Wait Staff Resume Examples & Guide

Are you looking for a job as a wait staff? A strong resume can make a big difference in landing the perfect position. Our Wait Staff Resume Example article provides an overview of what a successful wait staff resume looks like, including key sections, tips for formatting and writing, and example bullet points to help you highlight your skills and experience. Check out our article to ensure your resume stands out to potential employers.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Wait Staff do?

Take and serve orders
Provide food and drink recommendations
Ensure customer satisfaction
Manage the bill and process payments
Keep tables and dining areas clean and organized
Communicate with kitchen and bar staff
Assist with setting up and clearing tables

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Wait Staff related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Wait Staff?

Greeting and seating customers
Taking and delivering orders
Ensuring customer satisfaction
Assisting with menu selection
Communicating with kitchen staff
Handling payments and issuing receipts
Clearing tables and resetting them for the next guests
Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the dining area
Adhering to health and safety regulations

Sample Wait Staff Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details

Name: John Smith
Email: johnsmith@email.com
Phone: 123-456-7890
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

Summary

John is a dedicated and customer-focused wait staff with 5 years of experience in high-volume restaurants. He is known for providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive dining experience for guests. John is also skilled in handling a variety of tasks, from taking orders and serving food to managing reservations and maintaining a clean and organized dining area.

Work Experience

Wait Staff, The Bistro, Anytown, USA (2017-present)
Served as primary point of contact for guests, providing attentive and friendly service
Took and delivered food and beverage orders promptly and accurately
Managed cash and credit card transactions, and balanced receipts at the end of each shift
Assisted with setting up and breaking down dining areas for events and private parties

Education

High School Diploma, Anytown High School, Anytown, USA (2016)
Food Safety Certification, State Food Safety Department (2018)

Skills

Excellent customer service and communication skills
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
Proficient in POS systems and basic math for cash transactions

Languages

English (Native)
Spanish (Conversational)

Resume tips for Wait Staff

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Wait Staff resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Wait Staff - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your experience in the hospitality industry, including any relevant positions you have held
Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle high-stress situations
Demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills, emphasizing your ability to provide excellent customer service
Include any relevant certifications or training, such as food safety or alcohol service certification
Showcase any specific skills, such as knowledge of wine pairings or proficiency in multiple languages, that set you apart from other candidates

Wait Staff Resume Summary Examples

A Wait Staff Resume Summary or Objective is important because it provides a quick and concise overview of your skills and experience specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It allows hiring managers to quickly understand your qualifications and what you can bring to the role. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out in the industry, a well-crafted summary or objective can make your resume stand out and land you that interview.

For Example:

Proven track record of delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced restaurant environment
Skilled in taking accurate orders and delivering food and beverages to patrons in a timely manner
Familiar with POS systems and handling payments accurately and efficiently
Ability to work well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude during busy shifts
Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a focus on creating a positive dining experience for guests

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Wait Staff Resume

Building a strong experience section for a wait staff resume is crucial because it showcases the candidate's relevant skills, knowledge of food and beverage industry, and customer service expertise. This section provides potential employers with valuable information about the applicant's ability to handle high-pressure situations, work effectively in a team, and ensure customer satisfaction. A well-crafted experience section can significantly increase the chances of securing a job in the competitive hospitality industry.

For Example:

Assisted in taking orders and serving food and drinks to more than 50 customers per shift
Maintained cleanliness and organization of tables and dining area
Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate delivery of food orders
Handled cash and credit card transactions and calculated bills accurately
Provided attentive and friendly customer service to ensure a pleasant dining experience
Assisted in setting up and breaking down dining areas for events and private parties
Responded to customer inquiries and addressed any concerns or special requests
Assisted in training new team members on restaurant policies and procedures
Worked efficiently in a fast-paced environment and remained calm under pressure
Utilized knowledge of menu items and ingredients to make recommendations to customers

Wait Staff resume education example

A wait staff typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Some establishments may require previous experience in a similar role, while others may provide on-the-job training. It's also important for wait staff to have good communication and customer service skills. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional training in food handling and safety, such as a ServSafe certification.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Wait Staff resume:

Completed Food and Beverage Service training program
Obtained ServSafe Food Handler certification
Participated in customer service workshops

Wait Staff Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to a Wait Staff resume because it showcases the candidate's ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced and customer-oriented environment. The skills demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle multiple tasks, communicate effectively with customers and co-workers, and ensure a positive dining experience. Additionally, highlighting specific skills can help the candidate stand out and portray themselves as a valuable asset to potential employers.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Customer service
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Time management
Attention to detail
Empathy
Multi-tasking
Patience

Hard Skills:

Menu knowledge
Order accuracy
Food safety
Point of Sale (POS) system
Table setting
Cash handling
Wine service
Upselling techniques
Customer service
Teamwork

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Wait Staff Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Wait Staff resume

Clear and professional communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of food and beverage menu items
Experience with point of sale systems
Team player and ability to work well with others
Flexibility and willingness to work varied shifts
Attention to detail and ability to multi-task

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.