customer service by monitoring and maintaining guest amenities, ensuring an extraordinary dining experience, and providing an attentive attitude. They also practice communication and defuse angry customers.

• Provided high-quality customer service by monitoring and maintaining guest amenities, including guest mini-fridges and bars and formal/traditional place settings.
• Provide exceptional and quality customer service in a fast paced environment ensuring an extraordinary dining experience.

Choose from 10+ customizable waitress resume templates

A waiter is a person who takes orders and serves food and beverages to customers. Waitresses use waiters to provide exceptional service and professionalism to all dining guests and co-workers. They develop interpersonal skills and accommodate club members to create the most relaxed environment while helping any chef or waiter with all aspects of the business. They also clean tables, floors, waiter's selection, soda machines, and buffet lines according to restaurant standards. They control a large table section in a fine dining atmosphere, promote from Jr. Waiter, and win customer service awards. They even work as back waiters for exclusive restaurants, specializing in Middle Eastern and Chinese dishes.

• Experienced waiter providing exceptional service and professionalism to all dining guests and co-workers
• Experienced, professional waiter with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.

8. Clean Tables

Clean tables are a vital part of a waitress's job. They ensure the tables are clean and ready for the next customer. They perform various tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, and taking out the garbage. They also reset the table for new customers and stock items. They may even assist servers with tables, serving food and refilling drinks.

• Perform leaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, clean tables, take out garbage, clean bathrooms and wash dishes.
• Seat customers and wait on their tables, clean tables after customers have gone and reset table for new customers.

9. Fine Dining

Fine dining is an upscale dining experience that offers a luxurious atmosphere and top-notch service. Waitresses use fine dining in their job by providing exceptional service to customers in this type of atmosphere. They take orders for food and beverages, serve customers, and ensure that the guests are pleased with their experience. They also maintain a high level of professionalism to provide every customer with a fine dining experience.

• Take orders for food and beverages-wines in a fine dining atmosphere/Serve customers/Bill accordingly
• Delivered professional quality service to customers in a fine dining atmosphere.

10. Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are drinks containing ethanol, like beer, wine, and cocktails. Waitresses use alcoholic beverages by taking orders, providing information, and ensuring customers meet minimum age requirements. They also check guests' identification cards, verify their age, and serve the drinks responsibly.

• Provided outstanding customer service Handled customer complaints Interacted with various people Knowledge of alcoholic beverages Placed orders using Micros System
• Take orders and provide information about menu and check patrons' identification as required for consumption of alcoholic beverages.

11. Beverage Orders

Beverage orders refer to the drinks customers request with their meals. Waitresses use beverage orders by taking them from guests, entering them into the POS system, and ensuring they are accurately served. They also inform guests of special items not listed on the menu, collect beverage orders, and keep track of multiple orders. For example, a waitress might welcome guests to the restaurant, take initial beverage orders, and convey daily specials or menu changes.

• Maintained good customer service and ensured all food and beverage orders were accurately served timely and efficiently.
• Engaged customers and provided recommendations for food and beverage orders.

12. Sales Taxes

Sales taxes are fees charged by state and local governments on certain goods and services. Waitresses use sales taxes by preparing checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes. They also collect payments from customers and provide accurate change. For example, they might use a computer cash-register to input orders and prepare checks that include the total meal costs and sales taxes. They then collect payments and promptly provide accurate change to customers.

• Use computer cash-register to input orders and prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes and complete transaction.
• Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes, collect payments from customers and promptly provide accurate change.

13. Food Service

Food service refers to the preparation and delivery of food to customers. Waitresses use food service when they provide quality service to restaurant patrons, cultivate a focused ethic in the restaurant, and ensure compliance with regulations regarding food and accommodations. They also use food service to optimize customer satisfaction and develop customer satisfaction in food service.

• Ensured quality customer service in an extremely fast-paced food service environment, cultivating a focused and hard-working ethic in the restaurant.
• Provided customer service and food service to restaurant patrons, and assisted management with daily restaurant operations.

14. Bus Tables

Bus tables refer to the process of clearing tables of dirty dishes and utensils after customers have finished their meals. Waitresses use bus tables by greeting guests, running cash registers, and cleaning the area. They also take orders, bus tables, prepare food, and perform store maintenance. In addition, they handle money, general housekeeping, and cleaning tables. They ensure customer satisfaction, maintain cleanliness in the restaurant, and help clean inside the kitchen.

• Greet guest, run cash register, clean area, bus tables, do paperwork, take orders and serve food.
• Provide customer care, take customer orders, bus tables, prepare food, dish washing, and perform store maintenance.

15. Customer Complaints

Customer complaints are grievances or dissatisfactions customers express about a product or service. Waitresses use customer complaints to improve the customer's experience. They listen to the complaints and create solutions to rectify the situation. They also use the complaints to identify areas where they can improve their service and communicate them to management. For example, a waitress might resolve a customer's complaint about food quality by replacing the dish and ensuring that the customer is satisfied with the new meal.

• Resolved customer complaints with problem identification and resolution techniques, as well as accommodating and providing excellent customer service.
• Provided excellent customer service; used oral/written communication techniques; Sold Products; forecast customer needs; resolved customer complaints

12 Waitress Resume Examples

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List of waitress skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a waitress resume and required skills for a waitress to have include:

• Food Orders
• Food Preparation
• Customer Orders
• Drink Orders
• Customer Service
• Clean Tables
• Fine Dining
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Beverage Orders
• Sales Taxes
• Food Service
• Customer Complaints
• Computer System
• To-Go Orders
• Customer Satisfaction
• Food Stations
• Guest Satisfaction
• Order Slips
• Quality Customer Service
• Cooking Methods
• Pleasant Dining
• Financial Transactions
• Customers Food
• Waiting Tables
• Phone Orders
• Server Station
• Credit Card Transactions
• Menu Choices
• Cash Registers
• Food Course
• Memorize Orders
• Napkin Containers
• Fast Service

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Waitress Related Skills

• Banquet Server Skills
• Bartender Server Skills
• Beverage Server Skills
• Bus Person Skills
• Cashier/Host Skills
• Caterer/Server Skills
• Cocktail Server Skills
• Cook/Server Skills
• Customer Service And Serving Skills
• Fine Dining Server Skills
• Food Runner Skills
• Food Runner/Busser Skills
• Food Server Skills
• Host/Waiter Skills
• Hostess Skills

Waitress Related Careers

• Banquet Server
• Bartender Server
• Beverage Server
• Cashier/Host
• Caterer/Server
• Cocktail Server
• Cook/Server
• Customer Service And Serving
• Fine Dining Server
• Food Runner
• Food Runner/Busser
• Food Server
• Host/Waiter

Waitress Related Jobs

• Banquet Server Jobs
• Bartender Server Jobs
• Beverage Server Jobs
• Bus Person Jobs
• Cashier/Host Jobs
• Caterer/Server Jobs
• Cocktail Server Jobs
• Cook/Server Jobs
• Customer Service And Serving Jobs
• Fine Dining Server Jobs
• Food Runner Jobs
• Food Runner/Busser Jobs
• Food Server Jobs
• Host/Waiter Jobs
• Hostess Jobs

Waitress Jobs By Location

• Cambridge Waitress Jobs
• El Paso Waitress Jobs
• Hanson Waitress Jobs
• Hull Waitress Jobs
• Lansdowne Waitress Jobs
• Lower Allen Waitress Jobs
• Melbourne Waitress Jobs
• Monterey Park Waitress Jobs
• Nashville Waitress Jobs
• Palatine Waitress Jobs
• Paris Waitress Jobs
• Pittsburgh Waitress Jobs
• Santa Clara Waitress Jobs
• Vienna Waitress Jobs
• Wilmington Waitress Jobs
• Zippia Careers
• Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
• Waitress Skills

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Waitress Resume Sample

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Work Experience

• Able to account and handle cash effectively and efficiently
• Good communication and customer contact skills; good problem resolution skills
• Basic F&B product knowledge
• To project a pleasant and positive professional image to all guests at all times
• Manage cultural needs and expectations of guests
• Upselling and identification of additional revenue opportunities
• Maintain and adhere to billing policies and procedures
• Punctual attendance to each shift
• Maintain positive teamwork spirit at all times
• Accurate and timely delivery of orders to guests
• Assist Assistant Venue Managers in training new team members
• Assistance in overcoming logistic issues in serving a timely food/beverage product in acceptable quantity, presentation and consistency
• Support of Departmental objectives
• Be aware of Health, Safety & Fire regulations and that they too abide by their terms
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene at all times
• Totally embrace the philosophy of guest and customer service and owns the guests
• Identify yourself with the hotel’s brand and operating philosophy
• Strive to achieve satisfaction and delight of our customers
• Play as a team to achieve common goals
• Understand the Server’s tasks in the outlet
• Suggest and up sells food and beverage products to increase revenue
• Takes responsibility to reduce costs
• Minimizes the breakage of china and glasses
• Recycles wherever possible
• Promote all menu items and promotions
• Comply with the Company’s Corporate Code of Conduct
• Show complete awareness of all the drink and food menus and readiness to explain and recommend food and drink contents

Professional Skills

• Prior Waiter Experience in 5 Star Hotels
• Good communication skills in English and Arabic
• Excellence in communication skills, fluency in English and Russian speaker
• Operate the Point of Sale terminal correctly and follow all InterContinental check-closing procedures
• Learns the Hotel’s fire and safety procedures and who is to operate the firefighting equipment
• At least one year of work experience in a hotel / restaurant with high standards
• Demonstrates a service attitude that exceeds expectations

How to write Waitress Resume

Waitress role is responsible for english, events, reporting, training, health, russian, basic, compliance, inventory, arabic. To write great resume for waitress job, your resume must include:

• Your contact information
• Work experience
• Skill listing

Contact Information For Waitress Resume

The section contact information is important in your waitress resume. The recruiter has to be able to contact you ASAP if they like to offer you the job. This is why you need to provide your:

• First and last name
• Telephone number

Work Experience in Your Waitress Resume

The section work experience is an essential part of your waitress resume. It’s the one thing the recruiter really cares about and pays the most attention to. This section, however, is not just a list of your previous waitress responsibilities. It's meant to present you as a wholesome candidate by showcasing your relevant accomplishments and should be tailored specifically to the particular waitress position you're applying to. The work experience section should be the detailed summary of your latest 3 or 4 positions.

Representative Waitress resume experience can include:

• Works in a safe manner and abide by Occupational Health & Safety legislation and the hotel’s policies in regards to accident and incident reporting procedures
• Establishes good relations with guests, offering advice and fostering customer loyalty"
• Establishes good relations with guests, offering advice and fostering customer loyalty
• Ensures the equipment used remains in good condition
• Cleaning and resets dining rooms for next meal period following set standards
• Willing to work and obey the existing procedures in the Higyene and sanitation procedure

Education on a Waitress Resume

Make sure to make education a priority on your waitress resume. If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your waitress experience. For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.

Additional details to include:

• School you graduated from
• Major/ minor
• Year of graduation
• Location of school

These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.

Professional Skills in Waitress Resume

When listing skills on your waitress resume, remember always to be honest about your level of ability. Include the Skills section after experience.

Present the most important skills in your resume, there's a list of typical waitress skills:

• Experience in Food & Beverage Department or 1 year experience in a similar capacity
• Good knowledge about micros operating system
• Ensures all menus/beverage lists are clean and in good order
• Liaises with other departments to improve the productivity of the hotel and enhance the guests’ experience
• Demonstrates knowledge and interest of food and beverage products
• Taking Guest orders, delivering orders

List of Typical Experience For a Waitress Resume

Experience for club lounge waitress resume.

• Takes part in meeting the department's targets by respecting the procedures and internal audits applicable in the hotel
• Welcomes guests and provides a high standard of service in the F&B point of sale or meeting rooms (co-meeting offer)
• Increase restaurant revenues by up selling menu items
• Actively promote accident prevention by keeping all areas swept and clean at all times
• Bus, clean and reset the table according to standard procedures

Experience For Waitress / General Service Resume

• Responsible for serving food and beverages in restaurant, bar and banquet efficiently and in the most courteous manner possible
• To provide a courteous, professional, efficient and flexible service at all times, following Sofitel Abudhabi Standards of Performance
• Promotes all menu items and promotions
• Ensures that all billings are correct
• Table Set Up, Restaurant set up
• Be entirely flexible and adapt to rotate within the different sub departments of the Food & Beverage Division or any other Department of the hotel as assigned

Experience For Bar Waitress Resume

• Possesses a thorough understanding and knowledge of all food and beverage items in the menu and the ability to recommend Food & Beverage combinations and up sell alternatives
• Handles guest inquiries in a courteous and efficient manner and report guest complaints or problems to supervisors if no immediate solution can be found and assure follow up with guests
• Sets up a la carte and private dining rooms for all meal periods including set-up of tables, chairs, linens and shirts, flatware, buffets, coffee and beverage stations
• Clean up and all related side work for each meal period
• Taking guest’s orders for food and beverage items, serving and bussing tables, passing hors d’oeuvres and serving wines/champagnes according to Faculty Club standards
• Sets up and attends beverage stations

Experience For Wait / Waitress Resume

• Portray a professional image of the hotel with guests
• Take food & beverage orders and provide recommendations to guests on desired menu items
• Follow all Accor policies and procedures
• Replenish and maintain adequate service supplies and utensils
• Replenish and maintain adequate food items and beverages as required

Experience For Breakfast Waiters / Waitress Resume

• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Promotes the bar offer
• To provide high standard of quality and efficient / friendly service as per Standard Operational Procedures
• To handle guest enquiries in a courteous and efficient manner
• Carries out additional sales where possible
• Welcomes guests and provides a high standard of service

Experience For Waitress Resume

• Contributes globally to guest satisfaction through the quality of his work and exemplary behavior
• Hotel Policies Compliance
• To Aim Higher

List of Typical Skills For a Waitress Resume

Skills for club lounge waitress resume.

• Language skills: fluent in the national language and business English
• Shows initiative in handling guest complaints, informing immediate supervisor of problem and action taken
• Personality: Warm, welcoming, smiling and pleasant
• Waiter is accountable to set-up dining table, serve food and beverage and charge the guests accordingly
• Participates in training sessions, briefings and meetings as and when requested
• Collects food and beverage orders from the kitchen, returns used china wares, glass and silver wares to dish washing area
• To Do The Right Thing
• Adaptable to assist in the manning of other outlets as directed by the Captain / Head Waiter / Outlet In-Charge / Outlet Operations Manager

Skills For Waitress / General Service Resume

• Attends all rostered shifts including shift work and weekend work in accordance with rosters
• Reports his/her presence to the Outlet Manager when coming to duty
• Personally thanks the guests upon their departure and expresses the hope of seeing them again soon
• Attends training sessions and briefings when required
• Shows a sense of urgency in delivering the best service possible

Skills For Bar Waitress Resume

• Maintains an interest and enthusiasm towards events happening within the hotel
• Shows due care of all equipment including linen
• Meets grooming standards of the hotel as set out in the Associate Handbook
• Immediately reports any unsafe working conditions
• Adapt to the outlet operation, and work in a fast, challenging environment

Skills For Wait / Waitress Resume

• Receives and stores food and beverage adhering to all food hygiene regulations and procedures
• Consistently monitors quality of food and beverage being served, and report to the supervisor or assistant outlet manager
• Actively uses up-selling techniques to exceed guests’ expectations whenever required
• Ensures compliance with relevant employment laws and hotel or company policies and procedures
• Reads, understands and implements the relevant sections of the FLS policy
• Participates in social activities (green engage, cause for jeans, blood donation, marathon, earth hour, etc.)

Skills For Breakfast Waiters / Waitress Resume

• Energetic and enthusiastic with work
• Courteous and helpful to colleagues and customer
• Able to work split shifts, night shifts when required
• Able to perform all the tasks accurately and efficiently
• Sorts and counts used linens
• Collect restaurants supply from the stores

Skills For Waitress Resume

• Maintains supply of cleaned china ware, cutlery and glasses to setup the table and arrange side station
• Complies with hotel’s health, safety and hygiene policy
• Vocational certificate or diploma in F&B and/or anyone eager to work in the sector regardless of their educational background, pending validation of their skills and motivation
• Actively participate in training and
• Guest oriented, service minded and attention to quality
• Interacts with guests in each of the outlets
• 13 days Public Holidays per year
• Ensures that all guest welcomed, seated and thanked on departure with a smile
• Understands and anticipate guest needs
• Maintains a high level of product and service knowledge about all InterContinental Hotels Group hotels in our region and all F&B activities
• Reports any guest complaints to the supervisor on duty
• Adheres to the standards, policies and procedures as outlined in the Department Procedure Manual, Handbook and Starwood Company Code of Conduct
• Reports any operational problems to a shift leader
• Learns the facilities of the Hotel and the daily events and functions, in order to satisfy guest inquiries and briefings
• Delivers exceptional service to both the internal and external customer in line with the established core values
• Actively supports corporate or Hotel specific programs that affect guest satisfaction and profitability in the outlets
• Communicates all relevant information to shift leader and other associates
• Understands and implements all legislation in regards to the Responsible Service of Alcohol
• Adheres to safe work practices, instructions and rules
• Adapts to other Food & Beverage outlets as the demands of the business change
• Ensure all tables receive their food & beverage order as requested
• Show complete awareness of all the food & beverage menus and readiness to explain and recommend food and drink contents
• Basic knowledge of food service and Hygiene standards
• Read daily events, to acknowledge any VIP’s arrivals
• Provides a link between kitchen and service areas
• Consistently provides efficient service at all times
• Undertakes clearance in the outlet in a timely manner and efficiently
• Communicate additional meal requirements, allergies, dietary needs, and special requests to the kitchen. Record transaction in MICROS system at time of order
• Take initiatives, self confidence
• Customer service orientation, build relationship and take ownership
• Share best practice and support for any change
• To provide Shangri-La hospitality food service through the restaurant and maximizing the guest dining experience using the Shangri-La family satisfaction standard, technical & social skills
• Serves customers according to the set standards, by taking their orders, posting the bills, collecting and serving the order, and bill accordingly
• Practice aggressive hospitality and use Suggestive Selling techniques when taking guest’s order
• Ensures that all menu items are sold at the correct selling price hence ensuring that the planned profitability is secured
• Performs opening and closing procedures established for the Place of Work as assigned
• Provides a courteous, professional, efficient and flexible service at all times, following the set Standards of Performance
• Assist with the preparation of functions and
• Attends and participates in daily briefings and other meetings as
• Presents bills to guests and ensures settlement of the same

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Top 15 Waitress/Waiter Skills to be best on the Job

A waiter or waitress desiring to be best on his/her assigned tasks needs to have certain skills and qualities.

The job of a waiter/waitress can be challenging as they deal with customers from different background, and they are required to satisfy each of them.

However, having the right skills can help them to surmount the challenges they may face on the job and provide excellence performance.

Summary of Waiter/Waitress Duties and Responsibilities

The job of a waiter or waitress involves taking orders and serving food and beverages to guests according to the hotel’s standard, in a timely and effective way.

They perform various duties such as greeting guests and suggesting food and beverages to them; informing guests about special items, performing basic cleaning tasks, obtaining revenues, issuing receipts, and collecting payment.

They work in different environments, helping hotels and restaurants to meet their customers’ needs.

15 Waiter/Waitress Skills and Qualities to Succeed on the Job

1. Communication Skills: The waiter or waitress needs the ability to communicate effectively with kitchen staff, make provision for orders to customers, receive cash, and keep up proper accountability for orders and funds.

2. Active Listening: It is expedient for waiters and waitresses to pay full attention when other people are talking. This will enable them to get the points being made in order to ask questions as appropriate without interruptions.

3. Physical Ability: The physical stamina of a waiter or waitress is very important, as they have to spend almost the whole day standing up and carrying heavy items such as trays, food, high chairs, supplies, child booster seats, and performing other activities that involve physical strength.

4. Customer Service: You need customer service skills as a waiter or waitress to smile, greet in a friendly way, and make eye contacts when necessary with customers. This skill also enable waiters or waitresses to pay attention to requests for drinks, understand when a customer hints for a reduction in order, and answer any question the customer has to ask with clear and complete expressions. With good customer service skills, waiters and waitresses can take note of orders quickly and deliver them accurately to each customer. They also maintain proper eye contact with customers to know when they are needed at the table, to avoid making uninvited appearances around the table.

5. Patience: The waiter or waitress should not easily get irritated by some words customers might throw at them. When customers are under alcoholic influence, they can say anything they like without considering the feelings of the waiter or waitress. It is only patience that works in this kind of situation, so you need it as a waiter or waitress if you really want to survive the mockery.

6. Social Perceptiveness: This enables the waiter or waitress to become aware of other people’s reactions and why they reacted the way they did. The simple understanding involved in this comes as a result of possession of the skills of social perceptiveness.

7. Problem Solving Skills: It will help waiters a lot if they can always trace problems that the restaurant could be facing, and locate relevant information or news that could help implement solutions.

8. Attention to Details: Waiters and waitresses should be able to remember the details of all orders made, and make sure that customers get what they ordered for exactly the way the orders were placed. Paying attention to details will eradicate any confusion this might cause later.

9. Interpersonal Skills: It is a BIG plus if the waiter or waitress can understand fully the customers’ complaints and use tactics to help resolve any issues that may arise. In order for them to understand the customers, they have to first of all use manner of approach.

10. Team Work: As a waiter or waitress, you need to collaborate with your colleagues to help them do their job. This mostly happens when the restaurant is busy with people and more hands are needed to help serve customers.

11. Time Management: The waiter/waitress has to schedule his/her daily activities and work towards achieving their goal for the day. They need the ability to analyze what goes first and at what time. Mismanagement of time can possibly irritate a customer who may want to leave if he/she doesn’t get exactly what they want.

12. Math Skills: This involves the ability to calculate figures and amounts like percentages, discounts, tips, interest, proportions, and commissions. The skills create room for quick measurement and calculation ability.

13. Empathy: You should not maltreat those who work under you just because of what you passed through when you were still serving under some boss. You must remain empathic towards other people that work for you, from the cleaners to the PA. This marks good leadership in the business world.

14. Critical Thinking: Waiters and waitresses should be able to use logic and reasoning to discover alternative means of solving problems. Those with this skill can easily think out quick solutions to complex problems.

15. Smart Dressing: Your dress code as a waiter or waitress has to look smart and professional. If the restaurant doesn’t give you a uniform, then you have to wear something that will make you look presentable. With your clothes always clean and ironed, you are on your way to making a great waiter or waitress before customers.

Waiter/Waitress Skills for Resume

If you are writing a waiter/waitress resume, you can apply the skills and qualities above in making the core competence section of your resume

The core competence section of your resume is where you highlight your skills and qualities required by the recruiter to be effective on the job.

Conclusion:

If you are a waiter/waitress who wants to be best on your job, or employer who needs the services of a good and qualified waiter/waitress, the skills and qualities provided in this post can be used as a standard in developing yourself on the job or in hiring people into the position.

Do you have other skills and qualities you consider important to the success of a waiter/waitress? Please share them in the comment box below.

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