As a restaurant manager, having a well-written resume is essential. Not only does it give potential employers an insight into your skills and qualifications, but it also serves as a marketing tool that can set you apart from other candidates. In this complete guide to restaurant manager resume templates, we will explore the importance of having a well-crafted resume and the purpose of this guide.
The Importance of a Well-Written Restaurant Manager Resume
In the competitive world of restaurant management, having a strong resume can make all the difference. A well-written resume highlights your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to lead a team, manage resources, and provide outstanding customer service.
A poorly written resume, on the other hand, can be a deal-breaker for potential employers. It may suggest a lack of attention to detail, poor communication skills, or a lack of ambition – qualities that are not desirable in someone who is responsible for running a successful restaurant.
The Purpose of the Restaurant Manager Resume Template Guide
The purpose of this guide is to help you create an effective restaurant manager resume that will grab attention, highlight your skills and experiences, and ultimately help you land your dream job. We’ll cover everything from the basics of resume writing to the specific skills and experiences that restaurant managers should highlight.
Using our tried-and-tested resume templates, you’ll have a professional-looking resume in no time. We’ll also provide tips on how to tailor your resume to specific job listings and industry trends, so you can stay ahead of the competition.
A well-written restaurant manager resume is crucial to advancing your career in the food service industry. This guide provides comprehensive advice and templates to help you create a resume that reflects your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments, and maximizes your chances of landing your next role.


Formatting Your Restaurant Manager Resume
When it comes to formatting your restaurant manager resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you want to choose the right resume format that best showcases your skills and experience. Secondly, you need to tailor your resume to the job opening you are applying for, highlighting relevant qualifications and achievements.
Choosing the Right Resume Format
The two most common resume formats are chronological and functional. Chronological resumes are formatted with your work history listed in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent employment. Functional resumes, on the other hand, focus on your skills and achievements rather than your work history.
As a restaurant manager, a chronological resume might be the better option if you have a solid work history in the industry. This format allows you to highlight your role and responsibilities in each position, as well as any achievements or commendations received.
However, if you are new to the industry or have gaps in your work history, a functional resume might be a better choice. This format allows you to highlight specific skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for, even if they were acquired outside the restaurant industry.
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Opening
No matter which resume format you choose, it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job opening you are applying for. This means highlighting the qualifications and achievements that are most relevant to the position, and customizing your resume to match the job description.
If the job posting emphasizes customer service skills, for example, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in this area. If the job calls for experience managing a team, be sure to showcase any leadership skills you have and provide specific examples of successfully managing a team.
It’s also important to use the language and terminology used in the job description, as this shows you understand the requirements of the position and are a good fit for the job.
Formatting your restaurant manager resume in a way that best showcases your skills and experience while tailoring it to the job opening is key to securing an interview and ultimately landing the job.
Writing a Strong Restaurant Manager Resume Header
One of the most important parts of your restaurant manager resume is the header. This is where you will include your contact information, which will make it easy for potential employers to get in touch with you. Here are some tips on how to write a strong header for your resume:
Including Contact Information on Your Resume
When it comes to including contact information on your resume, you want to make sure that you include enough information for potential employers to get in touch with you. This means including your full name, email address, phone number, and physical address (if applicable).
You may also want to consider including links to your professional social media profiles, such as LinkedIn. This can help potential employers get a better sense of your professional background and qualifications.
Writing a Professional Summary for Restaurant Manager Resume
One of the most important parts of your restaurant manager resume is the professional summary. This is where you will summarize your experience and qualifications, and give potential employers a sense of what you can bring to the table.


When writing your professional summary, it’s important to be concise and to the point. You want to highlight your relevant experience and skills, while also demonstrating your passion for the restaurant industry.
Here are some tips for writing a strong professional summary for your restaurant manager resume:
- Start with a strong opening sentence that summarizes your experience and qualifications.
- Highlight your most relevant experience, particularly in the area of restaurant management.
- Showcase any relevant certifications or training you have received in the restaurant industry.
- Demonstrate your passion for the restaurant industry and your commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
- Highlight any leadership skills or experience you have, particularly in managing a team.
Remember, your professional summary is often the first thing that potential employers will see on your resume. Make sure that it’s well-written and showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.
Highlighting Relevant Skills
When it comes to creating a restaurant manager resume, highlighting your relevant skills is crucial. Not only do you want to catch the attention of potential employers, but you also want to show them that you have what it takes to excel in a managerial role in the food and beverage industry.
Identifying Relevant Skills for a Restaurant Manager Resume
Before you start writing your resume, take some time to identify the skills that will be most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Some key skills that are often sought after for restaurant managers include:
- Leadership: Restaurant managers are responsible for managing a team of employees, so it’s important to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Customer service: Providing excellent customer service is essential in the food and beverage industry, so if you have experience in this area, be sure to highlight it.
- Financial management: Restaurant managers are often responsible for managing budgets, creating financial reports, and analyzing financial data.
- Operations management: Managing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant is a big part of a manager’s role, so it’s important to demonstrate your ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Communication: Communication is key when it comes to managing a team, so be sure to highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both employees and customers.
Showcasing Your Skills in the Work Experience Section
Once you’ve identified your key skills, it’s time to showcase them in the work experience section of your resume. Rather than just listing your job duties, focus on the specific skills and achievements that demonstrate your strengths as a restaurant manager.
For example, if you have experience managing a team, you might highlight your success in training new employees, implementing new policies and procedures, or improving employee retention rates.
If you have experience in financial management, you might highlight your ability to create and manage budgets, analyze financial data to identify cost savings opportunities, or develop strategies to increase revenue.
Including Quantifiable Results and Achievements
Finally, it’s important to include quantifiable results and achievements in your restaurant manager resume. This not only helps to demonstrate your skills and achievements, but it also shows potential employers that you have a track record of success.
For example, you might showcase how you increased revenue by a certain percentage during your time as a manager, or how you improved customer satisfaction ratings. You could also highlight any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work in the food and beverage industry.
Ultimately, by identifying your relevant skills, showcasing them in the work experience section, and including quantifiable results and achievements, you’ll be well on your way to creating a standout restaurant manager resume that will catch the attention of potential employers.
Work Experience Section
As a restaurant manager, your work experience section is crucial in demonstrating your qualifications and skills. Here are some tips to make your experience section effective:
Writing an Effective Restaurant Manager Work Experience Section
To make your work experience section effective, it is important to focus on the following:
- Quantify your achievements: Your work experience section should have specific achievements with quantifiable results. For example, instead of saying “implemented new sales strategies,” say “implemented new sales strategies that increased revenue by 30% within six months.”
- Use industry keywords: Incorporate relevant industry keywords to improve your chances of being noticed by hiring managers, especially if you are applying online. Use keywords such as food safety, inventory management, and customer service.
- Match your experiences with the job description: Review the job description and ensure that your experiences match the job requirements. Emphasize on how your experiences and skills can contribute to the company’s success.
Listing Your Professional Experience in Chronological Order
The best way to list your professional experience is in chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Provide details on the following:
- Job title: List your job title and the name of the restaurant you worked for.
- Dates of employment: Include the month and year.
Detailing Key Responsibilities and Achievements
When detailing your responsibilities and achievements, focus on the following:
- Leadership skills: Highlight your leadership skills by mentioning how you have trained staff, managed schedules and coordinated events or service.
- Customer service skills: Mention how you have handled customer feedback, implemented procedures or resolved complaints.
- Financial achievements: Share how you managed inventory, controlled labour expenses or maximized sales.
- Accomplishments: Highlight any awards, certifications or promotions you have received.
Your work experience section should demonstrate how your skills, experiences and achievements match the job description. Keep it concise, well-organized and free from any errors. By following these guidelines, you will create an effective work experience section that will make you stand out from other applicants.
Education and Certifications
When it comes to a restaurant manager resume, including relevant education and certifications is a must. This section highlights your academic achievements and professional certifications, showcasing your qualifications for the job.
Including Relevant Education on Your Restaurant Manager Resume
Your education section should appear after your work experience section, unless you’re a recent graduate with limited experience. The formatting of your education section should include the name of the institution, your degree or diploma, your field of study, and the dates when you attended or are attending.
It’s essential to mention any relevant coursework you’ve completed, especially if it pertains to the restaurant industry or management. If you’ve taken any courses in hospitality, business management, or culinary arts, then make sure to include them.
Highlighting Certifications That Are Relevant to the Job
A certification demonstrates your expertise in a particular field, making it a valuable asset to your restaurant manager resume. Make sure to include any certifications you’ve earned, especially those that are relevant to the restaurant industry or management.
For example, if you’ve completed the ServSafe certification, which is essential for foodservice managers, then include it in your resume. Other relevant certifications may include the CPR and First Aid certification, the Food Protection Manager certification, and the Certified Hospitality Administrator certification.
It’s essential to provide details when including certifications in your resume. Include the name of the certification, the date when you earned it, the institution or organization that granted it, and any relevant information that highlights your achievement.
Including your education and certifications on your restaurant manager resume enhances your qualifications and showcases your expertise in the field. Make sure to mention any relevant coursework and certifications that highlight your expertise and experience in the restaurant industry.
Professional Memberships
Listing Professional Memberships on Your Restaurant Manager Resume
When crafting your restaurant manager resume, it is important to highlight not only your education and work experience, but also any professional memberships you hold. Including relevant professional memberships on your resume can showcase your commitment to the industry and your dedication to continuing education and professional development.
When listing professional memberships on your resume, make sure to include the name of the organization and your current membership status. You may also want to provide a brief description of the organization’s mission or purpose to give potential employers a better understanding of its relevance to the restaurant industry.
Choosing the Right Professional Memberships to Include
With so many professional organizations out there, it can be difficult to determine which ones to include on your restaurant manager resume. Consider the following tips to help you choose the right professional memberships to showcase:
1. Industry Relevance
Choose professional memberships that are relevant to the restaurant industry and your specific area of expertise. This could include organizations focused on culinary arts, hospitality, restaurant management, or food safety.
2. Prestige
Highlight memberships from prestigious organizations that are well-respected within the industry. This can help demonstrate your commitment to excellence and dedication to professional development.
3. Active Involvement
Include professional memberships that you are actively involved in, such as serving on a committee, attending meetings or conferences, or volunteering for events. This can show potential employers that you are dedicated to staying informed and engaged in the industry.
4. Continuing Education
Look for professional organizations that offer continuing education opportunities, such as certifications, training programs, or workshops. Including memberships from these types of organizations can demonstrate your commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices.
5. Local Connections
Consider including memberships from local or regional organizations, as this can demonstrate your involvement in the community and your understanding of the local market.
Including professional memberships on your restaurant manager resume can showcase your dedication to the industry and your commitment to professional development. When choosing which memberships to include, focus on industry relevance, prestige, active involvement, continuing education, and local connections to help make your resume stand out to potential employers.
Awards and Honors
Highlighting Awards and Honors on Your Restaurant Manager Resume
In the competitive world of restaurant management, highlighting your achievements is crucial to catch the attention of hiring managers. One way to showcase your accomplishments is by listing your awards and honors on your resume.
When including awards and honors on your restaurant manager resume, make sure to follow these tips:
1. Select Relevant Awards and Honors
Only include awards and honors that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you have received awards for excellence in customer service, food safety, or team leadership, these are excellent examples to include. However, academic honors or awards unrelated to the hospitality industry should be left off.
2. Rank Your Awards by Order of Importance
When listing your awards, prioritize them by importance. Begin with the most significant award you have received and work your way down. This helps draw the reader’s attention to your most impressive accomplishments.
3. Quantify Your Achievements
One way to make your awards and honors more impactful is by quantifying them. Including numbers or statistics can help hiring managers understand the extent of your achievement. For example, if you won an award for increasing sales, state the percentage of sales growth you achieved.
4. Provide Context
Make sure to provide context for each award or honor you list. Explain why you were selected for the award and what you did to earn it. This helps hiring managers understand the value you can bring to their organization.
5. Avoid Overstating Your Achievements
While it’s important to highlight your accomplishments, make sure not to overstate them. Use objective language and avoid hyperbole. Be honest about your achievements, as hiring managers may ask specific questions about them during the interview process.
By following these tips, you can effectively highlight your awards and honors on your restaurant manager resume. Doing so can make your application stand out to hiring managers and increase your chances of getting the job.
Additional Sections: Enhancing Your Restaurant Manager Resume
As a seasoned restaurant manager, you understand the importance of showcasing your diverse skillset on your resume. Including additional sections, such as foreign languages and computer skills, can certainly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Foreign Languages Section
In the restaurant industry, it’s not uncommon to encounter guests from various backgrounds, which is why being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable asset. In this section of your resume, include the languages you’re proficient in, and be honest about your level of fluency. Also, specify if you’ve studied the language formally or informally.
For example:
Foreign Languages:
- Spanish (Fluent)
- French (Intermediate)
- Mandarin (Basic)
Computer Skills Section
In today’s digital age, having computer proficiency is essential, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Whether you’re using an ordering system, generating financial reports, or managing your social media, your computer skills are essential to running a successful restaurant. In this section, make sure to list the programs and software tools you know how to use.
For example:
Computer Skills:
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Drive
- POS Systems (Aloha, Toast, etc.)
- Social Media Management Tools (Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.)
By including these additional sections in your restaurant manager resume, you can showcase your unique abilities and stand out from the competition, ultimately increasing your chances of getting hired. Just remember to tailor your resume to the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that align with the position.
Common Restaurant Manager Resume Mistakes
As a restaurant manager, having an impressive resume can be the difference between getting the job and being overlooked. However, there are a few common mistakes that restaurant managers tend to make in their resumes. Here, we will identify these mistakes and provide you with tips on how to avoid them.
Identifying Common Resume Mistakes for Restaurant Managers
Not highlighting relevant experience: One of the biggest mistakes restaurant managers make on their resumes is not highlighting their relevant experience. This can be detrimental because it may result in the recruiter overlooking your application. Make sure to focus on your experience managing restaurant operations such as training staff, managing inventory, and overseeing food preparation.
Failing to mention achievements: Another common mistake is not mentioning your achievements in your previous roles. Restaurant managers should not only explain what they were responsible for in their previous positions but also highlight their successes. This could include examples of how you increased revenue or reduced costs.
Including irrelevant information: Including irrelevant information in your resume can be distracting and might lead recruiters to throw away your application. For example, listing hobbies or including a headshot are unnecessary and can detract from your qualifications.
Grammatical and spelling errors: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression of your attention to detail and could result in the recruiter dismissing your application. Make sure to proofread and double-check your resume for any errors.
Tips for Avoiding These Mistakes
Tailor your resume to the job description: Research the job description and tailor your resume to highlight the experience and skills listed. This shows the recruiter that you are a good fit for the position.
Be specific: Use specific examples and numbers to highlight your accomplishments. This adds credibility to your experience and shows recruiters what you can achieve.
Use bullet points: Use bullet points to make your resume easy to read and highlight key information.
Proofread multiple times: Review your resume multiple times to ensure it is free of spelling and grammatical errors. You can also enlist the help of friends or colleagues to review your resume for any mistakes.
Avoiding these common mistakes and following our tips can help highlight your qualifications as a restaurant manager and increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
As a restaurant manager, you know how important it is to create a great first impression. This is why including a strong cover letter when applying for a restaurant manager position is crucial.
A cover letter helps to showcase your personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the job. It also gives you the opportunity to explain how your experiences and qualifications make you the ideal candidate for the role.
Here are some tips for writing a strong restaurant manager cover letter:
1. Personalize your letter
Start by addressing the hiring manager or the person in charge of recruitment. Use their name instead of a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern”. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
2. Highlight your relevant experience
In your cover letter, highlight your most relevant experiences and achievements that relate to the restaurant manager position. This could be anything from increasing sales to reducing labor costs or managing a team.
3. Show your passion for the job
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company by highlighting why you are interested in the position. Talk about the restaurant’s mission statement, values, or achievements that inspired you to apply. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the job, rather than just looking for any job.
4. Emphasize your leadership skills
As a restaurant manager, leadership is one of your most important skills. Highlight your ability to lead and manage a team, resolve conflicts, and motivate staff. These skills are essential to the success of any restaurant and will set you apart from other applicants.
5. Use a professional tone
A cover letter should be professional and formal. Avoid using slang or casual language in your letter, and make sure to proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors. Presentation matters, and a well-written cover letter will show that you are a professional and take your job seriously.
A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing a restaurant manager job. By personalizing your letter, highlighting your relevant experience, showing your passion for the job, emphasizing your leadership skills, and using a professional tone, you will set yourself up for success.
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