CV Tips for Servers

As a Server, your CV is a testament to your ability to provide excellent customer service, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and contribute to a positive dining experience. It should highlight your skills in food and beverage knowledge, order management, and interpersonal communication. An effective CV will demonstrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, handle customer complaints gracefully, and work well in a team.

Whether you're seeking a position in a high-end restaurant, a bustling café, or a busy bar, these guidelines will help your CV catch the attention of employers.

  • Highlight Your Experience and Skills: Detail your experience in the food and beverage industry, whether it's fine dining, fast food, or catering. Mention specific skills such as knowledge of POS systems, food safety training, or wine pairing expertise.
  • Showcase Your Customer Service Excellence: Use specific examples to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction, such as handling a difficult customer situation or receiving a high customer service rating.
  • Customize Your CV for the Role: Tailor your CV to the specific server role you're applying for. Highlight relevant experiences and skills, such as familiarity with a particular cuisine or experience in a similar restaurant setting.
  • Detail Your Multitasking Abilities: Servers often juggle multiple tasks at once. Provide examples of times you've successfully managed multiple tables, orders, or customer requests simultaneously.
  • Emphasize Teamwork and Communication: Servers must communicate effectively with both customers and kitchen staff. Highlight your ability to work well in a team and your excellent verbal communication skills.
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    Server CV Example

    Build Your Server CV
    William Flores
    Florida
    (214) 593-7277
    linkedin.com/in/william-flores
    Highly skilled Server with extensive experience in enhancing restaurant operations and customer satisfaction. Recognized for implementing efficient order management systems, leading to a 30% increase in service speed, and contributing to a 20% rise in overall revenue through strategic upselling. With a proven track record in team leadership, menu development, and handling special dietary requests, I am eager to leverage my skills to contribute to the success of my next restaurant team.
    CAREER Experience
    Server01/2024 – Present
    Ingenious Marketing Group
  • Implemented a new system for order management that increased efficiency by 30%, leading to faster service times and improved customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Trained and mentored 5 new servers, fostering a team-oriented environment that boosted overall staff morale and productivity.
  • Recognized for consistently achieving the highest sales of add-on items and specials, contributing to a 20% increase in overall restaurant revenue.
  • Waitstaff Supervisor03/2023 – 12/2023
    BioMaya Bioengineering
  • Managed a high-volume section during peak hours, maintaining exceptional service standards and achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rating.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely order delivery, resulting in a 15% decrease in customer complaints related to food service.
  • Introduced a new system for handling special dietary requests and allergies, improving the restaurant's reputation for accommodating diverse customer needs.
  • Bartender11/2021 – 03/2023
    Bluebell Biologics
  • Consistently achieved the highest tip average among staff, demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and attention to detail.
  • Assisted in the development of a new cocktail menu, leading to a 25% increase in beverage sales over a six-month period.
  • Played a key role in a team that received a regional award for outstanding service, contributing to the restaurant's positive reputation and increased patronage.
  • SKILLS
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Efficient order management
  • Staff training and mentorship
  • Team collaboration and coordination
  • High-volume service management
  • Special dietary needs accommodation
  • Attention to detail
  • Menu development and promotion
  • High sales achievement
  • Problem-solving and complaint resolution
  • EDUCATION
    Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
    University of Central Florida
    2016-2020
    Orlando, FL
    CERTIFICATIONS
    Food Handler Certification
    04/2024
    ServSafe (National Restaurant Association)
    Certified Restaurant Server
    04/2023
    American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
    TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certified
    04/2023
    Health Communications, Inc.

    Server CV Template

    1.) Contact Information
    Full Name
    [email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
    2.) Personal Statement
    Dedicated Server with [number of years] years of experience in [specific types of establishments, e.g., fine dining, fast-casual restaurants]. Looking to leverage my skills in [specific server skills, e.g., customer service, order management] to enhance the dining experience at [Company Name]. Committed to providing exceptional service, promoting customer satisfaction, and contributing to the overall success of the team.
    3.) CV Experience
    Current or Most Recent Title
    Job Title • State Date • End Date
    Company Name
  • Provided exceptional customer service to [number or type of customers], resulting in [specific outcome, e.g., increased customer satisfaction, repeat business], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., communication, problem-solving].
  • Managed [specific task, e.g., order taking, food serving], improving [process or task, e.g., order accuracy, table turnover time] to enhance [operational outcome, e.g., customer experience, restaurant efficiency].
  • Implemented [system or process improvement, e.g., new reservation system, revised menu presentation], leading to [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% increase in table bookings, improved customer feedback].
  • Previous Job Title
    Job Title • State Date • End Date
    Company Name
  • Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., menu development, staff training], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased sales, improved service quality].
  • Conducted [type of analysis, e.g., customer feedback, sales data], utilizing [analytical tools/methods] to inform [decision-making/action, e.g., menu changes, service improvements].
  • Key contributor to [task or responsibility, e.g., inventory management, shift scheduling], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., stock availability, smooth operations] throughout the restaurant.
  • 4.) CV Skills
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Efficient order management
  • Staff training and mentorship
  • Team collaboration and coordination
  • High-volume service management
  • Special dietary needs accommodation
  • Attention to detail
  • Menu development and promotion
  • High sales achievement
  • Problem-solving and complaint resolution
  • 5.) Education
    Official Degree Name
    University Name
    City, State • State Date • End Date
    • Major: Name of Major
    • Minor: Name of Minor
    6.) Certifications
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • State Date • End Date
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • State Date • End Date

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    How to Format a Server CV

    In the hospitality industry, the formatting of your Server CV can greatly influence your chances of landing a job. A well-structured CV not only displays your professionalism—a key attribute for servers—but also makes your CV easier to read and more attractive to potential employers. A well-formatted CV can be the key to securing an interview.

    Start with a Strong Objective

    Begin your CV with a clear, concise objective that aligns with the server role you’re applying for. This should briefly state your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the prospective establishment. Highlighting your passion for the hospitality industry and your readiness to excel within it sets a positive tone for the rest of your CV.

    Highlight Relevant Experience

    For server positions, your experience in the hospitality industry is crucial. Format this section to list your most recent roles at the top, detailing your responsibilities and achievements in each. This layout helps hiring managers quickly understand your practical skills and experience in the field.

    Detail Specific Skills and Certifications

    Even if your direct server experience is limited, detailing any relevant skills or certifications is vital. Use bullet points to describe your abilities, focusing on tasks that demonstrate your customer service skills, proficiency with point-of-sale systems, and any experience with food and beverage knowledge.

    Emphasize Soft Skills and Physical Stamina

    Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are as crucial as physical stamina in a server role. Include a section that balances both, highlighting your ability to handle high-pressure situations and your capacity to work long hours. This shows you’re not only capable of handling the demands of the job but also of contributing positively to the team.

    Include References

    In the hospitality industry, references can make a significant difference. If possible, include references from previous employers who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and suitability for a server role. This can provide potential employers with additional reassurance of your capabilities and fit for their team.

    Personal Statements for Servers

    Server Personal Statement Examples

    Strong Statement
    "Highly efficient and customer-focused Server with over 5 years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Proven ability to manage high-volume orders, maintain exceptional customer service, and contribute to overall restaurant success. Passionate about creating memorable dining experiences for guests while upholding food safety standards. Seeking to leverage my expertise in customer service and team collaboration in a dynamic restaurant setting."
    Weak Statement
    "Dynamic and proactive Server specializing in fine dining service, menu knowledge, and upselling techniques. With a strong foundation in hospitality and customer service, I excel at creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring guest satisfaction. Eager to contribute to a high-end dining establishment by providing exceptional service and contributing to a positive dining experience."
    Strong Statement
    "Dynamic and proactive Server specializing in fine dining service, menu knowledge, and upselling techniques. With a strong foundation in hospitality and customer service, I excel at creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring guest satisfaction. Eager to contribute to a high-end dining establishment by providing exceptional service and contributing to a positive dining experience."
    Weak Statement
    "Experienced in various server tasks, including taking orders and serving food. Familiar with menu items and customer service. Looking for a role where I can use my server knowledge and improve restaurant processes."

    What Makes a Strong Personal Statement?

    A strong personal statement for a Server CV seamlessly blends professional achievements with specific server skills, clearly demonstrating the candidate's value through measurable outcomes. It stands out by being highly tailored to the server role, highlighting expertise in areas like customer service, food safety, and teamwork, directly addressing how these skills meet the needs of the prospective employer.

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    CV FAQs for Servers

    How long should Servers make a CV?

    The ideal length for a Server's CV is 1-2 pages. This allows enough room to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader. Prioritize detailing your customer service skills, knowledge of food and beverage, and any notable achievements. Remember, the goal is to highlight your aptitude for the role you're applying to, so keep your content relevant and concise.

    What's the best format for an Server CV?

    The best format for a Server CV is typically a combination format. This highlights both your skills and work experience, emphasizing your customer service abilities and knowledge of food and beverage. Start with a strong profile summary, followed by a detailed skills section. Then, list your work experience in reverse-chronological order, focusing on achievements and responsibilities in past server roles. Tailor each section to match the specific server job you're applying for.

    How does a Server CV differ from a resume?

    To make your Server CV stand out, highlight your customer service skills, efficiency, and knowledge of food and beverages. Use specific examples of how you've improved customer satisfaction, handled high-volume shifts, or contributed to sales growth. Mention any certifications like food safety or wine knowledge. Tailor your CV to the job description, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the role. Including any additional languages spoken can also make you a more attractive candidate.

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