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:
Example 1
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.
Skills:
- 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
Example 2
Objective: To secure a waitress position at an upscale restaurant and provide patrons with a memorable dining experience.
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.
Skills:
- Upscale dining experience
- Wine knowledge and pairing
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Strong attention to detail
Example 3
Objective: To obtain a waitress position at a family-friendly restaurant where I can utilize my outgoing personality and love for working with children.
Experience:
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.
Skills:
- 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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