The Complete Recipe for a Killer Food and Beverage Server Resume

Landing your dream job as a Food and Beverage Server requires more than just a friendly smile and quick service – you need a resume that sells your skills and experience. This comprehensive guide provides the complete recipe for crafting a resume that will impress hiring managers and get you that interview.

Ingredients: Key Sections of Your Food and Beverage Server Resume

Your resume should be a well-balanced mix of these essential components:

1. Contact Information: This is your first impression! Make it count. Include:

• Full Name: Use a professional and easily readable font.
• Phone Number: Ensure it's a number you actively check.
• Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address (avoid nicknames or unprofessional handles).
• LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional): A well-maintained LinkedIn profile adds credibility and showcases your professional network.

2. Summary/Objective (Optional, but Recommended):

This short section (3-4 sentences) grabs the reader's attention. A summary highlights your accomplishments and experience, while an objective states your career goals. For experienced servers, a summary is preferable; for entry-level candidates, an objective might be more suitable.

• Example Summary: Highly motivated and experienced Food and Beverage Server with 5+ years of experience in high-volume restaurants. Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service, manage multiple tables efficiently, and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

• Example Objective: Enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual seeking an entry-level Food and Beverage Server position at [Restaurant Name]. Eager to learn and contribute to a positive team environment while providing outstanding customer service.

3. Skills: This is where you showcase your expertise. Categorize your skills for better readability.

• Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution, active listening, handling customer complaints effectively, upselling techniques
• Technical Skills: POS system proficiency (mention specific systems if possible), table management, handling cash and credit card transactions accurately, inventory management (if applicable)
• Other Relevant Skills: Teamwork, time management, organization, multitasking, adaptability

4. Experience: This section forms the core of your resume. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your accomplishments in each role. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Example: Increased average customer bill by 15% through effective upselling and suggestive selling techniques.
• Example: Maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rating based on regular feedback collection and implemented changes based on the reviews.
• Example: Consistently exceeded daily sales targets by an average of 10% due to superior customer service and efficient table turnover.

5. Education: List your highest level of education, including relevant certifications or training (e.g., food handler's permit, alcohol server training).

The Secret Sauce: Making it Pop!

• Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions to improve your chances of getting noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., managed, served, resolved, exceeded, improved).
• Quantifiable Results: Always use numbers to showcase your achievements.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job description.
• Proofread Carefully: Errors can make a bad impression. Have a friend or family member review your resume before submitting it.

Serving Up Success: Next Steps

Crafting a compelling resume is only the first step. Follow up your application with a well-written cover letter that further highlights your skills and enthusiasm. Remember, your resume is your first impression – make it memorable and delicious!