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Waitress Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

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Did you know that recruiters rarely spend more than a few seconds looking at a resume before making a decision?

Plus, a growing number of companies rely on software that automatically filters resumes based on keywords and can prevent a recruiter from ever seeing your application if you don’t use the right words on your resume.

Failing to craft a waitress resume that stands out means restaurant owners will likely overlook your application.

Keep reading to learn how to turn your past waitressing experience into a powerful argument for hiring you.

Waitress Resume Examples

These different resumes illustrate different levels of experience and backgrounds. You’ll find that the sections and tones vary depending on the candidate and what a recruiter is likely looking for.

Before getting started with your waitress resume, take the time to analyze the job posting.

Do some research about the kind of establishment the restaurant is. Pricing, ambiance, and other details can tell you a lot about what the employer will look for.

When creating your resume, your goal is to show that you have the necessary experience and skills but also that you’ll be a good fit for the team.

Entry-Level Waitress Resume Example

A recruiter looking for an entry-level waitress won’t expect you to have previous experience in the restaurant industry.

However, they will look for skills and other work experiences that show you can provide great customer service and adapt to this fast-paced environment easily.

Entry-Level Waitress Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

A recruiter looking for an entry-level waitress looks for skills in your resume. This resume is great because it draws attention to skills and work experiences that translate well to waitressing.

  • Type of Resume: Entry-Level Waitress Resume Example
  • Best For: Someone looking for a waitress entry-level job in the restaurant industry
graphic showing entry level waitress resume example

2021 to present: Guest Advocate at Target

  • Greeted customers and represented the Target brand.
  • Assisted customers with finding items and answered questions.
  • Handled transactions and returns.
  • Maintained a clean and welcoming store.
  • Stocked shelves and helped manage the store’s inventory.

2018 to 2021: Call Center Representative at DialAmerica

  • Assisted 100+ customers per day with a variety of requests.
  • Followed strict quality standards and guidelines for contacting customers.
  • Used active listening to understand customers’ pain points.
  • Helped brands meet their sales goals by generating leads.
  • Applied problem-solving skills to find a satisfactory solution.

Skills

  • Comfortable with basic math and payment processing
  • Excellent customer service
  • Enthusiastic personality and high energy level
  • Attention to detail
  • Working under pressure

Education

  • 2018 to 2020: Columbia Southern University – Associate of Science in Business
  • 2014 to 2018: Putnam City High School

Licenses & Accreditations

  • 2019: American Red Cross First Aid Certification

Why This Resume Works

In this scenario, the applicant doesn’t have previous work experience in the restaurant industry. However, the resume draws attention to skills and work experiences that translate well to waitressing.

This applicant is emphasizing their extensive background in customer service and ability to communicate and help people.

This person likely had other work experiences, but she selected two jobs where customer service was essential. Plus, she included a reference to her ability to solve problems, a skill that 86% of recruiters look for!

Listing her current position as a cashier at Target also indicates she is comfortable with handling transactions and cleaning, which are two important things an employer will expect from a waitress.

Bars and restaurants are notoriously fast-paced. Mentioning her outgoing personality and high energy levels in the Skills section indicates this person thrives in this kind of environment.

Plus, she indicated that she helped over 100 customers a day while working in a call center. Including numbers and facts on a resume can provide recruiters with a concrete reference point for assessing your skills.

Cocktail Waitress Resume Experience

When hiring someone for a cocktail waitress position, recruiters will look for extensive experience with serving alcohol.

Personality is another crucial factor since employers will look for a person who knows how to engage with patrons.

Cocktail Waitress Resume Experience

Why We Suggest this Resume

When hiring someone for a cocktail waitress position, recruiters will look for extensive experience in serving alcohol. This resume shows how the applicant has experience as a cocktail waitress, as well as experience in the hospitality industry.

  • Type of Resume: Cocktail Waitress Resume Experience
  • Best For: A waitress who has experience in serving alcohol
graphic showing cocktail waitress resume experience example

Beverage Server at Jamul Casino (2019 to present)

  • As a beverage server, my duties included interacting with patrons and making them feel welcome at Jamul Casino.
  • Besides bringing drinks to patrons on the floor, I assisted with preparing drink orders.
  • I became an expert in all things cocktail-related and recommended beverages to undecided patrons.
  • Establishing a rapport with casino patrons often meant providing information and customer service.
  • Picking up and cleaning were also part of my daily duties.

Bartender at JIVe Lounge (2017 to 2019)

  • Bartending at JIVe Lounge taught me how to provide a fun and memorable experience for our guests.
  • My job duties included preparing and serving drinks behind the bar and on the floor.
  • Providing outstanding customer service was something I truly enjoyed about the position.
  • I also learned how to follow strict guidelines regarding serving alcohol.
  • When interacting with patrons, I would often recommend drinks or promote upcoming events. Event attendance went up by 18% on average after our team started bringing up shows and concerts when interacting with patrons.

Project Experience

  • November 2022: Delivered engaging and courteous experiences as a hostess at the LA Auto Show.
  • Summer 2016: Learned about the hospitality industry during a three-month internship at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon hotel.

Skills

  • Great customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Advanced knowledge of cocktail making
  • Clean and safe work habits
  • Excellent team player
  • Thrives in a busy environment

Education

  • 2015 to 2017: L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at SDSU
  • 2010 to 2014: Steele Canyon High School

Licenses & Accreditations

  • California alcohol server certification

Why This Resume Works

This profile will stand out to a recruiter thanks to the candidate’s extensive background. This resume shows how this person has experience as a cocktail waitress, but it also draws attention to other experiences in the hospitality industry.

Elements like her alcohol server certification, her internship in the hospitality industry, and the classes she took at a local hospitality management school show a logical progression in her career.

By using complete sentences rather than short bullet points, this candidate managed to let her personality shine through this resume. It’s a great strategy for applying at an establishment with a more relaxed atmosphere.

While short bullet points can help a recruiter skim through your application, writing full sentences can create a deeper connection that can make a difference for a position where a recruiter will look for someone with a friendly and engaging personality.

Waitress With No Experience Resume Example

Waitressing is a common first job. Whether you’re a teen looking for a part-time position or a stay-at-home mom ready to get back to work, waitressing is typically an accessible career path.

However, putting together a resume can be daunting when you have limited experience.

Waitress With No Experience Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume is great for an applicant with no experience. It highlights volunteer work and the love for helping people. It also mentions cooking club participation that showcases the applicant's enthusiasm.

  • Type of Resume: Waitress With No Experience Resume Example
  • Best For: Anyone applying for a waitress job as their first job
graphic showing waitress with no experience resume example

Career Objective

Enthusiastic and highly motivated high school student looking for an opportunity to enter the job market.

My experience as a volunteer has taught me the value of genuine human connections and prepared me for a customer service role.

Education

  • Texas City High School (projected graduation date: 2025)

Volunteering

Galveston County Animal Services (2021 to present)

  • Helping care for animals, including walking, feeding, and cleaning.
  • Engaging with potential adopters to help them find the right pet.
  • Assisting with promoting fundraising events for the shelter.
  • Working with a team of amazing volunteers.
  • Loving every single moment of this experience!

Galveston County Food Bank (2022 to present)

  • Educating people about the importance of donating food.
  • Sorting through donations.
  • Stocking shelves and managing the food bank’s inventory.
  • Creating Facebook posts for the food bank.
  • Connecting with the community in a meaningful way.

Projects & Interests

Texas City High School Cooking Club

Joining the Cooking Club has helped me explore my passion for baking. I also gained valuable insights into handling and preparing food in a safe and clean manner.

Texas City High School Improv Club

As a formerly shy teen, the Improv Club has become like a second family. It has taught me how to speak up, come up with jokes on the spot, and generally be a more outgoing person. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in a customer service position.

Skills

  • Active listening
  • Time management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Friendly and outgoing personality

Why This Resume Works

This applicant doesn’t have a lot of experience, but they’re putting forward their motivation and love for helping others.

For those who have limited work experience, volunteering is a great way to build connections and enhance one’s resume.

In this scenario, the applicant’s volunteering experiences at a food bank and animal shelter show they’re able to interact with people in a friendly and compassionate manner.

The clubs listed under the Projects & Interests section also make this profile stand out.

By writing a short blurb under each club, this applicant is letting their enthusiastic personality shine through by discussing things they are passionate about. The Cooking Club entry is also an opportunity to mention they have experience with handling food.

Don’t hesitate to tweak the sections you include on your resume. Note how this example uses a Career Objective section to explain how applying for a waitressing position fits in the professional project of this high school student.

In this situation, writing a compelling cover letter matters more than ever. The letter can explain why the candidate wants to work in the restaurant industry and why they think it would be a great first job for them.

Experienced Waitress Resume Example

As an experienced waitress, your resume should include the work experiences that feel the most representative of the position you’re going after.

Your resume should also reflect your professional attitude and thorough understanding of what the job entails.

Experienced Waitress Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume is impressive with years of experience at two highly-rated restaurants and no fewer than three certifications. These elements make the applicant stand out from the rest of the applicants.

  • Type of Resume: Experienced Waitress Resume Example
  • Best For: Waitresses with several years of experience in the hospitality industry
graphic showing experienced waitress resume example

Waiter at La Bodega (2021 to present)

  • Serving nine tables per night with up to 30+ guests at a time.
  • Providing exceptional customer service worthy of La Bodega’s 4.5 stars rating on Google.
  • Engaging with patrons and ensuring they have a memorable experience with drink and dish recommendations.
  • Brainstorming with the La Bodega team to come up with new menu items, events, and experiences that would set us apart.
  • Following strict guidelines regarding food handling.

Waiter at Westport Café (2015 to 2021)

  • Greeting and seating customers.
  • Bringing food and drinks to up to six tables at a time.
  • Performing light kitchen duties as needed.
  • Preparing cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Sweeping and mopping.

Skills

  • Can work in a fast-paced environment and manage several tables at once.
  • Thrives as a team member and loves interacting with patrons.
  • Cheerful and friendly personality that enhances patrons’ dining experiences.

Licenses & Accreditations

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification
  • ServSafe Alcohol Certification
  • ServSafe Allergens Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume is impressive with years of experience at two highly-rated Kansas City restaurants and no fewer than three certifications from ServSafe.

This experienced waiter likely selected these two restaurants out of a long list of work experiences. For those with a long career in the restaurant industry, there is no need to include every single establishment.

Selecting the most recent work experiences can be a good strategy. In this resume example, the candidate selected the most recent experience and another that shows they have experience with alcohol.

With this example, the candidate opted not to include their education. It’s acceptable if there are enough relevant work experiences and the academic background isn’t related to the food and hospitality industry.

Note how this experienced waiter uses concrete numbers. A recruiter can look at this resume and know immediately how many tables this professional can handle.

And in the event that the recruiter isn’t familiar with the restaurants listed, the Google rating for La Bodega helps establish credibility.

Fine-Dining Waitress Resume Example

Upscale establishments look for waiting staff with an extensive background, preferably with five-star establishments. A resume for a fine-dining waitress should reflect these different expectations.

Details like formatting and even the quality of the paper used to print the resume are even more important.

Fine-Dining Waitress Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

Upscale establishments look for waiting staff with an extensive background, preferably with five-star establishments. This resume stands out by drawing attention to a highly relevant work experience at a well-known restaurant.

  • Type of Resume: Fine-Dining Waitress Resume Example
  • Best For: Waitresses with experience at five-star hotels
graphic showing fine dining waitress resume example

Summary

Personable waitress with a passion for fine dining and European-inspired cuisine. Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 98% over the past four years at Le Pigeon.

Seeking a new opportunity in the world of upscale dining with more responsibilities linked to my expertise as a sommelier.

Waitress at Le Pigeon (2018 to present)

  • Greeted, seated, and served customers in a six-table section.
  • Provided an exceptional dining experience on par with the restaurant’s reputation.
  • Assisted our Maitre d’Hotel with handling up to 30 reservations a week.
  • Became an expert on French-inspired fare and recommended food and drinks to patrons.
  • Helped test the restaurant’s virtual dining club experience during the pandemic.

Sommelier at Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant (2015 to 2018)

  • Developed a unique selection of wine for the bar.
  • Helped the establishment expand its selection of craft beer.
  • Identified the best food and wine pairings to recommend.
  • Trained wait staff to present and serve wine.
  • Organized wine-tasting events with up to 35 patrons.

Education

  • Bachelor’s in Food & Beverage Industry Management at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Hospitality Management (2008 to 2012)
  • Internship at the White Orchid Restaurant in Dubai (May to December 2013)

Skills

  • Impeccable professional appearance and demeanor
  • Advanced knowledge of formal dining etiquette
  • Thorough understanding of food and wine pairings
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Master Sommelier certification

Hobbies & Achievements

  • Two-times winner of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Waiter’s Relay Race (2012 and 2013)

References Available If Needed

Why This Resume Works

This resume stands out by drawing attention to a highly relevant work experience at a well-known restaurant with a Michelin star and an internship at a luxurious establishment in Dubai.

Even the hobby section has a fun fact about the candidate winning a waiter’s relay race. It can seem like a detail, but it’s a testimony to this waitress’ skills and dedication to her craft.

It also shows that the candidate has an extensive background with selecting food and wine pairing. Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant isn’t a fine-dining establishment, but this experience shows the candidate is a true wine expert.

The skills section skips the usual entries emphasizing customer service and friendliness to focus on the more formal qualities recruiters will look for when hiring waiting staff for a fine-dining establishment.

Note that the candidate mentioned references at the bottom of the resume. Most employers will expect references at this level.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include On a Waitress Resume

Wording matters when crafting a resume. The skills and action verbs you use to describe your job duties and achievements will shape how a recruiter perceives you.

Plus, automated systems scan for specific skills and action verbs. Pay attention to the keywords present in the job posting. Incorporate as many of these skills and action verbs on your resume as possible.

Common Skills for Waitress Resumes

These skills will show you have what it takes to provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment:

  • Customer service
  • Menu knowledge
  • Serving food/serving drinks
  • Taking orders
  • Processing payments
  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Friendly attitude
  • Food safety
  • Cleaning
  • Multitasking
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Stamina and strength
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • New hire training
  • Fine-dining etiquette

Common Action Verbs for Waitress Resumes

Using the right action verbs will show that you are an enthusiastic and motivated candidate.

It also tells recruiters you are always ready to approach patrons and adopt a proactive attitude to ensure they have a great dining experience.

Here are a few action verbs you can use on your resume.

  • Ensure
  • Provide
  • Engage
  • Welcome
  • Greet
  • Help
  • Assist
  • Solve
  • Serve
  • Prepare
  • Recommend
  • Promote
  • Clean
  • Manage
  • Train

Tips for Writing a Better Waitress Resume

These tips will help you improve your waitress resume and make a positive impression.

Formatting Matters

Did you know recruiters spend an average of seven seconds per resume? Key information needs to stand out, and the formatting needs to convey a professional image.

Choose a font that is easy to read and use bold, italics, bullet points, and headers to draw attention to key information. White space is another crucial design element that can draw the eye to your most relevant work experience or skills.

Before submitting your resume, have a friend look at it and ask which sections immediately stand out.

Focus On What’s Relevant

How far back should your resume go? In most cases, recruiters expect you to go back 10 to 15 years.

However, you shouldn’t hesitate to skip some work experiences if they’re not relevant to the restaurant industry. Prioritize the jobs where you stayed the longest or achieved the most. Focusing on your recent work history is also a good strategy.

Listing your entire work history is possible if you’re young or have held a limited number of positions over the years, but it’s usually best to skip a few items to make your resume fit on a single page.

Be Specific

Recruiters want to know about your achievements, and they want to know about specific details.

Listing skills and job duties is a great way to give recruiters an idea of what you can do, but you need to show them how you can make a difference by mentioning the specifics.

You can get specific by using facts and numbers. You can, for instance, illustrate your waitressing skills by listing how many tables or guests you typically serve a night. Customer service ratings, online reviews, and attendance numbers can add value to your resume.

Plus, numbers and percentages tend to stand out on a text-based resume and can draw attention to your achievements.

Tailor Your Resume

Tailoring your resume to each position you apply to can take time, but this approach will pay off.

A one-size-fits-all resume can highlight your experience and accomplishments, but it doesn’t tell the recruiter what makes you a good fit for their business.

Take the time to research potential employers and scan job openings carefully. Use your findings to craft a resume that highlights a past work experience at a similar restaurant.

You can also rewrite your resume in a more casual tone if you’re going after a waitressing position at a bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

Find Something That Makes You Stand Out

The food and beverage industry created 2.2 million jobs over the past two years. Growth combined with the high turnover that exists in some dining niches means that employers are continuously reviewing applications.

Standing out can be challenging when employers are receiving resumes on a daily basis. Find something that makes your profile unique.

It can be a specific achievement, a work experience at a prestigious restaurant, a volunteering experience, or even a memorable hobby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read on to learn more about crafting a waitress resume that stands out.

What Is the Most Important Skill for a Waitress to Have?

The most important job duty for a waitress is to take food and drink orders. You can show that you have mastered this skill by listing customer service, active listening, and attention to detail on your resume. If possible, get specific by telling recruiters how many patrons or tables you typically serve a night.

What Is a Good Example of a Waitress’ Resume Objective?

A resume objective is a short paragraph that tells recruiters more about yourself, your goals, and what you can bring to their business.

A good resume objective for a waitress can describe yourself as friendly, personable, or fun. You can refer to your years of experience in the industry or draw attention to a specific achievement.

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Looking at other resume examples for the food and beverage industry will help you tailor your approach to reflect the unique needs of the establishment where you want to work.

Here are a few examples to consider:

  • Server Resume: Servers primarily bring food and drinks to patrons. Waiters and waitresses fulfill additional duties, such as taking orders and providing customer service throughout the entire dining experience. However, many skills apply to both roles.
  • Bartender Resume: Do you have alcohol-related experience and certifications? These bartender resume examples are a great starting point for drawing attention to these valuable elements.
  • Restaurant Manager Resume: Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Becoming a restaurant manager is a realistic goal if you have several years of experience in the restaurant industry. Find out what recruiters look for when hiring for leadership positions.

Wrapping Up

A compelling waitress resume should emphasize your people skills, personable qualities, and experience in the restaurant industry if applicable.

However, you should tailor your resume to the restaurant you are applying to since requirements can vary.

For instance, fine-dining restaurants will prioritize experience and knowledge of fine-dining etiquette, while bars with cocktail waitresses will emphasize social and communication skills.

These examples of waitress resumes should give you a better idea of how you can communicate about your past experiences, education, skills, and achievements.

Do these examples feel relevant to your career goals? Let us know what you think below, and share this article with your fellow restaurant industry professionals!

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