Server Resume: 5 Server Resume Examples & How to Write One

If you’re pursuing a restaurant Server job in the U.S., a top-notch Server resume is the key to standing out. 

Managers often sift through dozens or even hundreds of applications and may spend only 6–7 seconds on an initial resume scan. That means first impressions count – a clear, well-crafted restaurant Server resume can quickly show you have the skills and experience to excel. 

In this guide, we’ll provide 5 server resume examples and a step-by-step walkthrough on how to write a server resume, plus show how OysterLink’s resume-building tool can help you land your next serving job.

Server Resume Examples

Below are five Server resume examples illustrating different experience levels and restaurant types. 

Each server resume example is provided in text format (rather than image) so you can easily see the wording and structure. 

These examples will give you an idea of how to describe your experience and skills in a way that impresses hiring managers. Feel free to use them as inspiration when writing your own Server resume.

Why You Need a Standout Server Resume?

In the fast-paced hospitality industry, competition for server positions can be stiff. Restaurants receive dozens – sometimes hundreds – of applications for a single opening, and hiring managers often skim resumes in seconds. 

A strong resume acts as your personal marketing tool, ensuring your skills, experience, and potential jump out at the reader. 

Unlike a generic resume, a great server resume is tailored to the food service industry, highlighting customer-service savvy, efficiency under pressure, and relevant hospitality credentials.

It shows employers at a glance that you understand the role and have what it takes to succeed in it. In short, your resume can make all the difference between getting skipped over or getting invited for an interview.

Even if you have plenty of restaurant experience, don’t assume it speaks for itself. Use your resume to connect the dots for the employer – emphasize how your background and accomplishments align with the server job description they’ve posted. And if you’re new to serving, a strong resume focusing on transferable skills (like communication or teamwork) can prove you’re ready to learn and excel.

How to Write a Server Resume (Step by Step)

Writing a Server resume may feel daunting, but it’s easier if you break it down into parts. 

Follow these steps to craft an effective resume that will impress restaurant employers:

Include All the Essential Sections

Every server resume should have the following core sections:

• Contact Information – Your name, phone number, email address, and city/state. (No need to include a full mailing address in most cases.) You can also add a relevant LinkedIn profile if you have one.
• Professional Summary or Objective – A brief introductory description at the top of your resume that highlights your strengths. If you have lots of experience, use a summary to spotlight key achievements and skills. If you’re new or changing careers, use an objective to express your goal and enthusiasm.
• Work Experience – List your relevant job roles in reverse chronological order (latest first). For each, include your job title, employer, location, dates, and a few bullet points describing what you accomplished there. Focus on achievements, not just duties. Use action verbs and quantify results when possible (e.g. “Managed 20+ tables nightly” or “Increased weekend sales by 10%”). We’ll cover more on writing your server job descriptions below.
• Skills Section – Provide a list of key server skills for your resume, including both hard skills (e.g. point-of-sale systems, cash handling, inventory management) and soft skills (e.g. customer service, communication, teamwork). Make sure these align with the job requirements. Remember, 41% of recruiters look for skills first when reviewing resumes, so put your relevant skills where they’re easy to find.
• Education and Certifications – Mention your educational background and any certifications that boost your credibility as a server. For example, list your high school diploma or any college if applicable. Importantly, include food service certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or TIPS Alcohol Training, as these are often valued in restaurant hires.
• Optional Sections – If space and relevance allow, you can add other sections. For instance, volunteer experience (especially any charity events or community dinners you helped serve), language skills (useful in diverse customer environments), or awards (like “Employee of the Month”) can all round out your resume. Include these only if they add value and relate to the server role.

Choose the Right Format and Layout

Use a clean, professional format for your resume. A chronological format (work history first) is typically best for servers, since restaurants want to see your relevant job experience. 

Keep the design simple – clear section headings, easy-to-read font (11–12 pt size), and enough white space so it’s not cramped. 

Aim for a one-page resume unless you have a lot of relevant experience; hiring managers often prefer concise resumes that they can digest quickly. 

Avoid fancy graphics or images that could distract or confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If you’re not confident about your formatting, using a resume builder tool (like OysterLink’s) or a pre-made template can ensure your layout is polished and ATS-friendly.

Craft a Compelling Summary/Objective

The top of your resume is prime real estate – use it to grab attention. Write a 2–3 sentence Server resume summary (for experienced folks) or objective (for newcomers) that packs a punch. 

Mention your job title/role, years of experience (if any), and 2–3 big strengths or achievements that match what the employer is seeking. Tailor this to each job if possible by using the restaurant’s name and keywords from the job posting. 

For example, if the posting wants a server “who can upsell and handle high-volume shifts,” your summary might say “Server with experience in high-volume venues, proven upselling abilities, and a friendly, team-oriented approach.” 

Make it clear why you’re the perfect fit in a nutshell.

Detail Your Work Experiencel

Under your experience section, list your past jobs with bullet points focusing on what you achieved. 

Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g. Delivered, Managed, Organized, Boosted, Resolved, Trained). 

Rather than blandly writing “Responsible for serving customers”, spice it up with specifics and outcomes. 

For instance: “Managed 10+ tables per shift in a fast-paced diner, maintaining 95%+ guest satisfaction through prompt and friendly service.” 

This approach turns a job duty into a concrete achievement. Wherever you can, include numbers or results – how many tables, by what percent did you increase sales or tips, how often did you receive praise or awards? 

These metrics validate your impact. 

Also, emphasize relevant server job description keywords. If the job ad mentions skills like cash handling, upselling, teamwork, or food safety, ensure those phrases (assuming you have those skills) appear in your bullets. 

This not only resonates with hiring managers but also helps your resume get past ATS software that scans for specific keywords.

Highlight Your Server Skills

Restaurants look for a mix of hard and soft skills in a great server. 

Don’t bury these – create a dedicated Skills section that quickly shows you have the right capabilities. (We’ll list top server skills in the next section.) 

When listing skills, be specific. Instead of just saying “customer service”, you could say “customer service – friendly dining experience & complaint resolution.” 

Aim to list 5–10 skills. And if you have any technical skills like familiarity with a POS system (Toast, Square, Micros, etc.) or knowledge of foreign languages, include those too. 

A strong skills section helps when recruiters “look for skills first” on your resume and can set you apart from others who only list generic traits.

Add Education and Certifications

For Servers, formal education is often less critical than experience, but you should still list your education background. 

If you have a college degree or you’re currently a student, note it (e.g. “B.A. in Business, 2022, University of XYZ”). 

If you haven’t finished a degree, you can mention your high school diploma. More importantly, highlight any certifications or training that relate to serving. Common ones include:

• ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification – shows you know food safety protocols.
• TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol Training – shows you’re certified in responsible alcohol service.
• Any hospitality or culinary courses, wine education (e.g. WSET), or customer service workshops.

These credentials can give you an edge, as they show professionalism and commitment to the field. If you’re new to serving, having a certification like ServSafe can even compensate somewhat for lack of experience, by proving you’ve learned restaurant safety basics.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Server Job

It’s tempting to use one generic resume for all applications, but you’ll boost your chances by tailoring it to each restaurant or role. 

Read the job description carefully and tweak your resume to mirror the language and priorities you see. For example, if a posting emphasizes fine dining experience and wine knowledge, make sure those items (if true for you) are prominently featured in your summary and experience bullets. 

This shows the employer you’re a great fit for their job, not just any server job. Tailoring also helps with ATS filters – many restaurants use software that scans for specific words, so using the same terminology as the job listing can help your resume get through the initial screening. 

It might take a few extra minutes per application, but it’s worth it when your resume matches what each employer is seeking.

Proofread and Polish the Format

Before you send off that resume, proofread it meticulously. 

Spelling or grammar mistakes can make a bad impression – hiring managers might question your attention to detail if they spot errors. 

It’s helpful to read your resume out loud or ask a friend to review it; a fresh set of eyes can catch things you missed. Also double-check that your formatting is consistent: all section headings styled the same, bullet points aligned, fonts uniform, etc. 

A well-formatted, error-free resume demonstrates professionalism. 

According to hiring experts, even small mistakes or sloppy formatting can be enough to move your resume to the “no” pile, so take the time to polish it. 

If design isn’t your forte, consider using a tool like OysterLink’s resume builder, which automatically formats everything neatly so you can focus on the content.

By following these steps, you’ll create a server resume that is structured, comprehensive, and tailored to the job – giving you a much better shot at landing interviews in the hospitality industry.

Essential Server Resume Skills to Include

What Server skills should you put on your resume? Hiring managers in the restaurant industry consistently look for a blend of interpersonal skills, reliability, and task-related abilities. 

Here are some of the top Server resume skills (and qualities) to consider including:

• Customer Service Excellence: The ability to make guests feel welcome, handle requests or complaints calmly, and ensure a great dining experience. (For example, “Consistently received positive guest feedback for friendly and attentive service.”)
• Communication Skills: Clear and courteous communication with customers, and effective coordination with kitchen staff and teammates. Servers need to listen well and convey orders or issues accurately. (E.g., mention things like “explained menu specials and answered guest questions clearly” – showing both speaking and listening prowess.)
• Attention to Detail: Small mistakes can ruin a meal. Emphasize your focus on accuracy – from taking orders correctly to noting special dietary requests. You might say “Ensured orders for 12+ tables were correct and delivered promptly, resulting in zero complaints on shifts.”
• Multitasking & Time Management: Juggling multiple tables and tasks efficiently is central to serving. Highlight your ability to stay organized and calm during rushes. For instance, “Managed up to 8 tables simultaneously during peak dinner hours, prioritizing tasks to maintain quick service.”
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Restaurants are team environments. Show that you work well with others – helping colleagues, training new staff, coordinating with cooks and bartenders. Maybe note something like “collaborated with fellow servers and kitchen to handle large parties smoothly.”
• POS System & Cash Handling: Most restaurants use Point of Sale systems for orders and payments. If you have experience with specific systems (Toast, Micros, Square, etc.), list them. Also mention handling cash/credit transactions and closing out checks accurately. (For example: “Proficient in Toast POS; handled ~$2,000 in cash/credit transactions daily with 100% accuracy.”)
• Food & Beverage Knowledge: Demonstrating knowledge of menus, ingredients, wine/beer, and even food safety can set you apart. You could say “In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine and wine pairings – able to guide guests in meal selections.” This shows you can educate and upsell to customers. If you’ve done any relevant training (like a wine course or barista training), include that as a skill or certification.
• Upselling and Sales Ability: Restaurants love servers who can gently upsell (encourage that appetizer, extra drink, or dessert). If you have a knack for increasing check averages or meeting sales targets, highlight it. E.g., “Boosted dessert sales by 30% by personally recommending popular items.”
• Problem-Solving: Things don’t always go smoothly – maybe the kitchen is backed up or a customer is unhappy. Indicate that you can think on your feet to solve issues. A bullet could be “Quickly resolved customer complaints by actively listening and offering appropriate solutions, resulting in repeat business.”.
• Physical Stamina and Efficiency: Serving can be physically demanding. It’s okay to mention your ability to stay energetic through long shifts on your feet, carry heavy trays, and maintain composure. It assures employers you can handle the job’s demands.

These are just some examples of server description for resume skills that employers value. 

When you list your skills, try to provide brief context or examples that show how you’ve applied those skills. This makes them more convincing. 

Also, match your skills to the job’s requirements – if a posting emphasizes “barista skills” or “knowledge of craft beers,” and you have those, be sure to include them.

Lastly, remember to balance hard and soft skills. A great server is not just someone who can operate a cash register (hard skill) but also someone who can stay positive and helpful during a hectic Friday night rush (soft skill). 

Showing both sides on your resume will present you as a well-rounded candidate.

Create Your Server Resume Easily with OysterLink’s Resume Building Tool

Writing a resume from scratch can be time-consuming – but you don’t have to do it alone. 

OysterLink, a career platform for hospitality professionals, offers a server resume building tool that can streamline the whole process and help you land your next server job faster. 

Here’s why it’s worth trying:

• Hospitality-Focused Templates: OysterLink’s resume builder provides professionally designed templates tailored for restaurant and hospitality roles. The layout is clean and ATS-friendly, so your server resume will look great and pass electronic screenings. You don’t need to worry about formatting – the tool handles margins, fonts, and section headings automatically.
• Pre-Written Examples and Suggestions: Not sure how to phrase your server job description or highlight your server resume skills? The OysterLink builder comes with example text for common roles and skills. For instance, it might suggest bullet points for “Handled X tables per shift” or “Trained new servers in customer service protocols,” which you can customize to fit your experience. These suggestions are based on what works in the industry, so you’re guided to create effective content.
• Keyword Optimization: The tool is built with hospitality hiring in mind, so it reminds you to include relevant keywords (like POS systems, upselling, food safety) that recruiters and ATS software look for. This can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed, especially if you’re applying through online job portals.
• User-Friendly Interface: You don’t need to be tech-savvy. The builder walks you through each section step by step – from Contact Info to Summary to Work Experience and Skills. It’s as simple as filling out a form. You can see your resume being formatted in real-time, and you can rearrange or edit sections with a click.
• Save, Download, or Apply Easily: Once you’ve crafted your resume with OysterLink, you can download it as a PDF or Word document, or use it directly to apply for jobs on OysterLink’s job board. Because OysterLink is a platform specifically for restaurant and hospitality jobs, you can even use your new resume to quickly apply to top server job listings in your area. It’s a one-stop solution – build your resume and start applying, all in one place.
• Free and Accessible: OysterLink’s server resume builder is free to use, meaning you can experiment with different resume versions without any cost. This is especially helpful if you want to tailor your resume to multiple job applications. Plus, being an online tool, you can access it anytime and update your resume whenever you gain new experience or skills.

Unlike generic resume websites, OysterLink is focused solely on the hospitality sector. That means everything from the templates to the advice is geared towards jobs like server, bartender, hostess, line cook, etc. 

By using a tool attuned to this industry, you’re ensuring your resume speaks the language of restaurant hiring managers. It’s like having a personal resume coach who knows exactly what restaurant employers want.